Physical Properties of PTFE - A Popular Option Used in Most Industries

A large number of industries such as the steel Industry and chemical processing industry have been consistently utilizing pipes made of fluoropolymers and is made of materials like PTFE and hoses for numerous years for the carriage of highly reactive or corrosive chemicals. These pipes are becoming increasingly popular with each passing day, thanks to the unique properties and are replacing the pipes made of carbon and other metals.

The Properties of PTFE Tubes 

The PTFE tubeproperties are different from another kind of pipes and it is its unique properties which set it apart from carbon and the metal pipes. 

Thermal properties- PTFE tubing is resilient enough to withstand high temperatures as high as 680 °F for a short duration under cryogenic conditions; PTFE tubes remains unchanged even at extremely high temperatures such as 500 degrees Fahrenheit and can withstand cold temperatures too as low as -320 °F. 

Electrical properties- PTFE tubing boasts of impressiveelectrical properties as it is a great insulator and a great surface resistivity.

It is resistant to UV rays - PTFE tubing has excellent UV resistance and wearability.

Wear and Friction Qualities- One thing that will strike you about PTFE tubings is its slippery and smooth surface, so it also has a great wear and frictional qualities.

Application of PTFE Tubes

• The success of PTFE tubing is chiefly because of its unique properties and it is used in a wide number of industries. The PTFE uses and Properties are as follows:
•  In automotive applications, the property of PTFE to withstand temperatures in excess of 250oC makes it an ideal tube for high-temperature fluid transfer and hence is a ready reckoner for PTFE tube suppliers.
•  In medical applications, PTFE tubing is much in demand due to its lubricity and chemical inertness. The use of catheters employing PTFE Tubing as it can be inserted into the human body without fear of thinking it will affect the health of the patient.
•  In chemical applications, it can be used in laboratories and can replace the use of glass tubes mainly because it is inert and very durable and hence a favorite with PTFE tube manufacturers.
•  In electrical applications, the very effective dielectric properties of PTFE tubing make it very suitable for insulating high voltage cables.
•  The versatility of PTFE tubes has upped its popularity in recent years and there seems to be little chance of its popularity waning out anytime soon.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a high molecular polymer that is a much sought after product used in cable and tubing industry chiefly because of its electrical properties, chemical inertness, and high-temperature resistance. More and more industries are using this unique material, especially in the manufacturing and industrial sectors mainly because of the specific properties of the particular polymer. It is of no surprise that PTFE abrasion resistant tubes are much sought after across the world; certain unique properties are setting it apart from another similar kind of tubes.

The qualities mentioned here a makes it an integral part of the most industries. Majorities are realizing that PTFE tubings are indispensable to their manufacturing needs and hence it goes without saying that most industries cannot function without these incredible pipes.

The Medical Device and Electrical Industries Use PTFE Tubing

PTFE tubing has been used in a number of applications and for varied purposes in a huge number of industries, including medical device and electrical industries. What makes it such an indispensable tubing for most industries? Its properties make it an important addition to medical device and electrical industries. It has solid electrical insulation properties. It is chemically inert, has low friction and also helps satisfy biocompatibility requirements. The tubing is used for a number of applications where the wires are passed through the interior of the tubing or it is used for fluid delivery applications. PTFE tubingalso has the high-temperature range and it is good for both extreme cold and hot environments, and wet conditions too.

  

 Applications Where PTFE Tubing Is Used

 PTFE is used as a part of guide wire assemblies. These assemblies can be used in a variety of products for example prosthetics. Guide wires are also a part of the switching mechanism. It also acts as a protective barrier when a secondary object is safely passed through the tubing right to the other side. In laboratory experiments, a small infrared camera is inserted to identify specific molecules suspended in a liquid. The camera can get damaged if it is exposed directly to the liquid or harsh chemicals, the tubing acts as a barrier and acts as a protective shield to the camera, and it helps stop contaminating the sample. Teflon tubing is now largely used in printers specifically for roll covers and is used for covering medical and surgical tools.

Medical device manufacturers are constantly trying to improve device designs to boost their performance levels. There are varied trends in the medical device industry and manufacturers have to consider the same when introducing the product in the market. One of the most common trends that you notice in the medical device industry is the act of connecting the metals and plastic. Another one is enabling “real-time” data when you reach a diagnostic system. Medical device manufacturers are constantly trying to create the best products and try to meet up with the latest trends and emerging healthcare demands.

Additionally, medical device manufacturers have to abide by strict regulations charted down by the FDA. Medical devices are classified under classes, I-III. Class III medical are regulated the most. Medical device manufacturers also have to ensure that their products are not too invasive. A faulty medical device may prove to be fatal. So, product quality holds utmost importance, otherwise, they may be slapped a lawsuit.  

Since medical device manufacturers have to maintain so many regulations, they must use the best components and PTFE tubes live up to these standards. PTFE is a fluoropolymer that has been in the market for some time and it has managed to cater to the needs of varying industries and their ever-growing demands with great precision and quality.  

What are Styles of PTFE available in a Mechanical Industry Company?

A majority of industries including the steel Industry and chemical processing industry use consistently utilizing pipes composed of fluoropolymers and mainly PTFE hoses are utilized to make these pipes. This kind of pipes is largely used to carry chemicals which are highly reactive or corrosive. The popularity of these pipes is such that gradually carbon- made pipes and another kind of pipes are slowly being replaced with PTFE tubing.

The Properties of PTFE Tubes 

The PTFE tube properties are drastically different from other pipes and the popularity of the pipes is huge because of its unique properties. The important PTFE tube properties are as follows. The unique properties fulfill the needs of the different industries right from mechanical industries company to chemical industries. 

·         Thermal properties- PTFE tubing can withstand very high temperatures, in fact it can withstand temperatures as high as 680 °F for a stipulated period under cryogenic conditions; Here the pronounced properties of PTFE tubes do not waver even when it is brought under high temperatures such as 500 degrees Fahrenheit and that’s not all it can withstand extremely cold temperatures too even when it is down to -320 °F.

·         Electrical properties- PTFE tubing has impressive electrical properties as it is a great insulator and has competent insular properties.

·         UV resistance and wearability- PTFE tubing boasts of superb UV resistance and wearability.

·         Wear and Friction Qualities- The surface of PTFE tubing is relatively slippery and smooth and thus it boasts of great wear and frictional qualities.

Usage of PTFE Tubes

The success of PTFE tubing is largely dependant on the unique properties and that is why it is used in a large number of industries. The PTFE uses and Properties are as follows:

In automotive applications, the property of PTFE has the property of withstanding high temperatures that are more than 250 degrees C and hence is perfect for highly corrosive fluid transfers and hence PTFE tube suppliers consider it an integral part of their industries.

The medical industry cannot do without PTFE tubes either because of its lubricity and chemical inertness. One such example is that of catheters which are deemed safe to insert in human bodies too. That speaks a lot of the dependency of the medical industry on PTFE tubes.

PTFE tubes are a must-have in laboratories and have the power and the potentiality of replacing the use of glass tubes. The qualities which make PTFE tubes indispensable is its inert properties and also the fact that it is very durable.

In electrical applications, the PTFE tubing is set apart because of its dielectric properties that make it particularly suitable for the process of insulation of high voltage cables.

The PTFE properties are also used in mechanical industries which makes bearing pads, under extreme conditions such as high pressure-low velocity load conditions. Some examples to note here are pipe support pads, bridge bearing pads, and mounting pads for some heavy duty manufacturing.

Check out some of the short list applications:

·         Heat exchangers

·         Coatings

·         Non-Shrink & Heat Shrink Tubing

·         Carburetor Shafts

·         Mold release

·         Medical Catheter Guide Wires

·         Automotive brake parts

·         Jet fuel filters

·         Cryogenic Applications

·         Bearing Pads

No wonder the uses and importance of PTFE tubes are hitting the roof thanks largely because of its unique properties.

The Many Uses of PTFE Corrugated/Convoluted Hose

Corrugated or Convoluted pipes are really useful. This unique type of PTFE hosescome with additional multiple folds and you will notice that on the exterior walls of the tube. This characteristic enhances the flexibility of the tube and helps bend much more than an average tube. This helps reduce the problems of twists kinking during the time of moving the tube via tight angular positions, especially where sharp bends are involved.

Corrugated or Convoluted pipes are really useful. This unique type of PTFE hoses come with additional multiple folds and you will notice that on the exterior walls of the tube. This characteristic enhances the flexibility of the tube and helps bend much more than an average tube. This helps reduce the problems of twists kinking during the time of moving the tube via tight angular positions, especially where sharp bends are involved. 

 

PTFE Convoluted Tube and Hose Features

Know about all the unique features of convoluted tube and features here, 

1. It absorbs and hence reduces the extra noise, vibration, thermal expansion coming from the pipeline system;

2. To resolve niggling issues such as minor deviation that comes from piping, connecting and also helps reduce the pipeline residual stress;

3. This is applied to repeated motions, especially in high-temperature areas and boasts of a good anti-fatigue performance;

4. Besides all the above features it has good flexibility, qualities of high-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance. 

5. It is used and applied in a variety of industries such as in the fields of petroleum, chemical industry, gas, building, aerospace, metallurgy, electricity, mechanical, construction, fabric iron and steel, paper making, food and vessels, medicine and so on.

Important PTFE Convoluted Hose Characteristics

One unique advantage of PTFE convoluted hose is its wide operating temperature range. This helps it to easily outperform other engineering plastics and helps perform continuously at a range of -250°C, right up to an amazing 250°C. Another very unique feature is that it has an outstanding coefficient of friction and is said to have the lowest friction values known to man. Apart from that, it boasts of impressive acid and chemical resistance. PTFE convoluted hose also has its ability to set by or due to compression. Additionally, PTFE convoluted hose offers excellent electrical resistance. Last but not least,  PTFE convoluted hose is an excellent water repellent and is especially used in the manufacturing of water repellent, high performing, and breathable clothing. 

PTFE Convoluted Tube & Hose – Wide Variety of Applications

PTFE convoluted hose manufacturers apply this type of pipes in low friction bearings, bushes, rollers, and pulleys. PTFE convoluted hose is used in cryogenic components because of its ultra-low operating temperatures. You can also use PTFE convoluted hose for the making of seals. PTFE convoluted hose is a sort of important engineering plastic that is used in aerospace industry and aeronautics. 

PTFE convoluted hose is also safely used in food industry companies. As it is heat resistant, it is used in component handles so that it does not transfer the heat. Sometimes, an application for electrical resistance becomes too high for other materials, PTFE convoluted hose helps fill a yawning gap.