What are PTFE Seals?
Sealing solutions are found in almost every machine and vehicle across industries, where they serve to defend against potential component damage by external environmental factors and protect against air and fluid leakage. Seals made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE seals)—also commonly referred to by the brand name Teflon®— have become popular for their inertness when interacting with most chemicals and acids, as well as an ability to handle a broad range of temperatures, pressures, and shaft speeds. Sometimes called Teflon oil seals, fluid seals, or dirt seals, PTFE seals are used in a wide variety of applications, from automotive and aerospace to pharmaceutical and food processing.
PTFE Materials
At MSP Seals, our PTFE seals are manufactured by creating a custom blend of virgin PTFE with different fillers to add or enhance specific physical properties. The vast number of filler options have facilitated the development of numerous types of PTFE. Some of the most common fillers include:
- As the most common filler, polyesters, such as fiberglass, offer good wear resistance, low creep, good compressive strength, and excellent chemical compatibility.
- Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). MoS2 improves wear resistance and lowers the coefficient of friction for the seal. This filler is commonly combined with glass and bronze. They offer excellent chemical compatibility.
- Graphite. This filler is frequently used in dynamic applications that require low friction and minimal wear. It provides good thermal conductivity, low moisture absorption, and excellent chemical resistance.
- Carbon Fiber. This filler is commonly used in high-pressure applications due to its high tensile strength and ability to withstand extreme temperatures.
- Bronze. While bronze has higher friction properties than other filled PTFE, it provides excellent wear resistance and thermal conductivity.
A wide range of seals use PTFE materials, such as:
- Fluid power cylinder piston and rod seals and rod wipers
- Lantern rings
- PTFE shaft seals
- PTFE rotary seals
- PTFE O-rings
- Teflon oil seals
- Spring-loaded U-cups
- Specially engineered seals
Advantages of PTFE Seals
PTFE seals often perform well in environments where other elastomers cannot. The primary benefits associated with PTFE seals include:
- Extreme chemical resistance. The inert material reduces the risk of seal failure in chemical process equipment or other machinery that comes in contact with chemicals.
- Tolerating speeds up to 30 m/s. A PTFE seal performs better than others in applications with higher shaft speeds because they have the lowest friction coefficient.
- Broad operating temperature range. PTFE shaft seals operate well in harsh environments and have a wide operating temperature range from –70 to +250°C (–95 to 480°F). This makes them ideal for use in extreme conditions.
- Outstanding wear resistance. PTFE seals have exceptional abrasion resistance, allowing for longer seal life and reduced maintenance costs.
- Low coefficient of friction. With a low coefficient of friction, PTFE seals require less energy to operate and can provide smoother performance compared to other materials.
- Excellent electrical properties. PTFE can be formulated with very high electrical resistance.
Why Partner with MSP Seals?
We understand that choosing the right seal supplier is crucial for your business. That’s why at MSP Seals, we go above and beyond to provide our customers with the best service and products. Our material options include Virgin PTFE and PTFE loaded with polyesters, carbon, graphite, bronze, MoS2, or any other available filler. Our team can supply custom PTFE seals in all quantities, from single pieces to high-volume production runs. Full PPAP capabilities.
MSP Seals is ISO 9001:2015-certified and ISO 14001:2015 certified and dedicated to quality, innovation, and superior customer service. Please contact us today to see how our custom PTFE seals and other products can support your project.
