PTFE Rods
Virgin and reprocessed PTFE rod from 1/8 inch to 8 inches in diameter — low friction, chemically inert, rated -180°C to +260°C.
- Continuous service -180°C to +260°C
- Chemically inert across the full pH 0–14 range
- Lowest coefficient of friction of any solid (0.05–0.10)
- Food/FDA-grade & filled grades available
Overview
PTFE rod (polytetrafluoroethylene, best known by the trade name Teflon®) is the go-to machining stock wherever a component has to survive aggressive chemicals, extreme temperature, or demands the lowest possible friction. Al-Hamd Traders supplies virgin PTFE rod from 5 mm up to 100 mm+ in diameter, in both 100% virgin and reprocessed grades, as well as food/FDA-grade and filled grades to order.
What sets PTFE apart from every other engineering plastic is the combination of properties in one material: it is chemically inert across the full pH 0–14 range, it operates continuously from about -180°C to +260°C, it has the lowest coefficient of friction of any solid, it is an outstanding electrical insulator, and it absorbs effectively no water. No other machinable plastic matches all five at once. The trade-off is mechanical: PTFE is soft and creeps under sustained load, which is why filled grades exist and why part design matters. This page covers the full technical picture — properties, dimensions, chemical resistance, how PTFE compares to nylon, Delrin and UHMWPE, the applications it is machined into, and how to specify it correctly.
Specifications
Typical properties of virgin (unfilled) PTFE. Values are expressed as the range published across recognised PTFE datasheets; filled grades and section thickness will shift some figures.
| Property | Value | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Virgin (unfilled) PTFE, 100% | ASTM D4894 |
| Density | 2.14 – 2.19 g/cm³ | ISO 13000-2 |
| Colour | White (natural) | — |
| Tensile Strength | 20 – 35 MPa | ASTM D4894 / ISO 12086 |
| Elongation at Break | 300 – 400% | ISO 13000-2 |
| Hardness | Shore D 50 – 65 | ASTM D2240 |
| Modulus of Elasticity | ~500 – 750 MPa | DIN 53482 |
| Coefficient of Friction | 0.05 – 0.10 (lowest of any solid) | ASTM D1894 |
| Water Absorption | < 0.01% (effectively nil) | ASTM D570 |
| Continuous Service Temperature | -180°C to +260°C | — |
| Melting Point | 327°C | ASTM D3418 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.24 – 0.25 W/m·K | ASTM C177 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | ~100 – 160 × 10⁻⁶ /°C | ASTM D696 |
| Dielectric Strength | ~60 kV/mm (thin film); lower in thick section | IEC 60243-1 |
| Volume Resistivity | > 10¹⁸ Ω·cm | DIN 53482 |
| Dielectric Constant | 2.1 (stable 60 Hz – 2 GHz) | ASTM D150 |
| Oxygen Index (LOI) | 95% (will not sustain a flame) | ASTM D2863 |
| Flammability Rating | UL94 V-0 | UL 94 |
Technical Drawings
A dimensional reference drawing — diameter chart, length chart and standard tolerance — is available as a downloadable PDF in the Downloads section below. For a machined part, send us your drawing and we will confirm what is achievable for the grade and section.
Properties in Detail
Mechanical Properties
- Tensile Strength
- 20 – 35 MPa
- Elongation at Break
- 300 – 400%
- Hardness
- Shore D 50 – 65
- Modulus of Elasticity
- ~500 – 750 MPa
- Coefficient of Friction
- 0.05 – 0.10
- Izod Impact
- No break (tough, non-brittle)
Thermal Properties
- Continuous Service Range
- -180°C to +260°C
- Melting Point
- 327°C
- Thermal Conductivity
- 0.24 – 0.25 W/m·K
- Thermal Expansion (CLTE)
- ~100 – 160 × 10⁻⁶ /°C
- Specific Heat
- ~1.0 kJ/kg·K
Electrical Properties
- Volume Resistivity
- > 10¹⁸ Ω·cm
- Surface Resistivity
- > 10¹⁷ Ω
- Dielectric Strength
- ~60 kV/mm (thin film)
- Dielectric Constant
- 2.1 (60 Hz – 2 GHz)
- Dissipation Factor
- < 0.0002
Manufacturing
Smaller-diameter PTFE rod is produced by ram (paste) extrusion: PTFE powder is compacted and continuously sintered into rod. Larger diameters and billets are compression-moulded and free-sintered, then machined to size. Because PTFE does not flow when molten, it cannot be injection-moulded like ordinary thermoplastics — every PTFE part starts from sintered stock and is machined.
Dimensions & Weight
Standard virgin PTFE rod sizes. Weight per metre is calculated at a density of 2.16 g/cm³ — use it to estimate the weight (and therefore the price, since PTFE is sold by weight) of the length you need.
| Diameter | Standard Length | Weight / metre | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mm | 1000 / 2000 mm | 0.042 kg/m | Stock |
| 8 mm | 1000 / 2000 mm | 0.109 kg/m | Stock |
| 10 mm | 1000 / 2000 mm | 0.170 kg/m | Stock |
| 12 mm | 1000 / 2000 mm | 0.244 kg/m | Stock |
| 16 mm | 1000 / 2000 mm | 0.434 kg/m | Stock |
| 20 mm | 1000 / 2000 mm | 0.679 kg/m | Stock |
| 25 mm | 1000 / 2000 mm | 1.060 kg/m | Stock |
| 30 mm | 1000 / 2000 mm | 1.527 kg/m | Stock |
| 40 mm | 1000 / 2000 mm | 2.714 kg/m | Stock |
| 50 mm | 1000 / 2000 mm | 4.241 kg/m | Stock |
| 60 mm | 1000 mm | 6.107 kg/m | Stock / indent |
| 80 mm | 1000 mm | 10.86 kg/m | Indent |
| 100 mm | 1000 mm | 16.96 kg/m | Indent |
| 100 mm+ | Moulded billet | By quote | Moulded to order |
Need the weight for a specific length? Use our PTFE Weight Calculator.
Chemical Resistance
PTFE is chemically inert to almost everything. The short list of things that do attack it — molten alkali metals and elemental fluorine — are rare in normal industry.
| Medium | Resistance |
|---|---|
| Strong Acids (sulphuric, hydrochloric) | |
| Nitric Acid | |
| Strong Alkalis / Caustic | |
| Aromatic & Ketone Solvents | |
| Alcohols | |
| Chlorine & Oxidizers | |
| Steam & Hot Water | |
| Mineral Oils & Fuels | |
| Molten Alkali Metals | |
| Fluorine Gas (elemental) |
For a full material-by-chemical matrix across everything we supply, see the Chemical Compatibility Chart.
Applications
PTFE rod is machining stock for a wide range of components. Each application below has its own guide covering grade selection and machining tips.
Industries
Why PTFE rod is specified in each of the industries we serve.
Chemical Plants
In chemical processing, the fluid itself is usually the biggest threat to a component's survival. PTFE rod is machined into bushes, valve seats, spacers and liners precisely because it is chemically inert across the full pH 0–14 range — resisting concentrated acids, caustics and aggressive solvents that attack nylon, acetal and most metals over time. A PTFE bush in an acid dosing pump will not swell, corrode or contaminate the process stream, and its low friction means it keeps running with little or no lubrication. That combination of universal chemical resistance and self-lubrication is why PTFE is the default machining stock for wetted parts in acid, chlor-alkali and solvent-handling plant, where a wrong material choice means unplanned downtime and product loss.
Pharmaceutical & Food
Pharmaceutical and food-contact equipment demands materials that are non-contaminating, easy to clean, and able to survive repeated hot CIP/SIP cycles without degrading. Food/FDA-grade virgin PTFE rod machines into valve components, scraper blades, seals and guides that meet these requirements: its near-zero water absorption and non-stick surface resist product build-up and bacterial harbourage, and it tolerates the full sterilisation temperature range without breaking down or leaching. Because PTFE is inert, it will not taint product flavour or introduce extractables — a critical property in hygienic processing. This is why PTFE machined parts are specified throughout dairy, beverage, confectionery and pharmaceutical lines wherever a component touches product directly.
Oil & Gas
Oil and gas service combines aggressive media, wide temperature swings and high pressure — conditions that eliminate most plastics. PTFE rod is machined into back-up rings, valve seats, seals and bearings for exactly this environment: it resists hydrocarbons, sour gas, drilling chemicals and steam, holds up from cryogenic LNG temperatures to +260°C, and its low friction reduces wear on moving seal faces. In wellhead, refinery and petrochemical equipment, PTFE components maintain a seal where elastomers would harden and crack. Filled PTFE grades (glass, carbon, bronze) extend the load and wear capacity further for high-pressure dynamic sealing, but virgin PTFE rod remains the baseline machining stock for chemically demanding oil and gas parts.
Electrical & Engineering
PTFE is one of the best solid dielectric insulators available, with volume resistivity above 10¹⁸ Ω·cm and a low, frequency-stable dielectric constant of 2.1. Machinists turn PTFE rod into insulators, standoffs, bushings and connector bodies for high-voltage and high-frequency equipment where the part must insulate reliably and also tolerate heat. In general engineering, the same rod becomes low-friction bushes, slide pads, guide rails, spacers and wear components that run dry — no lubrication, no stick-slip. Its dimensional stability (near-zero moisture uptake) means machined tolerances hold in humid or wet environments where nylon would swell. This dual electrical-plus-mechanical capability makes PTFE rod a staple of instrumentation, switchgear and precision machine-build workshops.
PTFE vs Nylon vs Delrin vs UHMWPE
The four most common machinable engineering plastics, side by side. Each wins on a different property — choose by the dominant demand of your application.
| Property | PTFE | Nylon (PA6) | Delrin (POM) | UHMWPE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Continuous Temp | 260°C | 100–120°C | 100–120°C | 80–90°C |
| Coefficient of Friction | 0.05–0.10 (lowest) | 0.15–0.30 | 0.20–0.35 | 0.10–0.20 |
| Chemical Resistance | Near-universal (pH 0–14) | Moderate | Moderate | Good |
| Mechanical Strength | Lower | High | Highest / stiffest | High (tough) |
| Moisture Absorption | Effectively nil | High (swells) | Low | Very low |
| Food / FDA Grade | Yes | Grade-dependent | Grade-dependent | Yes |
| Best For | Heat, chemicals, non-stick, electrical | Loaded gears/bushes | Precision gears, stiffness | Abrasion / wear |
Full write-up: PTFE Rod vs POM (Delrin) vs Nylon Rod.
Advantages & Limitations
Advantages
- Chemically inert across the full pH 0–14 range — resists almost all acids, alkalis and solvents.
- Widest usable temperature range of any machinable plastic: -180°C to +260°C.
- Lowest coefficient of friction of any solid — runs dry, no lubrication.
- Outstanding electrical insulator, stable from mains to GHz frequency.
- Effectively zero water absorption — dimensionally stable in wet/humid conditions.
- Non-stick, non-contaminating, UV- and weather-resistant; food/FDA grades available.
Limitations
- Soft and low in mechanical strength versus Delrin or nylon.
- Cold-flows (creeps) under sustained load — must be confined in part design.
- High thermal expansion — machined fits must allow for temperature.
- Cannot be injection-moulded or conventionally welded; must be machined from sintered stock.
- Requires surface etching before it can be bonded with adhesive.
Installation, Storage & Maintenance
Machining & Installation
Machine with sharp tooling and support thin sections. Allow for PTFE's high thermal expansion — cut clearances for the operating temperature, not just ambient. Confine PTFE in a housing or groove where it carries load, so cold-flow cannot push it out of position.
Storage
PTFE is chemically stable with an effectively indefinite shelf life. Store rod clean, flat and evenly supported so it cannot take a set or pick up point-load damage, since PTFE cold-flows under sustained localised pressure.
Maintenance
Machined PTFE parts are essentially maintenance-free — they run dry, resist chemical attack and do not corrode. Inspect dynamic seals and bushes for creep/wear at scheduled shutdowns; replace on a fixed interval in critical duty rather than waiting for failure.
Buying Guide
To quote PTFE rod accurately we need four things: diameter, length (or the finished part size), grade (virgin, reprocessed, food/FDA, or a filled grade), and quantity. Because PTFE is priced by weight, the diameter and length determine the cost — use the dimension table above or the PTFE Weight Calculator to estimate it.
Standards
- ASTM D4894 / D4895 — Standard specification for PTFE resin, moulded and extruded.
- ISO 12086 — Fluoropolymer dispersions and moulding/extrusion materials — specification.
- ISO 13000-2 — PTFE semi-finished products — properties and test methods.
- FDA 21 CFR 177.1550 — Food-contact compliance for PTFE (food-grade stock).
- ASTM D2240 / D570 / D150 — Test methods for hardness, water absorption and dielectric properties.
Downloads
Need STEP, DWG or DXF CAD files for a specific machined part? Request them on WhatsApp with your part drawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can PTFE rods be machined?
Yes — PTFE machines readily on standard lathes and mills with sharp tooling. It is one of the easiest engineering plastics to turn, drill and mill into bushes, bearings, seals, spacers and insulators. Because it is soft and has high thermal expansion, use sharp tools, support thin sections, and machine clearances for the operating temperature rather than just ambient.
Can PTFE rods be welded?
Not in the conventional sense. PTFE does not melt-weld like most thermoplastics because it does not flow when molten — it forms a gel rather than a liquid. PTFE parts are joined mechanically (fasteners, glands, housings) or, for sheet, by specialist heat-fusion of PTFE-to-PTFE under pressure. For most rod applications, parts are machined whole rather than welded.
Can PTFE rods be glued or bonded?
Only after surface treatment. PTFE's non-stick surface resists adhesives, so bonding requires chemical etching (sodium-naphthalene) or plasma treatment of the bond face first, then a suitable adhesive. Where possible, mechanical retention (a groove, shoulder or housing) is more reliable than bonding.
What is the difference between virgin and filled PTFE?
Virgin PTFE is 100% unfilled and gives the lowest friction, best chemical resistance and best electrical insulation, but it is soft and creeps under load. Filled PTFE adds glass, carbon, bronze or graphite to improve load capacity, wear resistance, creep resistance and (for carbon/bronze) thermal conductivity — at the cost of some friction and chemical/electrical performance. Choose virgin for chemical, food and electrical work; choose filled for higher loads and wear.
PTFE vs Nylon — which is better?
They suit different jobs. PTFE wins decisively on temperature range (260°C vs ~100–120°C), chemical resistance, friction and moisture stability (nylon absorbs water and swells). Nylon wins on mechanical strength and cost. Use PTFE where heat, chemicals, non-stick or dimensional stability in wet conditions matter; use nylon for economical, dry, loaded mechanical parts.
PTFE vs UHMWPE — which is better?
UHMWPE has excellent abrasion and impact resistance and is tough, but it is limited to about 80–90°C and has higher friction than PTFE. PTFE handles far higher temperature (260°C), broader chemical attack and lower friction. Choose UHMWPE for abrasion/wear at low temperature; choose PTFE for heat, chemicals and the lowest friction.
PTFE vs Delrin (POM) — which is better?
Delrin (acetal/POM) is much stronger and stiffer than PTFE and holds precise machined tolerances well, making it ideal for gears, precision bushings and load-bearing parts up to ~100–120°C. PTFE is softer but far superior on temperature, chemical resistance, friction and electrical insulation. Choose Delrin for mechanical precision and stiffness; choose PTFE for heat, chemicals and low friction.
Is PTFE rod available in food-grade?
Yes. We supply virgin PTFE rod in certified food/FDA-grade white PTFE for direct food and pharmaceutical product contact. Always specify food grade explicitly for product-contact parts, as not all PTFE stock is graded and documented for food use.
Is PTFE FDA approved?
Virgin PTFE in the correct grade complies with FDA regulations (21 CFR 177.1550) for food-contact use. We can supply food/FDA-grade PTFE rod with the relevant compliance documentation for audited operations. Confirm your specific requirement and we will match the certified grade.
What diameters of PTFE rod do you supply?
Standard extruded rod runs from about 5 mm up to 100 mm diameter in stock and indent sizes; larger diameters up to around 300 mm are available as moulded billet to order. See the dimension table on this page for standard diameters, lengths and weight per metre.
What lengths are PTFE rods supplied in?
Extruded rod is normally supplied in 1000 mm and 2000 mm lengths, cut to your requirement. Moulded billet is produced to a specified length. Tell us the length and quantity you need for an accurate quote.
What is the standard tolerance on PTFE rod?
Extruded PTFE rod is supplied slightly oversize on diameter as machining stock, so you finish to your exact size. If you need rod finished to a specific tolerance, or a machined part to a drawing tolerance, send us the specification and we will confirm what is achievable for the grade and section.
How much does PTFE thermal expansion matter?
A lot — PTFE's coefficient of thermal expansion (~100–160 × 10⁻⁶ /°C) is several times that of metal. Machined parts must allow for it: a tight fit at room temperature can seize when hot or loosen when cold. Design clearances for the operating temperature and confine PTFE in a housing where practical.
Does PTFE resist UV and weathering?
Yes. PTFE is highly resistant to UV, ozone and weathering and does not degrade outdoors the way many plastics do, which is one reason it is used in exposed and long-life applications. It is chemically inert and does not absorb water, so outdoor exposure does not embrittle or swell it.
Can PTFE rod be used outdoors?
Yes. Its UV resistance, chemical inertness, near-zero water absorption and wide temperature range make PTFE well suited to outdoor and exposed use, including in marine and chemical-plant environments.
What is the shelf life of PTFE rod?
PTFE is chemically stable and does not age or degrade in normal storage, so it effectively has an indefinite shelf life. Store it clean, flat and supported to avoid the rod taking a set or picking up surface damage, since PTFE can cold-flow under sustained point loads.
Do you offer custom machining of PTFE parts?
Yes. As well as supplying rod as machining stock, we can machine PTFE parts to your drawing — bushes, seals, valve components, insulators and more. Send us the drawing or the dimensions, media and temperature and we will quote the finished part.
Is PTFE electrically conductive?
No — virgin PTFE is an excellent electrical insulator (volume resistivity > 10¹⁸ Ω·cm). Note that carbon-filled and bronze-filled PTFE grades are electrically conductive, so for insulation always specify virgin (unfilled) PTFE.
Is PTFE flammable?
No. PTFE has a limiting oxygen index of about 95%, meaning it will not sustain a flame in normal air, and it carries a UL94 V-0 rating. It does not support combustion, though like all fluoropolymers it should not be overheated far beyond its service range.
What is the maximum temperature for PTFE rod?
Virgin PTFE has a continuous service temperature of +260°C and a melting point of 327°C. For brief excursions it can go a little higher, but sustained operation should stay at or below 260°C. At the cold end it remains usable down to about -180°C.
Does PTFE absorb water or moisture?
Effectively no — PTFE's water absorption is below 0.01%. This near-zero moisture uptake is why PTFE parts hold their machined dimensions and electrical properties in wet and humid conditions, unlike nylon which swells as it absorbs water.
How do I choose between PTFE, nylon, Delrin and UHMWPE?
Match the material to the dominant demand: PTFE for heat, chemicals, non-stick and electrical insulation; Delrin (POM) for mechanical strength, stiffness and precision; nylon for economical loaded parts in dry conditions; UHMWPE for abrasion and impact at low temperature. Use the comparison table on this page, or send us your operating conditions and we will confirm the right material.
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