All You Need to Know About PTFE Rods | DCW

All You Need to Know About PTFE Rods

PTFE rod which is also known as Teflon rod is highly rated for its several properties and benefits. It’s commonly used for applications where the sliding action of parts is required, such as gears, slide plates, manifolds, bearings, and pump parts. PTFE rods are very strong, resistant to external factors, and non-toxic, making them the best option for several applications, including food & beverage, petrochemical, medical, and electrical purposes.


As a PTFE manufacturer with vast experience in manufacturing PTFE rods, in this post, we will be discussing everything it entails. And this includes what PTFE rods are, the benefits they provide, their applications, what to consider in ensuring an informed selection, and how long they last.

What are PTFE Rods?

Source: Dechengwang

They are PTFE materials (which can include recycled PTFE resin) that are either molded, paste extruded, or plunger extruded for manufacturing several lubricating items that are used in corrosive media and electrical insulation parts. They have numerous great properties, like a very low coefficient of friction, chemical resistance, good thermal stability, and outstanding electrical features. However, they are not suitable for wear applications.


Usually, PTFE rods with a length above 0.5m are made using the extrusion process. The manufacturing of this type of rough rod is just like a pasta-making machine. PTFE extruded rods are highly clean with low pollution impurities, and the output volume is high with a comparatively low cost.

Benefits of PTFE Rods

PTFE extruded rods in various colors
Source: Dechengwang

Having numerous outstanding qualities, these are the benefits gained from PTFE rods.

  • Great resistance to chemicals: One of the major reasons why PTFE stands out among other polymers is its capability to withstand chemical impact. It’s a chemically inert material, which makes it highly resistant to various chemicals, acids, oxidizing agents, organic solvents, and other harmful agents. But it is vulnerable to molten alkali metals and fluorinated media.
  • Thermal conductivity: PTFE temperature range is between 260⁰C (500⁰F) to -270⁰C (-454⁰F). It is very strong and capable of withstanding high frequencies of temperature without degrading. This makes it the preferred choice for industries that deal with hot liquids, as well as an insulator. PTFE rods can be exposed to sunlight and ozone for a long period of time without aging.
  • Low coefficient of friction and adhesion: PTFE has the lowest coefficient of friction among all fluoropolymers, which further boosts its functionality across many applications. Also, materials cannot stick to it, which ensures its top performance and ease of cleaning.
  • Durability and flexibility: PTFE rods are made to last for a long time, yet are lightweight and can be easily maneuvered to any shape necessary. Despite their flexibility, they don’t degrade easily. This eliminates the extra cost of replacing them frequently.

Applications of PTFE Rods

PTFE rods are used across many industries and some of them are highlighted below.

Electrical Industry

Electrical Personnel Doing an Overall Check
Source: iStock

PTFE rod is a high molecular weight plastic with great electrical insulation properties. It’s one of the best insulators that exist and can be used to separate conductive surfaces in capacitors. In thin sections, it can insulate up to 500 volts per mil. Also, it provides high-bulk resistivity, which makes it perfect for producing the electrostatic analogs of magnets.

Petrochemical and Chemical Industry

Oil and Gas Industrial Operation
Source: iStock

PTFE rod is resistant to corrosion and is chemically inert, thereby shielding it from several chemicals and acids. Also, it’s highly applicable in petrochemical and chemical industries because of its capability to function in hot temperatures. It’s an excellent choice for seals and rings in dynamic and high-pressure applications.

Food and Beverage Industry

Processing of Food and Beverage
Source: iStock

PTFE rod is non-toxic and supports the free flow of fluid without microscopic depressions where microbes can grow, making them highly used in this industry. They can withstand high temperatures inside baking and drying ovens, as well as other heated sections of food and beverage preparation.

Medical Industry

Medical Operation in the Laboratory
Source: iStock

PTFE rods are used mostly in laboratories for activities that involve harsh substances. The rods are capable of withstanding chemicals and are inert in assessing acids and samples. They are also very strong and non-sticky, ensuring that no component adheres to them, thereby leaving the operation uninterrupted.

What to Consider When Choosing PTFE Rods

A green PTFE molded rod
Source: Dechengwang

In choosing the best PTFE rod for every application, these are the two major factors to consider.

  • Source: There are countless PTFE rod suppliers on the market, but not all of them provide satisfactory products, which is why utmost caution must be taken while sourcing. Some of the pointers to consider when considering these manufacturers are years of experience, stable supply, remarks from previous customers, compliance with regulatory standards, etc.
  • Fit: This factor has to do with the rod’s size, thickness, and overall fit to perform optimally. The rod to choose is dependent on the intended application. For mild operations, softer and more flexible rods can be used, but for rigorous operations, stronger rods are more appropriate.

How Long Do They Last

PTFE rods are made from a very durable fluoropolymer that typically lasts for a long time. Their intrinsic properties include resistance to all kinds of destructive components, such as chemicals, ozone, radiation, etc. This makes them have an extended lifespan than other polymers.

Conclusion

PTFE rods are made from extremely strong polymers – Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that are highly capable of performing optimally regardless of the condition they are exposed to.

 

For the best PTFE rod and professional guide in choosing the best option to satisfy all needs, contact Dechengwang – the most reliable PTFE rod manufacturer and supplier.

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