PTFE (Teflon)
Ultra-low friction fluoropolymer with outstanding chemical resistance and wide temperature range. PTFE is essential for seals, gaskets, and non-stick applications.
About PTFE (Teflon)
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), known commercially as Teflon, has the lowest coefficient of friction of any solid material (0.05-0.10) and is chemically inert to virtually all substances. These extreme properties make it essential for seals, gaskets, bearings, and chemical processing components.
FabRapid CNC machines PTFE for O-rings, backup rings, valve seats, piston rings, gaskets, and chemical processing liners. PTFE machines reasonably well but is soft and elastic, requiring sharp tools, positive rake angles, and light clamping forces to prevent deformation.
PTFE operates continuously at temperatures from -200°C to +260°C with no significant property changes — the widest operating temperature range of any engineering plastic.
Material Properties
Compatible Manufacturing Processes
PTFE (Teflon) can be processed using these manufacturing methods.
Available Surface Finishes
Surface treatments compatible with PTFE (Teflon).
Common Applications
Design Guidelines for PTFE (Teflon)
PTFE is soft (Shore D 55) — design generous cross-sections to prevent deformation under load
Avoid tight tolerances in unconstrained dimensions — PTFE cold-flows under sustained load
For improved wear and creep resistance, specify filled PTFE (glass, carbon, or bronze filled)
Use spring-energized PTFE seals for dynamic applications requiring reliable sealing
PTFE (Teflon) FAQ
Virgin PTFE has the lowest friction and best chemical resistance but suffers from cold-flow (creep) under load and poor wear resistance. Filled grades add glass fiber (improved wear, 5× better), carbon (improved wear + thermal conductivity), or bronze (improved thermal conductivity + wear) to overcome these limitations at a slight cost to friction and chemical resistance.
PTFE has extremely low surface energy, making bonding essentially impossible with standard adhesives. Sodium-etch treatment creates a bondable surface but is environmentally unfriendly. PTFE can be welded using specialized hot-air or hot-plate welding techniques. Mechanical fastening is the most common joining method.
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