PTFE / Teflon® Sheets, Rods & Tubes

Overview

Plastem supplies PTFE sheets and rods in South Africa for demanding industrial, engineering, chemical, food-processing and electrical applications.

PTFE, also known as Polytetrafluoroethylene and commonly referred to as Teflon®, is a high-performance engineering plastic known for its exceptional chemical resistance, extremely low friction, excellent electrical insulation and wide operating temperature range.

We supply virgin PTFE rods and sheets, as well as specialist grades such as PTFE Glass-filled (GF25) and PTFE Carbon-filled (CB25), with cut-to-size and precision machining available for suitable applications.

Whether you require PTFE for seals, gaskets, bearings, bushes, valve seats, guides, electrical insulation or chemical-processing components, Plastem can assist with material selection and supply.

What is PTFE?

PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is a high-performance fluoropolymer used where conventional engineering plastics may not provide sufficient chemical resistance, temperature performance or low-friction characteristics.

PTFE has excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals and solvents, very low moisture absorption and excellent resistance to weathering and UV exposure.

Its low coefficient of friction makes PTFE particularly suitable for sliding, sealing and bearing applications.

Key Properties of PTFE

PTFE offers a combination of properties that makes it suitable for demanding engineering applications:

• Exceptional chemical resistance
• Very low coefficient of friction
• Excellent non-stick properties
• Excellent electrical insulation
• High dielectric strength
• Wide operating temperature range
• Very low water absorption
• Excellent weather and UV resistance
• Good corrosion resistance
• Suitable for demanding industrial environments

Typical virgin PTFE has a density of approximately 2.14–2.18 g/cm³, with a long-term service temperature range of approximately -50°C to +260°C, depending on application and operating conditions.

For detailed technical information, refer to the relevant Plastem PTFE technical data sheet.

PTFE Sheets, Rods & Tubes

Plastem supplies PTFE sheets, PTFE rods and PTFE tubes for manufacturing, maintenance and engineering applications.

PTFE sheets are commonly used for:

• Gaskets
• Seals
• Chemical linings
• Valve seats
• Insulating components
• Wear components
• Sliding components
• Machined components

PTFE rods are commonly used for:

• Bushes and bushings
• Bearings
• Seals
• Valve components
• Washers
• Spacers
• Guides
• Piston rings
• Custom engineering components

PTFE tubes are commonly used for:

• Chemical transfer lines
• Fluid and gas handling
• Insulating sleeves
• Protective liners
• Hydraulic and pneumatic applications
• Laboratory and pharmaceutical equipment
• Wire and cable insulation
• Low-friction guides
• Custom machined components

Standard stock sizes and availability may vary. Contact our sales team for current stock, pricing and cut-to-size requirements or click here to view our catalogue

PTFE Grades

Virgin PTFE: Virgin PTFE provides the excellent chemical resistance, low friction, electrical insulation and temperature performance associated with PTFE.

PTFE Carbon-filled (CF25): PTFE CF25 is a 25% carbon-filled PTFE grade designed to provide improved mechanical and wear performance compared with virgin PTFE. It can be considered for applications requiring improved load-bearing and wear characteristics.

PTFE Glass-filled (GF25): Glass-filled PTFE is a reinforced PTFE grade that contains glass fibres to improve dimensional stability, stiffness, compressive strength and wear resistance compared with virgin PTFE. It can be considered for applications involving higher loads, reduced deformation and improved wear performance, including seals, bearings, bushes, valve components and other engineering applications.

PTFE Applications

PTFE is used across a wide range of industries and applications where chemical resistance, low friction and temperature performance are important.

Common applications include:

• Chemical-processing equipment
• Pumps and valves
• Valve seats
• Seals and gaskets
• Bearings and bushes
• Sliding guides
• Wear components
• Electrical insulation
• Food-processing equipment
• Pharmaceutical equipment
• Laboratory equipment
• Precision engineering components

PTFE Machining

PTFE can be machined into precision components using suitable conventional and CNC machining processes.

Plastem offers in-house engineering plastic machining, allowing PTFE rods and sheets to be converted into finished components according to customer drawings and specifications.

PTFE can be machined into seals, bushes, bearings, valve seats, guides, spacers, washers and other custom components.

Due to PTFE’s relatively low stiffness, thermal expansion and tendency to deform under pressure, correct machining techniques and dimensional allowances are important when manufacturing precision components.

Have a drawing or component you need manufactured? Send it to our machining team for assessment and quotation.

Why Choose Plastem for PTFE?

Plastem is a specialist supplier of engineering plastic rods, sheets, tubes and machined components in South Africa.

We supply PTFE alongside a comprehensive range of engineering plastics, including Acetal, Nylon, PET, OmniaLite XLF, HDPE, HMWPE, UHMWPE, Polycarbonate, PEEK, PVDF and PEI.

Our capabilities include:

• PTFE rods, sheets and tubes
• Cut-to-size engineering plastics
• Specialist PTFE grades
• CNC machining
• Custom plastic components
• Technical material selection
• Engineering support

Whether you need a single PTFE component or material for ongoing production, our team can assist.

Need PTFE?

Whether you require PTFE sheets, PTFE rods, PTFE tubes, PTFE CF25, PTFE GF25, cut-to-size material or machined PTFE components, Plastem can assist.

Contact our sales team today for PTFE pricing, availability and technical assistance.

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