What is PTFE Tape？

What is PTFE tape？

PTFE (Teflon), a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, is used to make the PTFE tape. To produce PTFE tape, silicate glass fiber fabric is used as the substrate, then, coat the substrate with Teflon emulsion and after dry the coating, apply Teflon emulsion again. 

Properties of the PTFE tape

1. STICK WELL & LEAVE NO RESIDUE

   The PTFE tape has a smooth surface, and it sticks well and leaves no residue

   
   

2. ABRASIVE RESISTANCE

   The surface is highly abrasion-resistant. 

   
   

3. ANTI-FRICTION

   The coefficient of friction is usually within the range of 0.05 - 0.20.

   
   

4. DISTINCTIVE ELECTRIC PROPERTY

   The coating has better insulation and lower dielectric coefficient even in a wide range of electrical frequencies. The special coating can conduct electricity and prevent static electricity.

   
   

5. HEAT STABILITY

   The coating can be exposed to the temperature of 260℃/500°F for a constant long time span and to the temperature of 315℃/600°F within a short period.

   
   

6. INFILTRATE

   The oleophobic and hydrophobic surface prevents the tape from being easily socked, making it easier to completely clean the surface.

   
   

7. LOW- & HIGH-TEMPERATURE RESISTANCE

   The coating can maintain its physical characteristics under extremely low temperatures with a limit to -270℃/-454°F. Besides, under high temperatures, the tape can still stick well without curled edges and still leave no residue.

   
   

8. CHEMICAL RESISTANCE

   Teflon is nearly insoluble in any chemicals except molten alkali metals and highly reactive fluorinating agents 

PTFE tape temperature rating

Generally, the PTFE tape is available for use at temperatures ranging from as low as -70°C to as high as 260°C becuase of its Teflon coating. Teflon starts to deteriorate at temperatures above 260°C and starts to decompose at temperatures above 350°C. However, the PTFE tape maintains its properties even when exposed to temperatures above 260°C for a constant long time and can be used safely when overheated by a heat booster. When exposed to temperatures above 350°C, the PTFE tape begins to decompose at a low speed. The glass fiber begins to soften and is possible to fracture when exposed to temperatures above 600℃. Hence, the PTFE tape, as the composition of glass fiber and Teflon, can withstand temperatures above 260℃. If the PTFE tape has cracks, it has a shorter service life.

what is PTFE tape used for？

Because of these properties, PTFE tape is widely used in electrical applications as insulated cladding and insulated lining.

It is also used as the surface cladding for storage tank rollers and the lining of the friction surface of the guide rail. Also, it can be applied directly to large flat surfaces and regular curved surfaces (e.g. rollers). The use of the PTFE is quite easy, hence it can replace the Teflon spray painting which should be processed in factories with professional equipment and special technics. 

The PTFE tape is also used as a heat-resistant insulation material in industries such as textile, food, medicine and wood processing. 

In addition, the heat-resistant PTFE tape is commonly used in color printing machines, plastic wire drawing machines and sealing machines.