Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tubing is one of the most popular Teflon fluoropolymer tubing options. It is an original, so-called gold standard, first invented in 1940s.
In contrast to the material’s popularity today, it was difficult to process PTFE a few decades ago. However, today it has become a reference material for chemical resistant industrial tubing.
Its wide scale usage in several industrial applications is attributed to unique properties of PTFE material. From high temperature applications to protection in corrosive environment, PTFE Teflon tubing is used in almost all industries.
If you’re thinking about upgrading older tubing with PTFE, this short guide will help you in making the right decision.
Why upgrade to PTFE tubing?
As mentioned above, PTFE tubing is widely used in industry. Its physical strength and resistance to harsh environment is one of the reasons why it is preferred for most applications. A list of most common industries which use PTFE tubing includes:
- General and heavy industry
- Aerospace
- Environmental
- Scientific labs
- Automotive
- Emerging technologies including energy sector (wind, solar etc.)
Properties and applications
PTFE is considered a gold standard in Teflon tubing. Most significant properties and applications of PTFE tubing in these industries are discussed here:
- These are used as electrical wire insulators because of its high dielectric strength (2.1) over a range of temperature between -40°F and 480° This is especially true when protection against corrosive environments and high temperatures is required.
- These tubes also have the lowest coefficient of friction among all other fluoropolymer tubing options. This makes it an ideal material for applications requiring slippery material for reducing friction. It’s therefore often used in fluid flow tubing.
- This material is also resistant to common acids and solvents; almost 100% chemically inert. This quality allows it to be used in medical devices.
- Finally, the material can withstand a temperature as high as 500°F and cryogenic conditions as low as -320°
PTFE Heat Shrink Tubing
The heat shrink option offers easy installation for various applications. At Tef-Cap, we provide AWG heat shrinkable tubes in three different wall thicknesses; standard, thin, and light walled options.
Our PTFE tubes have a flame rating of UL94 VO and WV-1. This makes them ideal for moisture sealing, terminating, insulating, splicing and electrical applications.
We also offer color coded options for applications and instrumentations requiring such coverings. Check out our PTFE tubing options and contact today for orders and more information.