What is PTFE used for?

PTFE is used where a part needs very low friction, contact with aggressive chemicals or high temperature: valve seats, seals, gaskets, bushings, washers, electrical insulators and components for chemical, food, pharmaceutical and semiconductor equipment. It is soft, so it is not used for parts that carry heavy loads.

Can Teflon be machined? Is PTFE easy to machine?

Yes. PTFE cuts easily with sharp tools and leaves a smooth finish, which is why most PTFE parts are machined instead of molded. The challenge is holding dimensions: PTFE is soft, deforms under clamping pressure and expands with heat, so parts are fixtured gently and measured at room temperature.

What tolerances can you hold on machined PTFE parts?

Our standard tolerance is ±0.005" (±0.127 mm, ISO 2768-m) on small parts. On large parts or thin walls we recommend ±0.010" (±0.25 mm) or more, because PTFE expands with heat about ten times more than steel and relaxes after machining.

Is PTFE the same as Teflon?

None in the material. Teflon is the Chemours brand name for PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). Machined "Teflon" parts are made from PTFE rod or sheet from any qualified supplier; if your drawing requires a specific brand or grade, add it to the notes when you quote.

How much do custom PTFE parts cost?

As an estimated reference, the illustrated white PTFE flanged bushing, Ø60 × 30 mm with a Ø25 bore and four mounting holes, costs USD 55.31 for one part, USD 15.55 per part for 25 and USD 13.91 per part for 100. Tax and shipping are excluded. Final pricing depends on the file, tolerances and manufacturing review.

What design and engineering considerations are important when working with PTFE in production programs?

When designing with PTFE, engineers should consider its low mechanical strength and tendency to creep under sustained load. Proper support and load distribution are critical in structural applications. Thermal expansion is relatively high, so assemblies must allow for movement. Because of its softness, tight tolerances may require special consideration in machining and assembly. In terms of availability, PTFE is available in multiple grades, including filled variants, allowing engineers to tailor performance for specific applications.

CNC turning and milling · From 1 part

CNC machining of
PTFE (Teflon)

Custom PTFE parts, from a single part to production.

Explore PTFE properties

Render of a white machined PTFE bushing with a top flange and four mounting holes

Flanged bushing

White PTFE · Ø60 × 30 mm · Ø25 bore

1 part

$55.31 USD

per part

25 parts

$15.55 USD

per part

-71.89%

100 parts

$13.91 USD

per part

-74.85%

Estimates · Tax and shipping excluded

Loading…

Manufacturing services

CNC turning and milling · From 1 part

CNC machining of
PTFE (Teflon)

Custom PTFE parts, from a single part to production.

Explore PTFE properties

Flanged bushing

White PTFE · Ø60 × 30 mm · Ø25 bore

1 part

$55.31 USD

per part

25 parts

$15.55 USD

per part

-71.89%

100 parts

$13.91 USD

per part

-74.85%

Estimates · Tax and shipping excluded

Material Overview

What is PTFE (Teflon)?

PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), best known by the brand name Teflon, is the fluoropolymer with one of the lowest coefficients of friction of any solid, resistance to almost every chemical and a service temperature up to 260 °C (500 °F). We machine custom PTFE parts with CNC turning and CNC milling from virgin, glass-filled and carbon/graphite-filled rod and sheet: bushings, washers, seals, gaskets, valve seats and insulators. PTFE is soft and creeps under load, so it is chosen for sealing, sliding and chemical contact, not for parts that carry heavy loads.

Machined PTFE components for sealing and low-friction applications

Specifications

PTFE (Teflon) Specifications

Engineering-grade properties of PTFE, including mechanical, thermal, and chemical characteristics relevant to sealing, sliding, and chemically aggressive environments. This data supports material selection for specialized applications requiring low friction and chemical inertness.

PTFE Engineering Properties

Material Type

Fluoropolymer (PTFE)

Primary Characteristics

Extremely low friction, outstanding chemical resistance, non-stick surface, soft material

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

2,500–4,000 psi (17–28 MPa)

Elongation at Break

200–400%

Compressive Strength

Low to moderate (creep under load)

Hardness

Shore D50–D65

Density

2.15–2.20 g/cm³

Elastic Modulus

75,000–100,000 psi (0.5–0.7 GPa)

Coefficient of Friction

Very low (one of the lowest of any solid material)

Continuous Service Temperature

~260 °C (500 °F)

Melting Point

~327 °C (620 °F)

Glass Transition Temperature

~115 °C (239 °F)

Thermal Conductivity

~0.25 W/m·K

Machinability

Good (soft material; requires sharp tools and controlled cutting conditions)

Chemical Resistance

Excellent (resistant to almost all chemicals and solvents)

Wear Resistance

Moderate (improved with filled grades)

Electrical Insulation

Excellent

Moisture Absorption

Negligible

Common Forms

Rod, sheet, tube

Typical Applications

Seals, gaskets, valve seats, bushings, washers, insulators, chemical handling components

Performance

Material Performance Overview

Rating across key engineering and manufacturing criteria.

Strength

Weight

Machinability

Friction Performance

Chemical Resistance

Thermal Resistance

Dimensional Stability

Cost Efficiency

Ready to machine your PTFE parts?

Upload your CAD file and get an instant price for your custom PTFE (Teflon) parts, from a single prototype to production runs.

Custom PTFE Parts We Machine

Most PTFE parts are turned from rod or milled from sheet. These are the parts we machine most often:

PTFE valve seats and ball valve seats

PTFE bushings and flanged bushings

PTFE washers and spacers

PTFE seals, gaskets and back-up rings

Wear strips and sliding pads

Electrical insulators and standoffs

Pump and fluid handling components

Food-grade and pharmaceutical parts

Lab and semiconductor components

Material FAQs

PTFE (Teflon) Machining FAQs

Common questions about custom PTFE machined parts.

Material Guide

PTFE Machining Guide: Properties, Grades, Tolerances and Applications

PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), commonly known as Teflon, is a high-performance fluoropolymer with extremely low friction, outstanding chemical resistance and a wide operating temperature range. It cannot be injection molded like most plastics, so precision PTFE parts are made by CNC machining from compression-molded rod, tube and sheet.

In practice, PTFE is selected when a part needs near-zero friction, contact with aggressive chemicals or non-stick behavior, especially where most other plastics and even metals would fail.

Key manufacturing characteristics of PTFE

Ultra-low friction coefficient: One of the lowest friction materials available for engineering applications.
Exceptional chemical resistance: Resistant to almost all chemicals, including acids, solvents, and corrosive fluids.
Non-stick surface behavior: Extremely low surface energy prevents adhesion.
Wide temperature range: Performs across very low and high temperatures.
Soft and deformable material: Requires careful handling during CNC machining services.
Machined, not molded: Precision PTFE parts are cut from compression-molded rod, tube and sheet.

Mechanical and physical properties of PTFE

PTFE is typically selected for chemical and tribological performance rather than mechanical strength.

Typical performance profile

Extremely low coefficient of friction
Very high chemical resistance across most environments
Low mechanical strength and stiffness
High creep under sustained load
Stable performance across extreme temperatures

Why engineers choose it

Enables non-stick and low-friction system performance
Performs in aggressive chemical environments
Suitable for seals, liners, and fluid-handling components
Provides unique properties not matched by most other materials

Strengths and advantages of PTFE

Near-zero friction: Ideal for bearings, seals, and sliding components.
Outstanding chemical resistance: Performs in environments where most materials degrade.
Wide temperature capability: Suitable for both cryogenic and elevated temperature conditions.
Non-stick behavior: Prevents buildup, fouling, or material adhesion.
Electrical insulation properties: Excellent dielectric performance.
Stable in harsh environments: Performs reliably in demanding industrial conditions.

Trade-offs and limitations of PTFE

Low mechanical strength: Not suitable for load-bearing structural applications.
High creep: Deforms significantly under long-term load.
Poor dimensional stability under stress: Not ideal for tight tolerance precision parts.
Difficult to bond: Extremely low surface energy makes adhesive bonding nearly impossible.
Soft material behavior: Can deform during machining and assembly.
Material cost: One of the more expensive engineering plastics per pound

Fabrication and machining considerations for PTFE

Machining behavior

PTFE is commonly processed using CNC milling and CNC turning, but its softness and flexibility require careful process control.

Material can deform under clamping pressure
Sharp tooling is critical for clean cuts
Dimensional accuracy can be affected by material relaxation

PTFE machining tolerances

Our standard tolerance for machined PTFE parts is ±0.005" (±0.127 mm, ISO 2768-m) on small parts. PTFE expands with heat roughly ten times more than steel and relaxes after machining, so on large parts or thin walls we recommend ±0.010" (±0.25 mm) or more, and seal and seat fits are designed with the squeeze PTFE needs instead of a tight tolerance.

PTFE grades we machine

Virgin PTFE: white, the most chemically inert and the best electrical insulator; the choice for seals, food and pharmaceutical parts.
Glass-filled PTFE (15–25 %): much better wear and creep resistance; common for bushings and valve seats under load.
Carbon or graphite-filled PTFE: low wear and good heat dissipation; used in dry-running bushings and piston rings.
Bronze-filled PTFE: highest wear and creep resistance, but not for chemical or electrical applications.

Dimensional stability and creep

Parts may deform under sustained load over time
Design must account for creep and compression set
Not suitable for tight-tolerance load-bearing applications

Sealing and fluid applications

Excellent for gaskets, seals, and valve components
Performs well in aggressive chemical systems
Often used in fluid handling and process industries

Joining and assembly

Typically assembled using mechanical retention
Adhesive bonding is generally not feasible
Designs must account for material deformation

Common applications for PTFE

PTFE is widely used in industries requiring chemical resistance, low friction, and high-performance sealing.

Valve seats and ball valve seats
Bushings, washers and sliding components
Seals, gaskets and back-up rings
Chemical processing and pump components
Electrical insulation components
Food, pharmaceutical and lab components
Semiconductor and cleanroom components

When PTFE is a strong material choice

PTFE is often the right choice when chemical resistance, low friction, and temperature stability are critical, and mechanical strength is not the primary requirement.

When near-zero friction is required
When parts are exposed to aggressive chemicals
When non-stick behavior is critical
When operating across extreme temperatures
When sealing performance is more important than structural strength

Material Overview

What is PTFE (Teflon)?

Specifications

PTFE (Teflon) Specifications

PTFE Engineering Properties

Material Type

Fluoropolymer (PTFE)

Primary Characteristics

Extremely low friction, outstanding chemical resistance, non-stick surface, soft material

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

2,500–4,000 psi (17–28 MPa)

Elongation at Break

200–400%

Compressive Strength

Low to moderate (creep under load)

Hardness

Shore D50–D65

Density

2.15–2.20 g/cm³

Elastic Modulus

75,000–100,000 psi (0.5–0.7 GPa)

Coefficient of Friction

Very low (one of the lowest of any solid material)

Continuous Service Temperature

~260 °C (500 °F)

Melting Point

~327 °C (620 °F)

Glass Transition Temperature

~115 °C (239 °F)

Thermal Conductivity

~0.25 W/m·K

Machinability

Good (soft material; requires sharp tools and controlled cutting conditions)

Chemical Resistance

Excellent (resistant to almost all chemicals and solvents)

Wear Resistance

Moderate (improved with filled grades)

Electrical Insulation

Excellent

Moisture Absorption

Negligible

Common Forms

Rod, sheet, tube

Typical Applications

Seals, gaskets, valve seats, bushings, washers, insulators, chemical handling components

Performance

Material Performance Overview

Rating across key engineering and manufacturing criteria.

Strength

Weight

Machinability

Friction Performance

Chemical Resistance

Thermal Resistance

Dimensional Stability

Cost Efficiency

Ready to machine your PTFE parts?

Upload your CAD file and get an instant price for your custom PTFE (Teflon) parts, from a single prototype to production runs.

Custom PTFE Parts We Machine

Most PTFE parts are turned from rod or milled from sheet. These are the parts we machine most often:

PTFE valve seats and ball valve seats

PTFE bushings and flanged bushings

PTFE washers and spacers

PTFE seals, gaskets and back-up rings

Wear strips and sliding pads

Electrical insulators and standoffs

Pump and fluid handling components

Food-grade and pharmaceutical parts

Lab and semiconductor components

Material FAQs

PTFE (Teflon) Machining FAQs

Common questions about custom PTFE machined parts.

Material Guide

PTFE Machining Guide: Properties, Grades, Tolerances and Applications

Key manufacturing characteristics of PTFE

Ultra-low friction coefficient: One of the lowest friction materials available for engineering applications.
Exceptional chemical resistance: Resistant to almost all chemicals, including acids, solvents, and corrosive fluids.
Non-stick surface behavior: Extremely low surface energy prevents adhesion.
Wide temperature range: Performs across very low and high temperatures.
Soft and deformable material: Requires careful handling during CNC machining services.
Machined, not molded: Precision PTFE parts are cut from compression-molded rod, tube and sheet.

Mechanical and physical properties of PTFE

PTFE is typically selected for chemical and tribological performance rather than mechanical strength.

Typical performance profile

Extremely low coefficient of friction
Very high chemical resistance across most environments
Low mechanical strength and stiffness
High creep under sustained load
Stable performance across extreme temperatures

Why engineers choose it

Enables non-stick and low-friction system performance
Performs in aggressive chemical environments
Suitable for seals, liners, and fluid-handling components
Provides unique properties not matched by most other materials

Strengths and advantages of PTFE

Near-zero friction: Ideal for bearings, seals, and sliding components.
Outstanding chemical resistance: Performs in environments where most materials degrade.
Wide temperature capability: Suitable for both cryogenic and elevated temperature conditions.
Non-stick behavior: Prevents buildup, fouling, or material adhesion.
Electrical insulation properties: Excellent dielectric performance.
Stable in harsh environments: Performs reliably in demanding industrial conditions.

Trade-offs and limitations of PTFE

Low mechanical strength: Not suitable for load-bearing structural applications.
High creep: Deforms significantly under long-term load.
Poor dimensional stability under stress: Not ideal for tight tolerance precision parts.
Difficult to bond: Extremely low surface energy makes adhesive bonding nearly impossible.
Soft material behavior: Can deform during machining and assembly.
Material cost: One of the more expensive engineering plastics per pound

Fabrication and machining considerations for PTFE

Machining behavior

PTFE is commonly processed using CNC milling and CNC turning, but its softness and flexibility require careful process control.

Material can deform under clamping pressure
Sharp tooling is critical for clean cuts
Dimensional accuracy can be affected by material relaxation

PTFE machining tolerances

PTFE grades we machine

Virgin PTFE: white, the most chemically inert and the best electrical insulator; the choice for seals, food and pharmaceutical parts.
Glass-filled PTFE (15–25 %): much better wear and creep resistance; common for bushings and valve seats under load.
Carbon or graphite-filled PTFE: low wear and good heat dissipation; used in dry-running bushings and piston rings.
Bronze-filled PTFE: highest wear and creep resistance, but not for chemical or electrical applications.

Dimensional stability and creep

Parts may deform under sustained load over time
Design must account for creep and compression set
Not suitable for tight-tolerance load-bearing applications

Sealing and fluid applications

Excellent for gaskets, seals, and valve components
Performs well in aggressive chemical systems
Often used in fluid handling and process industries

Joining and assembly

Typically assembled using mechanical retention
Adhesive bonding is generally not feasible
Designs must account for material deformation

Common applications for PTFE

PTFE is widely used in industries requiring chemical resistance, low friction, and high-performance sealing.

Valve seats and ball valve seats
Bushings, washers and sliding components
Seals, gaskets and back-up rings
Chemical processing and pump components
Electrical insulation components
Food, pharmaceutical and lab components
Semiconductor and cleanroom components

When PTFE is a strong material choice

PTFE is often the right choice when chemical resistance, low friction, and temperature stability are critical, and mechanical strength is not the primary requirement.

When near-zero friction is required
When parts are exposed to aggressive chemicals
When non-stick behavior is critical
When operating across extreme temperatures
When sealing performance is more important than structural strength

CNC machining ofPTFE (Teflon)

CNC machining ofPTFE (Teflon)

What is PTFE (Teflon)?

PTFE (Teflon) Specifications

PTFE Engineering Properties

Material Performance Overview

Ready to machine your PTFE parts?

Custom PTFE Parts We Machine

PTFE (Teflon) Machining FAQs

PTFE Machining Guide: Properties, Grades, Tolerances and Applications

Key manufacturing characteristics of PTFE

Mechanical and physical properties of PTFE

Typical performance profile

Why engineers choose it

Strengths and advantages of PTFE

Trade-offs and limitations of PTFE

Fabrication and machining considerations for PTFE

Machining behavior

PTFE machining tolerances

PTFE grades we machine

Dimensional stability and creep

Sealing and fluid applications

Joining and assembly

Common applications for PTFE

When PTFE is a strong material choice

What is PTFE (Teflon)?

PTFE (Teflon) Specifications

PTFE Engineering Properties

Material Performance Overview

Ready to machine your PTFE parts?

Custom PTFE Parts We Machine

PTFE (Teflon) Machining FAQs

PTFE Machining Guide: Properties, Grades, Tolerances and Applications

Key manufacturing characteristics of PTFE

Mechanical and physical properties of PTFE

Typical performance profile

Why engineers choose it

Strengths and advantages of PTFE

Trade-offs and limitations of PTFE

Fabrication and machining considerations for PTFE

Machining behavior

PTFE machining tolerances

PTFE grades we machine

Dimensional stability and creep

Sealing and fluid applications

Joining and assembly

Common applications for PTFE

When PTFE is a strong material choice

CNC machining of
PTFE (Teflon)

CNC machining of
PTFE (Teflon)