Teflon Machined Parts
Teflon (PTFE — polytetrafluoroethylene) is the chemical-resistance and low-friction standard in machined plastic parts. It resists virtually every industrial chemical, operates continuously from −328°F to +500°F, and has the lowest coefficient of friction of any solid material. When your application involves aggressive chemicals, extreme temperatures, or a requirement for a non-stick or low-contamination surface, PTFE is the default machined material.
Federal Materials machines Teflon PTFE to customer prints in rod, sheet, and tube stock. PTFE requires special machining technique — it is soft, creep-prone, and cold-flows under clamp pressure — and our operators are experienced with the workholding and tool parameters required to hold tolerances in this material. We machine virgin PTFE, glass-filled, carbon-filled, and bronze-filled grades.
Note: Teflon = PTFE. These terms are used interchangeably in engineering and procurement; Teflon is the Chemours trade name for PTFE.
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- Seals and V-ring seals — reciprocating and rotary, chemical and cryogenic service
- Gaskets and custom-profile gaskets — cut and machined to print
- Valve seats and plug seals — chemical process industry (CPI) standard
- Bushings and plain bearings — filled grades for wear applications
- Piston rings and rider rings — compressor service
- Insulators and standoffs — high-voltage and RF/microwave applications
- Custom profiles and manifold blocks — CNC milled from sheet or bar
- Sample and analytical tubing components — chemical laboratory service
- Labware and custom vessels — machined to clean-room standards
Typical Tolerances
| Dimension type | Production tolerance |
|---|---|
| Critical turned dims (OD/ID) | ±0.002" |
| General machined dims | ±0.005" |
| Flatness (plates ≤ 12") | ±0.010" |
| Thread form | 2B class — note: threads in PTFE require careful design |
PTFE is the most dimensionally challenging plastic to machine due to its tendency to cold-flow under clamp and cutting forces. Tolerances tighter than ±0.002" are achievable on specific features but require discussion at RFQ. Note that PTFE will creep under sustained mechanical load — design bolt loads and interference fits accordingly.
Finish Options
| Finish | Description |
|---|---|
| As-machined | Natural white PTFE surface; non-stick, clean |
| Skived (for thin sheet parts) | Skived PTFE sheet for gaskets and thin seals |
| No surface treatment | PTFE is chemically inert; no passivation, plating, or priming without special process |
PTFE cannot be bonded with standard adhesives without surface etching (sodium-naphthalene or corona treatment). If bonding is required, specify on your RFQ.
Standard Turnaround
| Stage | Lead time |
|---|---|
| Quote response | Same business day |
| Prototype / first article (1–5 pcs) | 3–5 business days |
| Short run (6–50 pcs) | 5–10 business days |
| Production run (50+ pcs) | 10–15 business days |
We stock virgin PTFE rod and sheet in a wide range of sizes. Filled grades (glass, carbon, bronze) confirmed at quoting.
Materials We Stock (PTFE Stock Shapes)
| Form | Grade | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Rod | Virgin PTFE | ¼" – 12" diameter |
| Rod | 25% Glass-filled | ¼" – 6" diameter |
| Rod | Carbon-filled | ¼" – 4" diameter |
| Rod | Bronze-filled | ¼" – 6" diameter |
| Sheet / plate | Virgin PTFE | 0.031" – 4.000" thick |
| Tube | Virgin PTFE | Selected OD/wall sizes |
All PTFE stock is molded-and-sintered per ASTM D4894 (virgin) or D4745 (filled grades). Material certifications with each order.
Quality & Inspection
- Dimensional inspection — in-process and final; CMM first-article available
- Material certification — virgin or filled grade C of C, ASTM D4894/D4745
- FDA documentation — available; PTFE is FDA 21 CFR compliant for food contact
- USP Class VI / biocompatibility — documentation available for medical applications
- Visual inspection — voids, inclusions, surface finish, burr-free edges
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Request a Quote →More Related Guides
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