Fluoroglide PTFE Slide Bearings: Technical Configurations, Design Considerations and Applications
Structures, pipelines and heavy industrial equipment rarely remain completely static. Thermal expansion, contraction, seismic movement, vibration and differential movement can all introduce forces that need to be accommodated within the design.
For applications involving high loads and relatively slow movement, PTFE slide bearings provide a simple and highly effective way of controlling this movement while minimising friction and maintenance requirements.
Fluorocarbon has been designing and manufacturing Fluoroglide® PTFE slide bearings for decades, with configurations developed for structural, industrial, pipeline, offshore and heavy-load applications. Rather than relying on a single standard bearing design, each Fluoroglide® assembly can be configured around the load, movement, temperature, environment and installation requirements of the application.
This article explains how PTFE slide bearings work, the main Fluoroglide® configurations available, and the key factors engineers should consider when specifying a bearing system.
Table of Contents
How does a PTFE Slide Bearing work?
Why is PTFE used for Slide Bearings?
Typical Fluoroglide® Slide Bearing Configurations
Thermal Insulation for High-temperature Applications
Anti-vibration Slide Bearing Configurations
Choosing the Right Backing Plate Material
How are Fluoroglide® Bearings Installed?
Key Factors when Designing a PTFE Slide Bearing
Where are PTFE Slide Bearings Used?
PTFE Slide Bearings vs Conventional Expansion Solutions
Why Specify a Bespoke Fluoroglide® Configuration?
Designing a PTFE Slide Bearing for your Application
What is a PTFE Slide Bearing?
A PTFE slide bearing is a low-friction bearing system designed to allow controlled linear movement between two surfaces.
Unlike a conventional rolling-element bearing, there are no balls, rollers or lubrication systems. Instead, a low-friction PTFE sliding surface moves against a suitable counterface, typically polished stainless steel or another engineered sliding surface.
This makes PTFE particularly useful where structures need to accommodate movement caused by:
- Thermal expansion and contraction
- Seismic activity
- Differential structural movement
- Pipeline expansion
- Vibration
- Structural deflection
- Heavy-load installation and loadout operations
Fluoroglide® bearings are particularly suited to applications involving high loads and low-speed movement, where the self-lubricating characteristics of PTFE can be used to provide controlled, low-friction movement without conventional lubrication.
How does a PTFE Slide Bearing work?
A typical slide bearing consists of a PTFE sliding surface attached to a rigid backing plate. The PTFE surface interfaces with either another PTFE surface or, particularly at higher bearing pressures, a polished stainless-steel counterface.
The bearing assembly is normally designed so that the sliding surfaces maintain the required contact area throughout the expected movement.
For example, where a structure is expected to expand and contract by a defined amount, the bearing dimensions need to provide sufficient sliding area and travel to accommodate that movement without the PTFE running beyond its intended contact area.
The bearing therefore needs to be considered as part of the wider structural system, not simply as an isolated component.
Why is PTFE used for Slide Bearings?
PTFE has a combination of properties that makes it particularly effective for sliding applications:
Low Friction
PTFE has a very low coefficient of friction compared with many conventional engineering materials. However, friction is not a fixed material constant. It varies according to factors including bearing pressure, sliding velocity, temperature, counterface condition and the specific PTFE formulation.
For design purposes, Fluorocarbon's current guidance recommends using conservative design values where operating conditions cannot be accurately predicted. Current technical information gives a design coefficient of friction of approximately 0.10 for unfilled PTFE and 0.12 for reinforced PTFE, while actual operating values may be lower.
Self-lubricating Performance
PTFE does not require conventional liquid or grease lubrication to provide its low-friction characteristics. This can simplify installation and reduce maintenance requirements, particularly where bearings are difficult to access.
Chemical and Environmental Resistance
PTFE is highly resistant to many chemicals and has extremely low moisture absorption. This makes PTFE slide bearings suitable for demanding environments, including outdoor structures, process plants, pipelines and offshore applications.
No Stick-slip Behaviour under Normal Design Conditions
The low friction characteristics of PTFE can help structures move progressively rather than relying on the repeated release of stored frictional energy associated with stick-slip movement.
This is particularly valuable where controlled structural movement is required.
Typical Fluoroglide® Slide Bearing Configurations
There is no single slide bearing configuration that is suitable for every application.
Fluorocarbon manufactures Fluoroglide® bearings in a range of configurations, with the bearing selected and designed according to factors such as load, temperature, movement, installation method and environmental conditions.
| FC25120-MST Full Weld Bearing |
 |
2.5mm PTFE top pad bonded to 12mm backing plate for full welding to substrate. 2.5mm PTFE bottom pad bonded to 12mm backing plate for full welding to substrate. Temperature range: -30°c to +120°c |
| FC 2560-MSB Bolted Bearing |
 |
2.5mm PTFE pad bonded to 6mmbacking plate with countersunk holes for bolting. Load capacity: up to 70kg/cm² Temperature range: -30°c to +120°c |
| FC 2530-SSNRT Elastomeric Backed Bearing |
 |
2.5mm PTFE pad bonded to 3mm backing plate for tack welding. 2.5mm PTFE bottom pad bonded to 3mm backing plate, 6mm elastomer to accommodate small angular misalignments and 3mm mounting plate for tack welding or bolting. Load capacity: up to 70kg/cm² Temperature range: -30°c to +120°c |
| FC SS 2530-MST Counterfaced Bearing |
 |
2.5mm PTFE pad bonded to 3mm backing plate for tack welding, full welding or bolting. Counterfaced by a larger, mirror stainless steel plate. |
| FC SS 65-MS125T Recessed Bearing |
 |
6.0mm PTFE pad contained in a recessed backing plate, finished for tack welding, full welding or bolting. Counterfaced by a larger, mirror finished stainless steel plate. Load capacity: up to 280kg/cm² Temperature range: -30°c to +120°c |
| FC 2530-MST Tack Weld Bearing |
 |
2.5mm PTFE pad bonded to 3mm backing plate for tack welding. Welding lip surrounding PTFE. Load capacity: up to 140kg/cm² Temperature range: -30°c to +120°c |
| FC 2530-SSVP125 Anti-Vibration Bearing |
 |
2.5mm PTFE pad bonded to 3mm backing plate for tack welding. 2.5mm PTFE bottom pad bonded to 12.5mm anti-vibration pad. Held in place by mechanical friction. Load capacity: up to 70kg/cm² Temperature range: -30°c to +120°c |
| FC 2530-MS250TI Thermal Insulation Bearing |
 |
Used when the PTFE temperature could exceed +180°c. 2.5mm PTFE top pad bonded to 3mm backing plate, 25mm thermal insulator (Fluorex) and 3mm mounting plate for tack welding or bolting. 2.5mm PTFE bottom pad bonded to 3mm backing plate for welding or bolting. Load capacity: up to 140kg/cm² Temperature range: -30°c to +120°c |
| TS 2530-STD Skidway Plate |
 |
2.5mm PTFE pad bonded to 3mm carbon steel with 25mm welding lip for tack welding to skid beam. Typical Size Carbon steel: 500mm x 2000mm PTFE: 450mm x 1950mm |
| JS 2530-SP Dimpled Skidway Plate |
 |
2.5mm dimpled PTFE pad bonded to 3mm carbon steel with 25mm welding lip for tack welding to skid beam. Typical Size Carbon steel: 500mm x 2000mm PTFE: 450mm x 1950mm |
1. Standard PTFE Slide Bearing
The standard arrangement typically uses a PTFE pad bonded to a metal backing plate.
A current Fluorocarbon configuration uses a 2.5 mm PTFE layer bonded to a 3 mm carbon-steel backing plate, providing a straightforward solution for installation by welding or bolting.
Alternative backing materials and thicknesses can also be specified, including stainless steel grades 304 and 316 where required by the environment.
This configuration is commonly used for pipe supports, structural connections and other applications where controlled movement is required at moderate bearing pressures.
2. High-load or Contained PTFE Bearings
As bearing pressure increases, simply increasing the thickness of an exposed PTFE pad is not necessarily the best solution.
For higher-load applications, the PTFE can be mechanically contained within a recessed metal housing and used against a polished stainless-steel counterface.
This approach provides additional support to the PTFE and allows significantly higher bearing pressures to be accommodated.
Current Fluorocarbon guidance gives typical capacities of approximately:
- FL100 virgin PTFE: up to around 70 kg/cm² (7 N/mm²)
- FL129 reinforced PTFE: up to around 140 kg/cm² (14 N/mm²)
- Contained configurations: higher pressures can be accommodated depending on the detailed design.
The actual allowable load should always be established for the complete bearing configuration and operating conditions rather than relying on a material pressure figure alone.
3. Reinforced PTFE Bearings
Fluoroglide® bearings can use either virgin or glass-filled Fluorinoid® PTFE, depending on the application.
Reinforcing the PTFE can increase its load-bearing capability and reduce deformation under load.
Fluorocarbon's technical configuration guidance indicates that, under specified conditions, glass-filled PTFE can provide approximately twice the load capacity of virgin PTFE, while contained glass-filled configurations can provide an increase of up to approximately four times.
These figures should be treated as application-specific engineering guidance rather than universal material ratings, since temperature, geometry, containment and duration of loading all affect performance.
Thermal Insulation for High-temperature Applications
Temperature is one of the most important considerations when designing a PTFE slide bearing.
Although PTFE can operate across a broad temperature range, bearing performance depends on the temperature actually experienced by the PTFE surface, not simply the temperature of the surrounding equipment or process.
Fluorocarbon's current guidance recommends that the surface temperature of the PTFE should generally remain below 120°C and should not exceed 200°C. Where the bearing is exposed to higher temperatures, thermal insulation can be incorporated between the heat source and the bearing assembly.
For extremely high-temperature applications, a conventional PTFE bearing may no longer be appropriate. Fluorocarbon also offers Fluoroglide® high-temperature bearings using graphite sliding surfaces, with specialised configurations available for applications such as flare stacks. These systems can operate at temperatures substantially above the practical range of conventional PTFE bearings.
Anti-vibration Slide Bearing Configurations
Not every movement problem is purely thermal.
Some structures also need to accommodate vibration or dynamic movement. In these cases, a slide bearing can incorporate an elastomeric or vibration-damping layer between the PTFE bearing assembly and the structure.
This can help isolate vibration while still allowing the required horizontal movement.
The correct configuration depends on the frequency, magnitude and direction of the movement, as well as the structural loads involved.
Choosing the Right Backing Plate Material
The backing plate provides structural support for the PTFE and forms an important part of the overall bearing assembly.
Carbon steel is commonly used, but stainless steel or other rigid structural materials can be specified where environmental conditions demand additional corrosion resistance.
For example, stainless steel grades 304 or 316 may be appropriate where the bearing is exposed to aggressive environments or where corrosion resistance is a key design requirement.
The backing plate should therefore be selected based on the complete installation environment rather than the PTFE material alone.
How are Fluoroglide® Bearings Installed?
The installation method should be considered during the bearing design stage.
Depending on the configuration and application, Fluoroglide® components can be:
- Bolted into position
- Tack welded
- Fully welded
- Embedded or installed using mortar
- Mechanically retained within a recessed housing
The PTFE sliding surface must be protected during installation from contamination, weld spatter, paint and other materials that could damage or interfere with the sliding interface.
Where PTFE is bonded to a backing plate, specialised surface preparation and bonding processes are required because PTFE is inherently difficult to bond to.
Fluorocarbon provides in-house Fluoroetch® chemical etching and bonding, allowing PTFE and other fluoropolymer components to be prepared and bonded as part of the manufacturing process.
Key Factors when Designing a PTFE Slide Bearing
A successful slide bearing design begins with understanding the complete operating environment.
Engineers should consider:
1. Total Load
Determine the maximum static and dynamic loads acting on the bearing.
This establishes the required bearing area and helps determine whether virgin, reinforced or contained PTFE is appropriate.
2. Bearing Pressure
The load should be distributed across a suitable PTFE contact area.
Higher pressures may require reinforced PTFE or a contained bearing configuration.
3. Expected Movement
Calculate the maximum expected travel in both directions.
Thermal expansion is often predictable, but differential movement, seismic movement and structural deflection may also need to be considered.
4. Temperature
Consider both the ambient temperature and the actual temperature at the PTFE sliding interface.
Where heat transfer from the structure could raise the PTFE temperature, thermal insulation may be required.
5. Sliding Velocity
PTFE slide bearings are generally intended for relatively slow movement under high load. The expected speed and frequency of movement should therefore be included in the design assessment.
6. Counterface
The condition and material of the opposing sliding surface are critical to bearing performance.
Polished stainless steel is commonly used for higher-pressure PTFE/stainless-steel configurations.
7. Environment
Consider exposure to:
- Chemicals
- Water and moisture
- Salt spray
- Marine environments
- Dust and particulates
- Corrosive atmospheres
- UV exposure
- Extreme temperatures
8. Installation
The bearing must be designed around how it will be installed and retained.
A bearing intended to be welded into position will require a different configuration from one that needs to be bolted or mechanically retained.
9. Maintenance and Accessibility
One of the major advantages of PTFE slide bearings is that they do not normally require conventional lubrication. This can be particularly advantageous where bearings are difficult or expensive to access.
Where are PTFE Slide Bearings Used?
Fluoroglide® slide bearings are used in applications where controlled movement is required under significant loads.
Typical applications include:
Pipelines and Pipe Supports
Pipelines can experience significant movement as operating temperatures change. Slide bearings allow the pipework to expand and contract while helping to minimise the forces transferred into the supporting structure.
Process and Chemical Plants
Large process installations can experience thermal and differential movement between interconnected structures and equipment.
Bridges and Structural Connections
Slide bearings can accommodate movement caused by temperature changes, structural deflection and other forces.
Offshore Structures
The combination of low friction, chemical resistance and resistance to harsh environmental conditions makes PTFE-based sliding systems suitable for demanding offshore applications. Fluorocarbon also supplies specialised offshore and subsea bearing solutions.
Heavy-load Skidding and Loadout
Fluoroglide® PTFE skidway plates are used to facilitate the movement of exceptionally heavy structures during construction and loadout operations. Fluorocarbon has assisted successful loadouts involving structures weighing up to 37,000 tonnes using Fluoroglide® skidway technology.
PTFE Slide Bearings vs Conventional Expansion Solutions
Traditional solutions for accommodating structural movement can include rollers, rocker arrangements and expansion plates.
PTFE slide bearings offer an alternative approach based on controlled sliding rather than rolling or articulated movement.
Their advantages can include:
| Consideration | PTFE Slide Bearing |
|---|---|
| Friction | Very low |
| Lubrication | Normally not required |
| Movement | Linear sliding movement |
| Maintenance | Generally low |
| Chemical resistance | Excellent |
| Moisture resistance | Excellent |
| Installation | Can be designed for bolting, welding or mechanical retention |
| Load capability | Can be engineered for high loads |
| Temperature | Configuration dependent |
| Customisation | Application-specific designs available |
However, PTFE is not automatically the right material for every bearing application. Load, pressure, temperature, movement, velocity and counterface conditions must all be assessed during the design process.
Why Specify a Bespoke Fluoroglide® Configuration?
One of the most important lessons from decades of slide-bearing design is that the bearing should be designed around the application rather than selecting a generic bearing from a catalogue.
Fluorocarbon combines material expertise, manufacturing capability and engineering design experience to develop complete bearing assemblies rather than simply supplying PTFE material.
This can include:
- Material selection
- Bearing pressure calculations
- PTFE grade selection
- Bearing configuration
- Metal backing plates
- Stainless-steel counterfaces
- Thermal insulation
- Anti-vibration layers
- Chemical etching and bonding
- Machining and fabrication
- Installation support
- Application-specific engineering
Designing a PTFE Slide Bearing for your Application
The performance of a slide bearing depends on much more than the nominal PTFE grade.
Load, pressure, movement, temperature, speed, counterface, environment and installation method all need to work together.
Fluorocarbon's Fluoroglide® range provides a flexible platform for developing slide-bearing solutions for structural, industrial, pipeline, offshore and heavy-load applications.
If you are developing a new bearing application, replacing an existing bearing system or experiencing problems with friction, movement or bearing wear, Fluorocarbon's engineering team can assess the operating conditions and recommend an appropriate configuration.
To discuss your PTFE slide bearing requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PTFE slide bearing?
A PTFE slide bearing is a low-friction bearing system that allows controlled linear movement between surfaces. PTFE is commonly used because of its low friction, chemical resistance and self-lubricating characteristics.
What load can a PTFE slide bearing support?
The allowable load depends on the PTFE grade, bearing area, temperature, configuration and whether the material is mechanically contained. Fluorocarbon's current guidance gives approximately 7 N/mm² for FL100 virgin PTFE and 14 N/mm² for FL129 reinforced PTFE in specified configurations, with higher loads possible using contained designs.
Does PTFE need lubrication in a slide bearing?
Normally, no. PTFE has inherently low-friction and self-lubricating characteristics, so conventional grease or oil lubrication is generally unnecessary. However, we do offer a range of proven lubricating systems for our Skidway solutions, including FL414 Specially formulated liquid silicone system and FL614 PTFE membrane system, for positioning between the Fluoroglide® skidway plates and timber skid shoe.
What temperature can a PTFE slide bearing operate at?
The practical operating temperature depends on the complete bearing configuration. Fluorocarbon recommends that the PTFE surface generally remains below 120°C and does not exceed 200°C. Thermal insulation can be incorporated where heat transfer from the structure is a concern.
Can PTFE slide bearings be used outdoors?
Yes. PTFE has excellent resistance to moisture and many environmental conditions, making it suitable for many outdoor structural and industrial applications. The backing plate and other components should also be selected for the environmental conditions.
Can PTFE slide bearings be used in offshore applications?
Yes. PTFE-based sliding systems are used in offshore and subsea applications, where low friction and resistance to harsh environments are important. Fluorocarbon also manufactures specialised subsea bearing products using application-specific Fluorinoid® PTFE grades.
What is the difference between virgin and reinforced PTFE?
Reinforced PTFE incorporates a filler system designed to improve specific mechanical properties, such as load-bearing capability and resistance to deformation. Fluorocarbon uses both virgin and glass-filled Fluorinoid® PTFE in Fluoroglide® bearing applications.
Can PTFE slide bearings accommodate high loads?
Yes, but the bearing must be appropriately designed. High-load applications may require reinforced PTFE or a contained PTFE configuration with a suitable counterface.
What is a PTFE skidway?
A PTFE skidway is a sliding system used to move very heavy structures across a prepared surface. Fluoroglide® skidway plates use bonded PTFE/metal technology and have been used for heavy offshore and industrial loadout operations.
Can Fluoroglide® bearings be manufactured to a bespoke design?
Yes. Fluorocarbon manufactures Fluoroglide® bearings in a range of configurations and can vary the PTFE thickness, backing plate, materials, insulation and other components to suit the application.
Conclusion
PTFE slide bearings provide a proven method of accommodating controlled movement under high loads while maintaining low friction and low maintenance requirements.
However, effective bearing design is not simply a case of selecting a PTFE grade. The complete system, including bearing pressure, movement, temperature, counterface, backing structure, environment and installation method, needs to be considered.
Fluoroglide® slide bearings are therefore designed as engineered assemblies, allowing the PTFE material and bearing configuration to be matched to the demands of the application.
From structural and pipeline supports to offshore equipment and heavy-load skidways, Fluorocarbon can provide the material expertise, manufacturing capability and engineering support required to develop a reliable sliding solution.
Looking for a PTFE slide bearing for a specific application?
Similar Articles
-
37,000 Tonne Jacket Successfully Loaded Out Using Fluoroglide® PTFE Skidway System
Loading out an offshore jacket weighing tens of thousands of tonnes is a complex engineering operation where friction control, load distribution and reliability are critical. For the Liuhua 11-1 project in the South China Sea, a 37,000-tonne jacket measuring 338 metres in height needed to be safely transferred onto the heavy transport vessel HYSY229.
Read More -
Virgin PTFE for Demanding Engineering Applications
Fluorinoid® FL100 is a virgin PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) material offering excellent chemical resistance, very low friction, excellent electrical insulation properties and high thermal stability.
Read More -
Precision Components for Semiconductor Wafer Carrier Trays: Engineering for Contamination Control an
Wafer Carriers protect some of the world's most valuable products throughout manufacturing, ensuring delicate silicon wafers remain free from damage, particles and contamination. Every clip, support, spacer and structural component within these trays must be manufactured to exceptional standards because even microscopic imperfections can reduce wafer yield.
Read More -
Why Spring-Energised PTFE Rotary Seals Are Critical for Semiconductor Load Cleaner Applications
While a rotary shaft seal is relatively small, its performance directly affects equipment reliability, vacuum integrity and particle generation. Find out why how Fluorocarbon engineered a bespoke flanged seal that significantly improved equipment performance for a leading semiconductor OEM.
Read More -
Large Diameter PTFE Billets up to 1300mm for Critical Engineering Applications
At Fluorocarbon, we manufacture large diameter compression moulded billets up to 1300mm in diameter, giving engineers access to oversized polymer stock that can be machined into complex components while maintaining exceptional material integrity.
Read More -
What Causes Valve Seat Failure in Oil & Gas Applications? Common Causes & Solutions
Valve seat failure is one of the most common causes of leakage, unplanned maintenance and reduced equipment reliability in oil and gas operations.
Read More -
Low-Stress PTFE Rods Up to 2000 mm – Engineered for Precision Machining
When manufacturing high-performance PTFE components, the quality of the starting material is just as important as the machining process itself. Internal stresses within PTFE can lead to distortion, movement during machining, and dimensional instability, making it difficult to achieve the tight tolerances required in critical applications.
Read More -
NORSOK M-710 Materials: Why Qualification Matters for Critical Oil & Gas Sealing Applications
In the oil and gas industry, sealing materials operate in some of the harshest environments found in engineering. High pressures, aggressive chemicals, sour gas exposure, temperature extremes, and rapid pressure fluctuations can all compromise seal integrity and lead to costly equipment failures.
Read More -
Why Buying Material and Engineering Services from the Same Supplier Creates a Competitive Advantage
In today's manufacturing environment, engineers and procurement teams face increasing pressure to reduce risk, shorten lead times, improve performance, and simplify supply chains. Whether developing a replacement for an opalescence material for aerospace components, or designing hydrogen infrastructure applications, material selection and component design have become more interconnected than ever.
Read More -
Scaling Hydrogen Infrastructure: The Critical Role of Material Selection and Sealing Performance
While production technologies capture the headlines, the long-term reliability of hydrogen systems often depends on the performance of the materials operating behind the scenes.
Read More -
Moving The Immovable - How Slide Bearings Enable the Relocation of Massive Structures
In heavy engineering and infrastructure projects, there are times when entire structures must be moved, not dismantled, but relocated intact.
These controlled movements rely on one key principle: reducing friction while maintaining load support.
Read More -
Improving Uptime and Reducing Maintenance in the Oil & Gas Industry with Advanced Materials
In oil and gas operations, where equipment runs continuously in some of the harshest environments on earth, reliability is everything. Unplanned downtime can cost operators hundreds of thousands per hour, impact production targets, and create significant safety risks.
Read More -
High-Performance Sealing Solutions for the Oil & Gas Industry
In the oil and gas sector, sealing components operate under some of the toughest conditions on earth. Extreme pressures, corrosive chemicals, broad temperature swings and the constant risk of downtime. Selecting the right material is critical for safety, efficiency and long-term reliability.
Read More -
Oil & Gas Applications: Skidway Systems, Slide Bearings and Subsea Bearings
The oil and gas industry operates at the intersection of extreme loads, harsh environments and zero-tolerance for failure. From topside decks and jackets to subsea structures, every moving or sliding interface must deliver predictable, low-friction performance across decades.
Read More -
Weathering the Elements: Polymers for Wind Turbines and Solar Components
Renewable energy infrastructure must endure some of the harshest conditions on Earth. Offshore wind farms face relentless salt spray, extreme temperature shifts, and high mechanical loads.
Read More -
Enabling a Cleaner Future: How Fluoropolymers Support the Hydrogen & Renewable Energy Transition
The global energy landscape is evolving rapidly. Hydrogen, solar, and wind energy are no longer niche technologies, they are central to achieving a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Read More -
Hydrogen Compatibility: Testing and Material Validation for the Energy Transition
The global shift toward hydrogen as a clean energy source brings exciting opportunities and equally demanding engineering challenges.
Read More -
Sealing the Future: High-Performance Polymers in Hydrogen Systems
As the world accelerates toward cleaner energy, hydrogen has emerged as a key player in the global transition. Among the challenges, effective sealing stands out as a critical factor, and this is where advanced polymers make the difference.
Read More -
Advanced Coating Capabilities for Large Aerospace Components
In the aerospace industry, reliability is non-negotiable. From protecting components against extreme temperatures to ensuring long-lasting performance in corrosive or high-stress environments, coatings play a vital role in aircraft and spacecraft systems.
Read More -
High-Performance Plastics and Machined Metal Components in Commercial Airlines
The aerospace industry demands materials and components that can withstand extreme conditions while delivering reliability, efficiency, and safety.
Read More -
How High-Performance Polymers Are Driving Space Innovation
The aerospace industry is evolving at a rapid pace. From reusable spacecraft to ever-smaller, high-performance satellites, the demands placed on materials have never been greater.
Read More -
Lightweight, Durable, Essential: Polymers in Aerospace Applications
When it comes to aerospace engineering, every gram counts. Whether in the skies or beyond Earth’s atmosphere, weight reduction, durability, and reliability are mission-critical.
Read More -
Lithography in Semiconductor Manufacturing: The Blueprint of Modern Electronics
The semiconductor industry relies on some of the most advanced technologies in the world to create the tiny, complex circuits that power everything from smartphones to satellites.
Read More -
Fluoropolymer Solutions for Wet Process and Chemical Delivery in Semiconductor Tools
In semiconductor manufacturing, wet process systems play a critical role in wafer cleaning, etching, and surface preparation.
Read More -
High-Performance Polymers vs. Metal Alloys: A Battle in the Skies
In aerospace engineering, where every gram matters and reliability is non-negotiable, material selection can mean the difference between flight and failure.
Read More -
The Hidden Cost of Using the Wrong Material in Critical Environments
In high-stakes industries such as oil and gas, renewable energy, semiconductor, and aerospace, the choice of material isn’t just a technical decision, it’s a business-critical one.
Read More -
Understanding Wet Processes in Semiconductor Manufacturing: Applications & Materials
As the demand for smaller, faster, and more powerful electronic devices continues to grow, the semiconductor industry constantly seeks more precise, efficient, and contamination-free manufacturing techniques.
Read More -
Material Challenges in the Hydrogen Economy – And How to Overcome Them
As the world accelerates toward decarbonisation, hydrogen is emerging as a critical enabler of the clean energy transition.
Read More -
PTFE Gaskets and Washers
PTFE (also referred to as Teflon), is known for its exceptional resistance to chemicals and high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for sealing applications in harsh environments. PTFE gaskets and washers are suitable for various sealing applications.
Read More -
How is PTFE used in the solar Industry?
PTFE (also referred to as Teflon) is extremely resistant to the elements. Unlike other plastics’ UV resistance that can become brittle and crack when exposed to UV radiation, PTFE remains flexible and durable, making it ideal for many applications.
Read More -
PTFE Uses, Advantages and Limitations
Updated 29/01/2026 Polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE, or Teflon® as it is often referred to, is a tough, ductile material with excellent thermal properties and outstanding resistance to chemicals and the passage of electric current. PTFE has an exceptionally low coefficient of friction, believed to be lower than any other solid.
Read More -
PTFE Myths Busted
We bust some common myths around PTFE, including processing techniques, recycling, properties and uses.
Read More -
A Guide to Machining PTFE
When machining PTFE it’s essential to design your application with PTFE’s inherent properties in mind, it can be difficult to achieve tight machining tolerances. At Fluorocarbon, we utilise our in house compression moulding capabilities to create stock shapes for efficient machining of custom PTFE parts.
Read More -
PTFE vs PFA: Understanding the Differences Between Key Fluoropolymers
Updated 12/02/2026 Fluoropolymers share several unique properties which make them suitable for use in the automotive, aerospace, oil and gas and medical industries. PTFE, PFA and FEP are the most well-known and common fluoroplastics. So what, exactly, are their differences?
Read More -
PTFE vs PEEK: Choosing the Right High-Performance Plastic for Critical Industries
Updated 12/02/2026 Two of the most frequently specified materials are PTFE and PEEK. Understanding their differences is critical when specifying components such as seals, valve seats, bearings, insulators or structural parts.
Read More -
PTFE vs PCTFE: Understanding the Differences in Structure, Properties, and Performance
Updated 10/02/2026 The fundamental difference between PTFE and PCTFE lies in their chemical structure. In PCTFE, one fluorine atom in the polymer backbone is replaced with a chlorine atom. This seemingly small change results in significant differences in mechanical strength, thermal performance, processability, and end-use applications.
Read More -
PTFE Material Infographic
PTFE is a tough, non-stick, low friction material. Because of its flexibility PTFE can creep and deform under heavy loads but this can be alleviated by adding filler.
Read More -
What are the Benefits of using Fillers in PTFE?
PTFE is a tough, non-stick, low-friction material, but due to its flexibility, PTFE can creep and deform under heavy loads. This can be alleviated by adding filler.
Read More -
How are Bearings used in Civil Engineering and Construction?
Fluoroglide® Slide Bearings are superior to conventional expansion plates, rollers and rocker arms, because they accommodate expansion and contraction, as well as other reciprocating motions of thermal, seismic or differential…
Read More -
What is PTFE Coating?
What is PTFE coating? PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), the original fluoropolymer, is a tough yet flexible, material with great electrically insulating properties and excellent resistance to chemicals; it has one of the lowest coefficients of friction of any solid.…
Read More -
What Makes Plastic High Performance?
High-Performance Plastic, High-Temperature Plastic, High-Performance Thermoplastic, High-Performance Polymer…However you refer to this range of materials, what makes them different to other types of plastic?
Read More -
What is Polytetrafluoroethylene? (PTFE)
Updated 10/02/2026 PTFE/Teflon: Properties, Structure, and Performance Explained Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a tough, flexible, non-resilient thermoplastic best known for its exceptional chemical resistance, outstanding thermal stability, and extremely low coefficient of friction.…
Read More