What is PTFE Injection Moulding?
PTFE injection molding, also referred to as injection moulding PTFE, is a specialized process used to shape Teflon (PTFE) into high-performance parts that require exceptional chemical resistance, low friction, and thermal stability.
- The PTFE moulding process begins with precision mold design and pre-processing of PTFE resin
- Due to its high melt viscosity, traditional injection molding is modified or replaced with paste extrusion and sintering techniques
- Post-molding sintering is essential to ensure strength and molecular integrity
- Final parts may be fine-tuned with machining, surface treatments, or coatings
As experts in molding PTFE, we provide tailored PTFE Molding solutions for industries operating in chemically aggressive or high-temperature environments.
Injection Molding PTFE Parameters Table
| Parameter | Recommended Range |
|---|---|
| Wall Thickness | 3.0mm - 10.0mm |
| Maximum Part Size | 200mm x 200mm x 100mm |
| Minimum Feature Size | 0.5mm - 1.0mm |
| Tolerances | ±0.1mm - ±0.5mm |
PTFE Material Properties
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), commonly known by the brand name Teflon, is a high-performance fluoropolymer ideal for injection molded PTFE parts due to its key Material Properties:
- Superior chemical resistance – inert to nearly all corrosive substances
- Excellent thermal endurance – continuous operation up to 260°C
- Extremely low friction – ideal for Teflon moulding process applications
- Non-stick, non-wetting surface – prevents fouling and contamination
- Great dielectric properties – preferred in insulation and high-voltage systems
| Property | Density | Tensile Strength | Flexural Strength | Impact Strength (Unnotched) | Heat Deflection Temp (0.45 MPa) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value/Description | 2.14 - 2.20g/cm³ | 20 - 35 MPa | 14 - 20 MPa | 5 -12 kJ/m² | 120 - 130℃ |
- The above parameters represent the baseline performance of the materials. Actual application should be dynamically optimized based on specific working conditions.
Advantages & Disadvantages of PTFE Injection Molding
Teflon injection molding offers excellent mechanical properties, but has limitations in heat resistance and UV stability. Understanding these factors helps in material selection for industrial applications.
Advantages
- Resistant to virtually all chemicals – key strength of PTFE injection moulding
- Extreme temperature resistance – maintains properties in harsh heat conditions
- Low friction – reduces wear in moving parts, ideal for molding PTFE bearings and seals
- Electrical insulation – excellent for sensitive electronic components
- Non-stick surface – prevents material buildup in Teflon moulding process
Disadvantages
- High shrinkage and difficulty in processing – challenges in injection moulding PTFE
- Requires post-molding sintering – adds time and complexity
- Limited adhesion – overmolding or bonding to other materials requires special treatments
- Higher cost compared to standard plastics
Applications of Injection Molding PTFE
Injection molded PTFE is preferred in demanding sectors that require reliability, precision, and resistance to chemicals and heat.
Medical Industry
- Sterile labware
- Non-stick surgical components
- PTFE moulding for seals and valves
- Anti-corrosive medical enclosures
Aerospace & Defense
- Thermal insulators and guides
- Fuel system seals
- Cable insulations
- Chemically stable connectors
Electronics & Semiconductors
- High-voltage insulation
- Non-conductive fittings
- Wafer processing components
- PCB supports
Industrial Applications
- Pumps, gaskets, and valve linings
- Low-friction slides
- Teflon moulding parts for chemical tanks
- Anti-adhesive machine components
Jiangzhi PTFE Injection Molding Parts are Guaranteed
100% Satisfaction – High-performance, injection molded PTFE parts with superior heat and chemical resistance. Your requirements, precisely delivered through expert PTFE moulding.
Can PTFE be processed through standard injection molding?
Traditional injection molding is challenging for PTFE due to its high viscosity. Instead, the PTFE moulding process involves paste extrusion, compression molding, or a modified injection moulding PTFE method with post-sintering.
What’s the difference between PTFE and other engineering plastics?
PTFE outperforms most plastics in chemical resistance and thermal stability. However, it is softer and less mechanically strong than materials like PEEK or PPS.
Is PTFE suitable for overmolding?
Not usually, due to its non-stick nature. But some bonding can be achieved with plasma treatment or mechanical locking.
How much does PTFE injection molding cost?
The cost of PTFE injection molding is generally higher due to special processing needs, post-treatment, and raw material price. But the performance advantages often justify the investment in mission-critical parts.
Why do you need sintering for PTFE molding? What are the key parameters of the sintering process?
Purpose of sintering: The PTFE particles are fused and bonded at high temperature to form a dense structure.
Key parameters:
- Temperature: 360-380 ° C (below melting point 327 ° C can not be completely melted, above 380 ° C is easy to decompose).
- Heating rate: Slow heating (1-2℃/min) to avoid cracking caused by temperature difference between inside and outside.
- Holding time: Depending on thickness (usually 1-2 hours /10mm thickness).
- Cooling rate: natural cooling or controlled cooling (too fast cooling is easy to produce internal stress).
