Guide to CNC Machining PTFE

PTFE machining products are prominent choices of several critical as well as requiring applications, based on its outstanding chemical resistance as well as security at the raised temperature. Proficient machinists at DEK have the ability to process accurate Teflon machining components with high efficiency.

Table of Contents

What is PTFE?

PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), additionally referred to as Teflon, is a soft, reduced rubbing design plastic with lots of benefits. PTFE is one of the slickest solids and also readily available for everyday usage. There is a vast array of markets that take advantage of the PTFE CNC machined components as its high adaptability and outstanding homes, product developers frequently select it for broad objectives.

PTFE Material Types/Options:

Virgin (Unfilled) Quality PTFE
Glass-filled PTFE
Birthing qualities of PTFE
Reprocessed PTFE

Mechanical Qualities of PTFE:

Density: 2.15 g/cm3.
Surface Solidity: SD63.
Tensile toughness: 1,500– 3,000 PSI (25 MPa).
Flexural modulus: 72,000 PSI (0.70 Grade Point Average).
Water absorption (immersion 1 day): <0.01%.
Coefficient of rubbing (dynamic): 0.10.

Features of PTFE:

Exceptional chemical and also heat resistance
Low friction, non-stick
Excellent weathering resistance
Stable at temperatures as much as 500 ℉.
Superb electrical insulating residential or commercial properties.
The reasonably high strength-to-weight proportion.

Makes use of and also Applications of PTFE and PTFE Machining Components:

Garment Industry: clothing materials.
Building and decor: finish materials.
Medical as well as surgical procedure: tissue and also body organ grafts, medical implants.
Lorry and car: light-weight chassis and also lorry components.
Aerospace sector: coverings, cable insulation, gas tubes, safeguarding surfaces for doors.
Food handling: bakeshop and also food processing call machinery.
Oil & gas: brake lines, tubes and oil pipes, PTFE potting covers.
Electricity as well as electronics: insulators, cathode as well as anode end obstructs, arc guards, etc.
Elements for various and mechanical equipment: seals, gaskets, shutoff, fittings, pump parts, manifolds, semiconductor devices, bearings, bushings, slide blocks, washing machines, mechanical equipment, and so on.

CNC PTFE Machining Tips

PTFE (Teflon) can be machined to create CNC components for different usages. What should you pay attention to when machining PTFE plastic? The CNC machining of Teflon needs understanding and also knowledge of the residential or commercial properties and drawbacks of the material and abilities or experiences for operating the machines.

Top-quality finishing solutions are subject to certain constraints. The high coefficient of development, as well as stress and anxiety, creep residential properties make Teflon challenging to attain tight tolerances, while the finishing makes it even lower. Non-aromatic, water-soluble coolants, such as pressurized air as well as spray mists, are suggested to use for optimal surface area coatings and close tolerances.
The gentleness causes a higher problem in preserving tolerance in plastic machining. An excellent policy for resistances of plastic components is +/ -.001 per inch of dimension, tighter resistances are feasible with extremely stable, enhanced products.
When machining Teflon, consider that PTFE may deform if it is put under severe pressure, consisting of the stress and anxiety on the moving elements.
Out of balance, bowl-shaped or disk-shaped components are not ideal to refine with PTFE.
Notification of the difference between plastic and metal materials, as an example, compared to metal, the thermal expansion of plastics is numerous times that of metal, dissipate warmth much more gradually, so prevent localized overheating.
It’s better to use carbide tooling with polished top surfaces to enhance and protect the tool surface coating.
Support product sufficiently to restrict deviation from the device.
Develop enough chip clearance to prevent blocking.