PTFE and Teflon® Machining Sevices

PTFE fluoropolymer is a fluorocarbon-based polymer, Polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE). The Teflon® brand of PTFE resin is manufactured by DuPont. It was discovered in 1938 by Roy J. Plunkett while working at DuPont’s laboratories. It was found to be heat resistant and chemically inert and to have very low surface friction. In virgin grade, PTFE has a temperature range from -450F to +500F. In electrical applications, it exhibits excellent electrical stability over a wide range of frequency and environmental conditions. PTFE is unaffected by outdoor weathering, it is non-flammable and non-adhesive.

PTFE can be machined to produce many different components for use by OEMs. Manifolds, insulators, guides, slide blocks, cathode and anode end blocks, arc shields, beads, seals, washers, valve seats can all be manufactured from PTFE.

East Coast Precision Manufacturing has experience working with PTFE to machine many components, such as:

• PTFE bushings

• PTFE insulators

• PTFE beads

• PTFE valve seats

The machining of PTFE requires skill and familiarity with the properties of this specialty fluoropolymer. East Coast can produce a burr free, high quality surface finish for sealing areas and a dent free component. We can mitigate size change over time with the proper annealing and machining techniques. While PTFE is easy to machine due to its softness, it requires machining skill and experience to properly machine dimensionally accurate features.