At Ze-tech Mold, Teflon® (PTFE) is our go-to engineering plastic for low-friction, chemically inert, and thermally stable components in medical, aerospace, semiconductor, and food processing industries. Discovered accidentally in 1938, this “wonder polymer” continues to revolutionize precision manufacturing. In this in-depth guide, we explore what Teflon is, its unique properties, grades, CNC machining tips, and high-performance applications.
What Is Teflon (PTFE)?
Teflon® is the DuPont brand name for Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) — a synthetic fluoropolymer made by polymerizing tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) gas.
Chemical Formula: (C₂F₄)ₙ
Nicknamed: “The Slipperiest Substance on Earth”
Unlike typical plastics, PTFE has no melting point — it transitions from solid to gel at 327°C (620°F).
Remarkable Properties of PTFE
| Property | Value / Advantage |
|---|---|
| Coefficient of Friction | 0.05–0.10 (lowest of any solid) |
| Chemical Resistance | Inert to all solvents, acids, bases (except molten alkali metals) |
| Temperature Range | -200°C to +260°C (-328°F to +500°F) |
| Dielectric Strength | 60–170 kV/mm → ideal insulator |
| Non-Stick Surface | Nothing adheres (even super glue releases) |
| FDA & USP Class VI Approved | Safe for food & medical contact |
| UV & Weather Resistance | Zero degradation outdoors |
Teflon Grades & Fillers
| Grade | Composition | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Virgin PTFE | 100% pure PTFE | Food, medical, electrical |
| Glass-Filled (15–25%) | PTFE + glass fibers | Wear resistance, creep reduction |
| Carbon-Filled (25%) | PTFE + carbon/graphite | High load, anti-static |
| Bronze-Filled (40–60%) | PTFE + bronze powder | Heavy-duty bearings, high pressure |
| PEEK-Filled | PTFE + PEEK | High-temp, high-strength seals |
CNC Machining Teflon: Expert Techniques
PTFE is notorious for machining challenges — but we’ve mastered it:
| Challenge | Ze-tech Mold Solution |
|---|---|
| Soft & gummy | Sharp polished carbide, no coatings |
| Thermal expansion (2x steel) | Climb milling, light cuts (0.1–0.3 mm) |
| Chip wrapping | High-volume air blast, no coolant |
| Dimensional creep | Stress-relieve blanks at 120°C pre-machining |
| Burr formation | Zero rake angle tools, final pass at 0.05 mm |
Our Parameters (Virgin PTFE):
- Turning: 300–500 m/min, 0.1 mm/rev
- Milling: 400 m/min, Ap 0.5 mm, Ae 50%
- Tolerance: ±0.02 mm achievable
High-Performance Applications
| Industry | Teflon Components |
|---|---|
| Medical | Catheter linings, syringe plungers, surgical guides |
| Aerospace | Cryogenic seals, wire insulation, thrust washers |
| Semiconductor | Wafer handling tools, O-rings, valve seats |
| Food Processing | Conveyor bearings, mixer seals, non-stick molds |
| Automotive | Transmission thrust washers, fuel line insulators |
Teflon vs. Other Engineering Plastics
| Material | Friction | Temp (°C) | Chemical Resistance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTFE | ★★★★★ | -200 to +260 | ★★★★★ | $$ $ |
| PEEK | ★★★★ | -60 to +250 | ★★★★ | $$$$ $ |
| Nylon | ★★★ | -40 to +120 | ★★ | $ |
| UHMWPE | ★★★★ | -200 to +80 | ★★★ | $$ |
Why Choose Ze-tech Mold for Teflon Parts?
- Dedicated PTFE CNC Stations (cleanroom-ready)
- Full Material Traceability (DuPont, Chemours, Daikin)
- In-House Annealing Ovens → zero post-machining distortion
- Surface Treatments: Etching for bonding, laser marking
- 10,000+ Projects | 98% On-Time Delivery
Ready to Harness the Power of Teflon?
From life-critical medical seals to space-grade insulators, Teflon delivers unmatched reliability. Let Ze-tech Mold precision-machine your PTFE components — with zero stick, zero failure.
📞 Contact Michelle Tang: 0086 18025337983