PTFE
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, often called Teflon) has the lowest friction of any solid, resists almost all chemicals and works from about −200 °C to +260 °C. It is used for seals, gaskets, bushes, valve seats, liners and electrical insulators.
What it is
PTFE is non-stick, non-wetting and chemically inert, with excellent electrical insulation. It is soft and prone to creep (cold flow) under load, so fillers are added where wear or load resistance matters.
Virgin PTFE is white and suited to food, pharma and chemical uses; it is machined from moulded rods, tubes and sheets.
Typical applications
- Seals, gaskets and valve seats
- Chemical-resistant liners and bellows
- Bushes and slide pads (light duty)
- Electrical insulators
- Food and pharma machine parts
Materials & grades
- Virgin PTFE
- Filled PTFE (glass, carbon, bronze, graphite)
- Modified PTFE (lower creep)
Points to consider
- PTFE creeps under sustained load; use filled grades or design for low stress.
- High thermal expansion: allow clearance for temperature changes.
- Machining holds tolerances only if temperature is controlled.
- Cannot be bonded easily without surface etching.
Frequently asked questions
Is PTFE the same as Teflon?
Teflon is a brand name for PTFE and related fluoropolymers. PTFE is the generic material.
What temperature can PTFE handle?
Roughly −200 °C to +260 °C continuously, one of the widest ranges of any plastic.
Is PTFE food safe?
Virgin PTFE grades complying with FDA requirements are widely used in food and pharma equipment.