Heat Shrinkable and Extruded PTFE FEP PFA Tubing and Products

The Various Differences Between Teflon FEP Tubing And Other Tubing Systems

Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene(FEP) is a highly preferred material in applications where small diameter tubing is required. FEP displays the same chemical and dielectric characteristics as other fluoropolymers. However, it has a lesser temperature resistance.

The nature of FEP makes it perfect for applications that require broad temperature exposure and exceptional chemical resistance. It is more transparent than most other fluoropolymers and has a slightly higher coefficient of friction.

Its chemical inertness and dependability make FEP tubing perfect for a wide variety of applications across food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, fluid transferring and water processing.

Here is a quick breakdown of what FEP tubing can offer:

·       It is non-flammable

·       It is available in a wide variety of variants including heat shrink, coiled and convoluted

·       It displays exceptional thermal stability

How Is FEP Tubing Different From PTFE And PFA Tubing?

Even though it has the same nonstick properties, FEP is slightly different from other types of fluoropolymer tubing materials. Here is a quick breakdown of the primary differences:

·       FEP is highly transparent unlike other tubing options so anything being transported through will show up in its original color.

·       Due to its low heat resistance, using FEP tubing in cooking or high heat applications is not common.

·       FEP is highly resistant to UV radiation.

How Is PTFE Different?

PTFE is largely recognized for its application across the cookware industry and its trade name, ‘Teflon’. Here is how it differentiates from FEP tubing. Due to its exceptional heat resistance, PTFE coatings and tubing is used across a number of cooking appliance and cookware.

·       PTFE has high electro-negativity which makes it hydrophobic.

How Is PFA Different?

PFA stands for perfluoroalkoxy alkanes and is significantly different from both other fluoropolymers due to one property – it can be melt-processed. Here are a few more ways how it is different:

·       It has a smaller molecular chain length than other fluoropolymers.

·       PFA has oxygen atoms in their structure unlike other fluoropolymers.

·       PFA materials can be melt-processed repeatedly to change shape or form.

·       The massive difference in the molecular structure give PFA better flow and thermal stability.

PFA, PTFE and FEP tubing differ largely in form, structure as well as properties. This makes all of them perfect for a number of applications. Whether you are looking for spiral wrap PTFE or heat shrink Teflon, check out Tef Cap today.