PTFE Gaskets
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a high-performance material known for outstanding chemical resistance. It is affected only by a few elements, such as molten alkali metals and elemental fluorine at high temperature and pressure. PTFE is non-absorbent, UV- and oxygen-resistant, and weatherable, maintaining tensile strength after prolonged outdoor exposure.
PTFE is ideal for low to medium temperature and low-pressure sealing applications, especially in highly corrosive or contamination-sensitive environments. It can be machined into various gaskets or combined with other materials (e.g., spiral wound gaskets, PTFE-lined metallic gaskets) to meet diverse sealing needs.
Key Features
Exceptional Chemical Resistance
Resists strong acids, strong alkalis, and nearly all chemical media ；Safe for applications in highly corrosive environments
Mechanical & Thermal Properties
Maintains strength between -100°C to 100°C； Susceptible to cold flow and creep under high pressure or temperature； Not recommended for high-temperature, high-pressure applications
Low Friction & Non-Stick
Reduces installation torque and prevents adhesion； Easy to install, remove, and replace
Clean & Safe
Suitable for food, pharmaceutical, and other contamination-sensitive applications
Machinable & Versatile
Can be shaped into gaskets, envelope gaskets, spiral wound gaskets, or PTFE-lined metallic gaskets； Performance enhanced with fillers such as glass fiber, graphite, MoS₂, or bronze powder
Asbestos-Free & Environmentally Safe
Non-toxic, non-irritating, and compliant with modern environmental and occupational safety standards.
Industry
Application
Flange connections in pipelines, valves, pumps, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, condensers, generators, compressors, exhaust systems, refrigeration equipment, and more.
Chemical, Petrochemical, Oil Refining, Chlor-Alkali, Acid Production, Fertilizers, Pharmaceuticals, Pesticides, Chemical Fibers, Dyes & Pigments, Coking, Gas Production, Organic Synthesis, Non-Ferrous Metallurgy, Steel & Iron, Nuclear, High-Purity Manufacturing, Food & Beverage, and other hygiene-critical industries.
Water, oils, acids, alkalis, organic solvents, and other highly corrosive or contamination-sensitive fluids.
Specification Sheet
Property | Unit | Value / Range |
Density | kg/m³ | 2.10–2.30 × 10³ |
Crystallinity | % | Resin 93–98 |
Melting Point | °C | 320 |
Heat Deflection Temperature | °C | 52 |
Vicat Softening Point | °C | 110 |
Thermal Decomposition Temperature | °C | >415 |
Linear Expansion Coefficient | 1/°C | 20–60°C: 10.2 × 10⁻⁵ |
Thermal Conductivity | W/(m·K) | 0.256 |
Poisson’s Ratio (25°C) | – | 0.40 |
Refractive Index | – | 1.37 |
Water Absorption | % | <0.01 |
Water Contact Angle | ° | 114 – 115 |
Surface Tension | N/cm | 18.5 × 10⁻⁵ |
Dielectric Constant (10 Hz) | – | ≤1.8–2.1 |
Volume Resistivity | Ω·m | ≥1 × 10¹⁴ |
Surface Resistivity | Ω | >10¹⁰ |
Arc Resistance | s | ≥300 |
Tensile Strength | MPa | 28 |
Elongation at Break | % | 235 |
Compression Modulus of Elasticity | MPa | 280 |
Compressive Strength (at 5% strain) | MPa | 12 |
Impact Strength (Notched) | kJ/m² | 1.8 |
Flexural Strength | MPa | 20 |
Flexural Modulus of Elasticity | MPa | 600 |
Coefficient of Friction | – | 0.11 |
Wear Amount | mg | 230 |
Wear Width | mm | 15 |
PTFE Gasket Manufacturing Capabilities
- Precision CNC machining
- Skiving
- Molding
- Envelope gasket fabrication
- Die cutting
- Custom shapes
- PTFE envelope gaskets
- Filled PTFE compression molding
What Are The Three Types of PTFE (Teflon®) Materials?
Virgin Teflon®
Virgin Teflon gaskets are produced directly from pure material and are used in the majority of general applications due to being the most cost-effective type of PTFE material and possessing the greatest physical and electrical insulation properties.
Filled Teflon®
Filled Teflon gaskets are made from Virgin PTFE material with an added substance to improve its sealing properties. The gasket material exhibits strong physical characteristics and depending on the application, this strength can be altered depending on the type of filler that is used to enhance the material.
Expanded Teflon®
Expanded Teflon gaskets are produced through Virgin PTFE being expanded in a manner that creates uniform tension strength across the material. This process results in a PTFE material that carries no structural weakness and is more flexible than its regular material counterparts allowing it to conform to irregular surfaces. It also exhibits the unique chemical resistant properties of Virgin PTFE due to the fact that no additives are added.
Services & Capabilities
Using the latest manufacturing technologies and processes, AccuTrex produces custom PTFE gaskets that meet the requirements demanded by our customers.
- Die cutting– Die cutting produces exact, complex gasket shapes. Our state-of-the-art software provides efficient use of materials for high yields. High cutting speeds allow fast production and delivery of parts. AccuTrex can manufacture to ± .015” tolerances on die-cut parts.
- Waterjet cutting– Waterjet cutting allows for precise positioning for manufacturing and a high degree of repeatability for efficient production runs. Our CNC-controlled water jet cutting machinery can accurately cut PTFE materials up to 6” thick. Tolerances are based on the size and thickness of the material being cut.
- Guaranteed delivery– AccuTrex is committed to providing you with your orders when you need them. Our F.A.S.T.®️ Emergency Delivery Service is an exclusive expedited production service for urgent orders. It provides expedited turnarounds, with some orders produced within 24 hours. DATELOK™ is a tool that allows you to lock in the delivery date for your parts, so you can manage the delivery of parts to meet your schedule.
Configurations
- Expanded and Skived PTFE sheets
- Engineered PTFE sheet for improved performance
- Thicknesses from 1/64″ to 1/4″
- Metric PTFE sheet gaskets from 0.5mm to 10mm
- Standard ASME, DIN, and JIS flange gaskets
- Custom PTFE gaskets from Munaco’s in house tool-less CNC gasket cutter
Product Handling & Storage Guidelines
Avoid use below -185°C (brittle) and above 200°C (creep & degradation)
Best suited for low-to-medium pressure and temperature flange applications
For enhanced performance, consider modified PTFE gaskets with fillers or serrated flange faces
FAQ
What makes PTFE gaskets superior to other materials?
PTFE gaskets offer exceptional chemical resistance to nearly all substances, outstanding temperature range (- 185°C to 200°C ), extremely low friction, and excellent sealing properties. They’re also FDA compliant and non-contaminating.
What types of filled PTFE gaskets do you offer?
We manufacture gaskets using various PTFE compounds including glass-filled for improved rigidity, carbon-filled for better wear resistance, and bronze-filled for enhanced thermal conductivity. Each filler is selected based on specific application requirements.
What are typical PTFE gasket lead times?
Standard PTFE gaskets typically ship within 5-7 business days. Custom sizes or specialized compounds may require additional time. Rush orders can be accommodated for critical applications.
Can you manufacture custom PTFE gasket designs?
Yes, we can produce custom PTFE gaskets to your exact specifications using our advanced manufacturing capabilities, including special sizes, shapes, and filled PTFE compounds for specific performance requirements.
What are PTFE gaskets made of?
PTFE gaskets are primarily made from polytetrafluoroethylene, a synthetic fluoropolymer known for its high chemical resistance and stability. They can be pure PTFE or compounded with fillers like glass or carbon to enhance mechanical strength and reduce creep.
How do PTFE gaskets handle high temperatures?
PTFE gaskets can operate continuously in temperatures from -185°C to +200°C due to PTFE’s stable molecular structure. They do not melt but may soften slightly near the upper limit; however, they maintain sealing performance without decomposing in most environments.
Are PTFE gaskets resistant to all chemicals?
While PTFE gaskets offer excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases, and solvents, they are not compatible with certain reactive substances like molten alkali metals or fluorine under specific conditions. Always consult chemical compatibility charts for specific media.
Can PTFE gaskets be used in food-grade applications?
Yes, PTFE is FDA-compliant and suitable for food-grade applications. Its inert nature ensures no contamination of food products, and it is commonly used in processing equipment for dairy, beverages, and other consumables.
How should PTFE gaskets be installed?
Install PTFE gaskets on clean, flat surfaces with even bolt loading to avoid over-compression. Use a torque wrench to apply recommended torque values, as excessive force can cause deformation. Ensure the gasket is centered properly to prevent leaks and extend lifespan.
What are the standard sizes available for PTFE gaskets?
PTFE gaskets come in standard sizes based on ASME B16.21, DIN, and other norms, covering common flange diameters and pressure ratings. Custom sizes can be manufactured to match specific equipment requirements, with dimensions provided in inches or millimeters.
Do PTFE gaskets require special storage conditions?
PTFE gaskets should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and chemicals to prevent degradation. Avoid bending or crushing them, as this could affect their sealing ability. Typically, they have a long shelf life if kept in original packaging.
How long do PTFE gaskets last in service?
The service life of PTFE gaskets depends on operating conditions such as temperature, pressure, and chemical exposure. Under standard conditions, they can last several years without replacement, but regular inspections are recommended to ensure integrity and prevent failures.
Can PTFE gaskets be recycled?
PTFE is not easily recyclable through conventional methods due to its stability, but specialized recycling processes exist to repurpose PTFE waste into lower-grade products. Always check local regulations for disposal and recycling options to minimize environmental impact.
Custom PTFE Gaskets Manufacturer
We offer comprehensive customization of PTFE gaskets to meet your exact sealing needs. Capabilities include tailored material selection (Virgin, Filled, or Expanded PTFE), precise dimensions and complex shapes, and multiple manufacturing methods (CNC machining, die cutting, waterjet cutting). Our expedited service ensures fast turnaround for urgent requirements.
