English
A PTFE tube, or Polytetrafluoroethylene tube, is a highly specialized type of tubing manufactured from a fluoropolymer known for its exceptional chemical resistance, high-temperature stability, and extremely low coefficient of friction. Often referred to by the common brand name Teflon®, PTFE is an inert material that does not react with most chemicals, making it an ideal choice for demanding applications across various industries. At Kaxite Seals, we engineer our PTFE tubes to meet the highest standards of purity and performance, ensuring reliable operation in critical environments from semiconductor manufacturing to pharmaceutical processing and automotive systems.
Choosing Kaxite Seals for your PTFE tubing needs guarantees access to a product designed with precision and expertise. Our tubes are not just commodity items; they are solutions engineered for specific challenges.
To ensure you select the perfect PTFE tube for your application, Kaxite Seals provides a comprehensive range of sizes and specifications. Below are the detailed parameters that define our standard product line.
| Inner Diameter (ID) mm/in | Outer Diameter (OD) mm/in | Wall Thickness mm/in | Standard Length (m/ft) | Pressure Rating (PSI)* | Temperature Range (°C/°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 mm / 0.039" | 2.0 mm / 0.079" | 0.5 mm / 0.020" | 30 m / 100 ft | Up to 150 PSI | -200 to +260°C / -328 to +500°F |
| 2.0 mm / 0.079" | 4.0 mm / 0.157" | 1.0 mm / 0.039" | 25 m / 82 ft | Up to 120 PSI | -200 to +260°C / -328 to +500°F |
| 4.0 mm / 0.157" | 6.0 mm / 0.236" | 1.0 mm / 0.039" | 20 m / 65 ft | Up to 100 PSI | -200 to +260°C / -328 to +500°F |
| 6.0 mm / 0.236" | 8.0 mm / 0.315" | 1.0 mm / 0.039" | 15 m / 49 ft | Up to 90 PSI | -200 to +260°C / -328 to +500°F |
| 10.0 mm / 0.394" | 13.0 mm / 0.512" | 1.5 mm / 0.059" | 10 m / 33 ft | Up to 80 PSI | -200 to +260°C / -328 to +500°F |
*Pressure ratings are for guidance at 20°C (68°F) and decrease at elevated temperatures. Consult Kaxite Seals engineering for specific high-pressure/high-temperature applications.
| Property | Test Method | Typical Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | ASTM D792 | 2.15 - 2.20 | g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | ASTM D638 | 25 - 35 | MPa (psi) |
| Elongation at Break | ASTM D638 | 300 - 500 | % |
| Melting Point | — | 327 | °C |
| Continuous Service Temperature | — | -200 to +260 | °C |
| Coefficient of Friction (Dynamic) | ASTM D1894 | 0.04 - 0.10 | — |
| Dielectric Strength | ASTM D149 | 19.7 | kV/mm |
| Water Absorption | ASTM D570 | < 0.01 | % |
Q: What is the primary difference between PTFE, FEP, and PFA tubing?
A: PTFE, FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene), and PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy) are all fluoropolymers with excellent chemical resistance. PTFE has the highest continuous use temperature (260°C) but is opaque and more difficult to melt-process. FEP is transparent and melt-processable but has a lower temperature rating (200°C). PFA offers similar high-temperature resistance to PTFE (260°C), is melt-processable, and is very transparent, but it is generally more expensive. Kaxite Seals can help you select the correct material based on your temperature, clarity, and budgetary requirements.
Q: Can Kaxite Seals PTFE tubes be used for food and pharmaceutical applications?
A: Yes, absolutely. We offer specific grades of PTFE tubing that are manufactured in controlled environments to ensure ultra-high purity. These tubes comply with relevant regulations such as FDA 21 CFR for food contact and can be supplied with certifications for USP Class VI (for medical devices) and 3-A Dairy Standards. It is crucial to specify your compliance needs when ordering.
Q: How do I connect or fit PTFE tubing to my system? What types of fittings are compatible?
A: PTFE tubing requires specific connection methods due to its flexibility and low friction. Common techniques include using compression fittings with ferrules (e.g., Swagelok®-type), push-to-connect fittings, or flared fittings. For a permanent, leak-free seal, heat welding or butt welding of the tube ends is also an option. Kaxite Seals provides technical guidance on the most suitable fitting type based on your pressure, temperature, and media.
Q: What are the limitations of PTFE tubing regarding pressure and vacuum?
A: While PTFE has excellent chemical and thermal properties, its mechanical strength under pressure is lower compared to metals. Pressure ratings depend heavily on tube dimensions (wall thickness, diameter) and temperature. As temperature increases, the maximum allowable pressure decreases significantly. For vacuum applications, PTFE is an excellent choice due to its very low outgassing properties, making it ideal for semiconductor and analytical instrument use. Always consult our pressure/temperature rating charts or contact Kaxite Seals engineering for critical applications.
Q: Is PTFE tubing flexible? Can it be bent or shaped?
A: Standard PTFE tubing is semi-flexible. It can be bent to a certain minimum bend radius (typically 5-10 times the outer diameter) without kinking. For applications requiring tight bends or complex shapes, Kaxite Seals offers heat-formable PTFE tubes. These can be gently heated (below the melting point) and shaped to a specific form, which they will retain upon cooling. We also supply pre-bent or coiled tubing configurations.
Q: How do I clean PTFE tubing, and is it reusable?
A: PTFE tubing is very easy to clean due to its non-stick, inert surface. Most contaminants can be flushed out with appropriate solvents (compatible with PTFE) or cleaning solutions. For thorough cleaning, processes like clean-in-place (CIP) with caustic or acidic solutions are effective. Yes, PTFE tubes are highly durable and reusable unless they have been subjected to mechanical damage or degradation beyond their temperature limit. Their reusability contributes to a lower total cost of ownership.
Q: Does Kaxite Seals offer custom-sized or colored PTFE tubing?
A: Yes, at Kaxite Seals, we specialize in both standard and custom-engineered solutions. We can manufacture PTFE tubing with custom inner/outer diameters, wall thicknesses, and lengths to meet your precise design specifications. We also offer tubing in various colors (e.g., black, red, blue, green) for color-coding different lines in a system, using FDA-compliant pigments where necessary. Contact our sales team with your custom requirements for a quotation.
