Description

PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is a soft, formable fluoropolymer valued for its very low friction, resistance to nearly all industrial chemicals, and excellent electrical insulating properties. It is known commonly by the trade name Teflon™. This virgin white PTFE sheet is commonly selected for parts that need to slide, seal, or insulate, or to work in harsh chemical or high-temperature conditions.

PTFE has a continuous service temperature of 500°F and remains usable at very low temperatures. It absorbs almost no water and resists weathering and UV light. Virgin PTFE is also FDA compliant for food contact. Typical parts include gaskets, seals, wear pads, bushings, valve components, and insulators for industrial, laboratory, electrical, and semiconductor equipment.

Note: Because PTFE is soft and formable, the thinner skived sheets (1⁄32″, 1⁄16″, and 1⁄8″) may show slight warping or waviness. Keep this in mind when flatness, close-fit assembly, or appearance is important.

Advantages

Low-friction surface: reduces sticking and allows smooth movement in sliding and bearing parts
Chemical resistance: withstands nearly all industrial chemicals, acids, and solvents
Wide temperature range: continuous service up to 500°F and stays flexible in cold conditions
Weather resistance: suitable for outdoor parts exposed to sun and moisture
Electrical insulation: high dielectric strength for insulators, spacers, and parts in electrical assemblies
Very low moisture absorption: keeps its properties in damp or humid environments
Machinable: can be cut, drilled, turned, and machined into custom components

Applications

Seals, gaskets, and diaphragms
Bearings, bushings, wear pads, and slide plates
Valve seats, valve components, and pump parts
Electrical insulators, spacers, and connector parts
Chemical processing, laboratory, and scientific equipment components
Semiconductor and industrial equipment parts

Fabrication and Handling Notes

PTFE machines well with sharp tooling, but its softness means it needs firm support during cutting, drilling, and machining. Allow for its tendency to compress or deflect under clamping pressure when holding tight tolerances.

Under steady load, PTFE slowly deforms (creep, or cold flow), and it does so faster as temperature rises. Bolted PTFE gaskets can lose some clamping pressure as a result; retightening the bolts once during the first day of service usually restores the seal.

For medical or other regulated uses, confirm the required grade and documentation before ordering.

Cut tolerance: +0.0″ / −0.2″