PTFE O-rings

PTFE O-rings are high-performance sealing solutions known for their exceptional resistance to virtually all chemicals, an extremely wide temperature range, and very low friction, making them ideal for critical static applications.
Key Features and Properties
Material: PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), commonly known by the brand name Teflon®, is a high molecular weight polymer that is largely non-reactive and inert.
Temperature Range: Operates effectively across a vast range from approximately -260°C to +260°C (-435°F to +500°F), making them suitable for cryogenic environments and high-heat processes.
Chemical Stability: PTFE is unaffected by virtually all known acids, alkalis, solvents, oils, and greases, with only minor exceptions like molten alkali metals and elemental fluorine gas.
Mechanical Properties: They are rigid materials (measured on the Shore D scale) with excellent abrasion resistance and a low coefficient of friction.
Non-toxic/Sterile: Virgin PTFE is physiologically safe, odorless, and tasteless, and can be sterilized, making it suitable for medical and food contact applications.
Weather Resistance: PTFE is highly resistant to aging, ozone, and UV radiation, ensuring a long, near-infinite shelf life.
Design Considerations
Low Elasticity: PTFE has low elastic recovery or "memory" compared to traditional elastomers, meaning it does not easily return to its original shape after compression. This makes it largely unsuitable for dynamic (moving) applications unless used with an energizer (like a rubber core in encapsulated O-rings) or designed for single-use compression in static seals.
Installation: Due to their hardness, PTFE O-rings must be handled with care during installation to avoid excessive stretching or damage. They are typically recommended for easily accessible, static flange or cover gaskets.
Typical Applications
Due to their robust properties, PTFE O-rings are used in critical applications across demanding industries:
Chemical Processing: In pumps, valves, and piping systems handling aggressive chemicals and solvents.
Food and Beverage/Pharmaceuticals: In processing equipment and medical devices that require high purity, non-toxic materials, and resistance to aggressive cleaning agents and sterilization procedures (CIP/SIP).
Aerospace: Used in aircraft engines, fuel systems, and hydraulic systems due to their resistance to temperature extremes and various fluids.
Electronics Manufacturing: In semiconductor processing equipment due to their high purity and non-reactive nature.