Machinable PTFE-based shapes
By Staff | February 2008
Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products (Reading, Pa.) has its Fluorosint range of rod, tube and sheet materials, from which highly wear-resistant, low-friction sealing rings and bearings can be machined, with the introduction of its Fluorosint HPV grade. The products, which chemically link mica with PTFE, reportedly have a dynamic coefficient of friction (dry vs. steel) of 0.14 to 0.15, a K-factor (an indicator of wear resistance) of 25,000, Rockwell hardness of R54 and service temperature range of -240°C to 260°C (-400°F to 500°F), offering performance greater than parts made from unfilled PTFE. Machined parts can be used with or without external lubrication, reportedly allowing them to wear evenly without erratic motion in low-speed start/stop applications that require zero stick-slip. Finished parts (material can be supplied in near-net shape) exhibit wear behavior superior to bronze, powdered metals and steel, will neither rust nor corrode in alkaline or acidic environments and are FDA-compliant for food processing equipment.
