Materials / Teflon (PTFE) CNC Machining

Teflon (PTFE) CNC Machining Service

Teflon (PTFE) or polyetheretherketone is an advanced engineering plastic with a long list of beneficial properties. These include resilience at high temperatures, abrasion resistance, biocompatibility, resistance to ultra-high vacuum, exceptional chemical resistance, and suitability for CNC machining.

Teflon (PTFE) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic that can continuously operate at temperatures up to 260°C and is highly chemical resistant. It must be noted, however, that some acids like sulphuric acid will dissolve the material. CNC machining in Teflon (PTFE) is a common way to manufacture parts for use in extreme environments that require mechanical strength, chemical stability, and/or high-temperature resistance. Applications include components for the medical, aerospace, and automotive industries.

CNC-machining-Materials-PTFE-Teflon
CNC Machined Plastics

About Teflon (PTFE) for CNC Machining

PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is a fluoropolymer-based thermoplastic made up entirely of carbon and fluorine atoms. It is commonly known by its DuPont trade name, Teflon. Teflon’s temperature resistance properties are among the highest of all common engineering plastics. It’s also exceptionally corrosion-resistant thanks to its fluoropolymer chemical makeup. CNC machining in PTFE-Teflon is CNC machining PTFE-Teflon is relatively easy due to its low strength and relative softness, though it may be difficult to maintain high levels of precision.


PTFE-Teflon is distinguished from most engineering plastics because of its very high melting point, low friction coefficient, and is chemically inert. These unusual properties have landed PTFE-Teflon coatings their well-known role in non-stick cookware and additional applications in the food and beverage, petrochemical, medical, and electrical components industries.

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Teflon (PTFE) CNC machining
Teflon (PTFE) CNC machining
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General Teflon (PTFE)

Despite the material’s use primarily as a coating, some medical implants are manufactured via CNC machining in PTFE-Teflon. Teflon is inert and therefore medical implants made from this material are not rejected by the body. Its low friction coefficient makes it ideal for sliding-contact components like bearings.





Generic Teflon (PTFE) Properties

Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) Elongation at Break (%) Hardness (Rockwell M) Heat Deflection Temperature (°C) at 0.46 MPa Melting Point (°C)
9-31 300-402 55-66 116 331




Generic PC (polycarbonate) at a Glance





Applications Advantages Disadvantages Lead Time Tolerances
Medical implants, pipe coatings for corrosive chemicals, electrical component insulation Food-safe, hydrophobic, high-temperature resistance, low friction coefficient Creates toxic fumes when overheated, poor abrasion resistance Lead time for Teflon (PTFE) parts starts at 3 business days Standard tolerance is +/- 0.010” ; +/- 0.001" tolerances are achievable.




Finishes

Teflon is highly resistant to coatings due to its nature as a non-stick surface. Teflon tends to leave burrs on machined edges, but FlagShip automatically removes these before shipping the finished product.


As Machined: It is best to leave the part in its machined state. Bead Blast: For a smoother finish and to remove irregularities, parts may be bead blasted for a uniform surface smoothness.
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Cost-saving Design Tips CNC machining in PTFE-Teflon can be challenging, especially if tight tolerances are required. As such, it is important to ensure that the machining process is as hassle-free and quick as possible.

Design features on the same axis planes: This will minimize the need for more costly 4- and 5-axis CNC machines. Consistency is key: Keeping features such as internal corner radii and tapped holes consistent will also help save time and money on parts by reducing the need for tool changes.
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