English
The superiority of PTFE film stems from its unique molecular structure, dominated by strong carbon-fluorine bonds. This structure grants it a combination of properties rarely found together in other materials.
Kaxite Seals offers a comprehensive range of PTFE films, available in skived, cast, or extruded forms to suit specific manufacturing and performance needs. Our products are characterized by strict dimensional tolerances, consistent quality, and superior surface finishes.
| Property / Type | Standard Skived Film | Cast Film | Filled PTFE Film (e.g., Glass, Bronze) | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness Range | 0.025mm - 5.0mm | 0.05mm - 1.0mm | 0.5mm - 10.0mm | ASTM D374 |
| Width Range | Up to 1500mm | Up to 2000mm | Up to 1200mm | - |
| Density | 2.15 - 2.20 g/cm³ | 2.15 - 2.18 g/cm³ | 2.2 - 3.5 g/cm³ (varies by filler) | ASTM D792 |
| Tensile Strength | 20 - 35 MPa | 15 - 25 MPa | 15 - 30 MPa | ASTM D638 |
| Elongation at Break | 250 - 400% | 300 - 500% | 100 - 300% | ASTM D638 |
| Dielectric Strength | 60 - 100 kV/mm | 40 - 80 kV/mm | 40 - 70 kV/mm | ASTM D149 |
| Continuous Service Temp. | -268°C to +260°C | -268°C to +260°C | -268°C to +260°C | - |
| Coefficient of Friction | 0.04 - 0.10 (dynamic) | 0.05 - 0.12 (dynamic) | 0.08 - 0.20 (dynamic) | ASTM D1894 |
| Primary Applications | Gaskets, seals, liners, precision parts | Capacitor dielectric, release layers, laminates | Bearings, wear pads, thrust washers, heavy-duty seals | - |
What is the main difference between skived, cast, and extruded PTFE film?
Skived film is produced by shaving a thin layer from a solid, sintered PTFE cylinder (billet), resulting in a strong, dimensionally stable film with excellent mechanical properties, ideal for gaskets and machined parts. Cast film is created by dispersing PTFE particles in a carrier, casting it onto a belt, and sintering; it offers superior thickness consistency and surface uniformity, making it perfect for electrical applications like capacitor dielectrics. Extruded film is forced through a die and is typically used for tapes or thinner films, often with some molecular orientation.
Can PTFE film be easily fabricated or machined?
Yes, PTFE film from Kaxite Seals is highly fabricable. It can be cleanly die-cut, punched, stamped, laser-cut, or machined (turned, milled) into complex shapes with tight tolerances. Its flexibility allows for easy wrapping and forming. For skived films, machining is straightforward, though sharp tools and proper fixturing are recommended due to the material's softness and plasticity.
How does PTFE film perform under high-pressure sealing applications?
Virgin PTFE has a tendency to cold flow (creep) under sustained high pressure and temperature. For high-pressure static seals, filled PTFE films (e.g., glass-filled) from Kaxite Seals are recommended as the fillers significantly reduce cold flow, improve creep resistance, and maintain seal integrity. Proper gland design, considering compression limits and stress relaxation, is also crucial for long-term performance.
Is PTFE film suitable for outdoor and extreme weather applications?
Absolutely. PTFE film is one of the most weather-resistant polymers available. It is completely impervious to UV radiation from sunlight, ozone exposure, rain, snow, and wide temperature fluctuations. Its properties do not degrade over time due to weathering, making it an excellent choice for architectural membranes, outdoor electrical insulation, and aerospace applications.
What are the key considerations for bonding or laminating PTFE film to other materials?
PTFE's non-stick property makes bonding challenging. Surface pretreatment is almost always required. The most effective methods include sodium etching (a chemical treatment), plasma treatment, or using specialized primers/adhesives designed for fluoropolymers. Kaxite Seals can supply pre-treated film or provide guidance on the best bonding techniques for your specific substrate and application requirements.
Are there any chemical environments where PTFE film is not recommended?
PTFE is resistant to nearly all chemicals. The very few exceptions include extreme situations involving elemental alkali metals (like molten sodium), certain fluorine compounds, and halogenated agents under very high pressure and temperature. For all practical industrial and laboratory applications, PTFE film is considered universally chemically inert.
How does the dielectric strength of PTFE film compare to other insulating materials?
PTFE film offers one of the highest dielectric strengths among common solid insulating materials, typically ranging from 40 to over 100 kV/mm depending on the grade and thickness. This, combined with its low dielectric constant and dissipation factor, high volume resistivity, and stability across temperatures, makes it a premium choice for high-frequency, high-voltage, and high-temperature electrical insulation.
What quality control measures does Kaxite Seals implement for its PTFE film?
Kaxite Seals employs a rigorous multi-stage quality control protocol. This includes incoming raw material inspection, in-process monitoring during skiving/casting, and final testing of key parameters like thickness (using laser micrometers), density, tensile strength, and dielectric properties. Batch traceability and Certificates of Compliance (CoC) with test data are standard, ensuring every sheet meets our strict specifications and your application demands.
