PTFE Gaskets

PTFE applications are not medical nor electrical, and can therefore be easily satisfied with mechanical grade PTFE.

We cut PTFE Gaskets from PTFE sheet Gasket material

PTFE Gaskets – PTFE is an abbreviation for PolyTetraFluoroEthylene, which is a synthetic fluoropolymer of Tetrafluoroethylene that has endless applications. PTFE is DuPont’s trademark of Teflon®. PTFE has a low coefficient of friction, outstanding insulation capabilities, and is chemically inactive to most substances. It has a reputation for its anti-stick properties and its endurance in high heat applications.

PTFE is available in several different forms. Step one is determining what type of PTFE gasket is needed for the given application. The most common form is Virgin PTFE. Virgin PTFE is specified for medical and electrical applications. However, most PTFE applications are not medical nor electrical, and can therefore be easily satisfied with mechanical grade PTFE.

VIRGIN PTFE

Virign PTFE sheet is great for making gaskets intended for chemical applications, and can serve in temperatures up to 450°F continuous. Virgin PTFE performs exceptionally well against acids, alkalis, solvents, or corrosives. Information on the pricing of the various styles of Virgin PTFE is available

MECHANICAL GRADE PTFE

Mechanical Grade PTFE is nearly identical to virgin PTFE and if you were to look at it, it would be extremely difficult to distinguish between the two. A key detail that establishes differentiation between the two materials is that mechanical grade has reprocessed PTFE added to it. It isn’t uncommon that a very small percentage of the material is reprocessed. The percentage of reprocessed material will vary by manufacturer. Information on the pricing of various styles of Mechanical Grade PTFE is available

It is important to know that some applications require a thinner material. Although PTFE gaskets have an outstanding temperature range (reaching 500°F) and PH Range (0-14), its usefulness is limited because it comes in very few variations of thickness. For the most part, PTFE sheet is shived off of a roll. Some PTFE material is molded but typically is only available in 24″ x 24″ or 12″ x 12″ sections.

Another product of PTFE with extremely similar properties is PTFE Film. However, the difference in PTFE film is obvious, as it is made very thin and is manufactured in rolls. American Seal and Packing offers PTFE film in 0.001″ to 0.025″ thick. We also offer PTFE Film in 0.032″, however we classify this as sheet PTFE gasket material. Contact us to order today.

EXPANDED PTFE OR EPTFE

Expanded PTFE is the most perfect gasket material for applications with low bolt load torque available! This variance of PTFE is a soft material with the ability to conform. EPTFE is the solution in applications such as glass lined pipe, where excessive bolt load would create more issues than it would resolve. A great way to describe this material to someone who has never felt it would be to imagine a dense marshmallow. EPTFE has identical chemical resistance and temperature range as any other PTFE, but the difference is that it is soft and will affect a seal much more quickly than regular PTFE gasket material.

PTFE GASKETS and APPLICATION:

PTFE is equipped with tremendous thermal insulation and is the most chemically resistant plastic known to man. PTFE is immune to most corrosive liquids, vapors, and gases. PTFE obeys both FDA and AMS specifications. PTFE has the capacity to insulate up to 500 volts per Mil without melting. These properties of PTFE make it an outstanding choice of gasket material in each of the following applications:

1) Electrical Applications

2) Food, Beverage, and Pharmaceutical

3) Laboratories

4) Petrochemical and chemical processing

5) Semi-Conductor

PTFE Resin functions exceptionally well in its “virgin” state, when no fillers are present in the material. Truth be told, fillers weaken its superb electrical and chemical properties. However when using PTFE in mechanical applications, the compounds of PTFE and inorganic filler provide increased wear resistance, minimize creep and initial deformation, and amplify stiffness and conductivity. Hardness is strengthened while the coefficient of thermal expansions is diminished. Therefore, the use of compounds create a possibility to experience an advantage in applications where the unfilled resin cannot be used.

WHAT IS TEFLON®?

Teflon is a registered trademark of DuPont. It is used with related products developed with DuPont’s fluoropolymer resins. Teflon® is a tough synthetic resin produced by polymerizing tetrafluoroethylene. Teflon® is often used to coat non-stick cooking utensils, as well as make seals and bearings.

OTHER TRADEMARKS, IN ADDITION TO DUPONT’S TRADEMARK TEFLON®, OF PTFE RESIN AND THEIR
MANUFACTURER ARE:

FLUON®	AGC Chemicals Americas, Inc. (AGC). They have plants in the U.S., England, and Japan.
DYNEON®	Dyneon, a 3M Company, produces PTFE resin in Gendorf, Germany. This plant has operated since 1964, founded by Hoechst AG and resin formerly trademarked as HOSTAFLON®.
POLYFLON®	Daikin Industries Ltd. has been producing PTFE resin since the 1960’s in Japan and since 1994 in the U.S as Daikin America Inc.
ALGOFLON®	Solvay Solexis, formerly Ausimont, has plants in the U.S. and Italy. Ausimont was purchased by Solvay.