PTFE Electrical Insulation Gaskets
PTFE Electrical Insulation Gaskets
ASG convert and supply a range of non-metallic gaskets, including numerous electrical insulation components, including gaskets made using a range of plastics. One type of plastic we use to manufacture our electrical insulation gaskets is PTFE plastic or ‘Polytetrafluoroethylene’, sometimes also referred to as Teflon.
PTFE plastic is a very versatile material which is manufactured in sheets of between 0.25 and 100mm in sheet sizes of up to 1500mm x 1500mm (depending on thickness) from which gaskets can be pressed or cut. The quality of the cut and finish of the gasket is just as important as the material used, therefore producing PTFE Electrical Insulation gaskets in-house ensures that high standards are maintained, in turn producing competitively priced, high quality gaskets consistently.
PTFE Electrical Insulation gaskets are produced using samples or drawings provided by our customers, ensuring the final product is produced to their exact specification, from simple picture frame gaskets to complex and intricate shapes with multiple cut outs - we can offer a solution.
Depending on the size and quantity of the gasket required, our production team will select from our range of atoms, autos, travelling head, kiss cut pressing machines or for very large or thick gaskets, we can programm our CNC (oscillating knife) to produce the gaskets in the most efficient way to keep lead times down, supplied plain or coated with a choice of self-adhesives or foils.
What Are PTFE Electrical Insulation Gaskets?
Gaskets made for use as Electrical Insulators are produced using materials which do not allow electricity to pass through them, these materials include a number of plastics including PTFE or Polytetrafluoroethylene. PTFE plastic material is a fluorocarbon - which means it’s composed of only carbon and fluorine, natural in colour.
Electrical Insulation Gaskets are used for sealing and insulating in many industries, which can be taken in the form of a strip or pad, but are generally an intricately cut shaped piece of material placed within electrical applications, where they are used to restrict the flow of electric current, by supporting electrical conductors - without allowing the current to pass through.
Why Use PTFE Electrical Insulation Gaskets?
Our range of PTFE electrical insulation gaskets are used to do just that - insulate! They provide a barrier to restrict the flow of electrical current, protecting electrical conductors from coming into contact with people or tools during installation, repairs or when an electrical appliance or device is being used.
PTFE plastic is formulated to offer many excellent properties and unique characteristics, which include high thermal stability, chemical resistance and an extremely wide operating temperature range of -240 to +260°C.
PTFE plastics are often used in the conversion and production of electrical insulation components which include gaskets as the material ‘binds’ electrons, holding them still and this prevents electrical charges - in return preventing electric shocks, making it perfect for use within circuit board, wire sleeves and trunking, high voltage applications, etc.
The material these gaskets are made from offers chemical inertness (with the exception of elemental alkali metals, chlorine trifluoride and elemental fluorine at high temperatures and pressures), ozone, flame resistance and an extremely low coefficient of friction meaning few materials stick to it without sufficient preparation.
Benefits Of Using PTFE Plastic
- Excellent temp range -200+260°C (short-term up to 300°C)
- high resistance to many chemicals and solvents
- high dielectric properties
- low friction coefficient (create a slippery surface)
- Non-toxic
- Flame resistance
Other Types of Electrical Insulation Materials Available
Advanced Seals & Gaskets work with a multitude of material manufacturers and suppliers, giving our customers more choice of plastic sheeting - our most popular materials being:
- Epoxy Glass - A green coloured material with good mechanical strength, good chemical, electrical and radiation resistance, low moisture absorption and a working temperature range of upto +120℃.
- Kapton - is a polyamide film which offers a combination of mechanical and tear strength along with chemical, electrical and thermal properties that enables the gasket to withstand vibration and extreme temperatures in demanding environments.
- Leatheroid - is a grey/blue coloured paper gasket material, also sometimes called Elephantide. This material is used within the electrical industry to insulate hot elements.
- MICA - is a mineral based sheeting material which has excellent mechanical performances, is resistant to chemicals and provides electrical and therm insulation. MICA gaskets are often used to replace asbestos as they can withstand extremely high temperatures of up to 1000℃.
- MYLAR is an extremely strong, flexible polyester film. MYLAR is an excellent insulation material with dielectric strength, moisture resistance and is an excellent insulation material.
- Nomex can be manufactured using nomex paper or nomex board, it can withstand high temperatures, has high mechanical and dielectric strength, and is an excellent insulation material for all kinds of electrical equipment and applications.
- Presspahn is a brown coloured material, manufactured using kraft wood pulp. Presspahn sheets have excellent physical and mechanical properties, generally used as electrical insulation.
- SRBF is resin bonded fibre material which is tough and rigid, with an operating temperature of 120℃, low water absorption and is resistant to wear, impact chemicals.
- SRBP (synthetic resin bonded paper) is manufactured using layers of paper and synthetic resins. This material is suited to high and medium voltage application. SRBP has good mechanical and excellent electrical insulation properties, with low water absorption.
- Valox is an excellent electrical insulation material which also offers flame retardant properties.
- PVC is a tough, lightweight abrasion, chemical and moisture resistant material which has good dielectric strength making it a great material to use for electrical insulation applications.
Advantages of using PTFE Electrical Insulation Gaskets
Gaskets produced using PTFE present users with a number of advantages making it suited for use within many electrical insulation applications. These gaskets offer low friction, meaning moving parts will easily slide, causing less heat and wear, this slippy non-stick material is also easy to keep clean and dirt and dust will not stick to its surface.
PTFE plastic gaskets are non-flammable, this is due not only to its very low friction, but also its ability to withstand very high heat and its extremely high melting point. PTFE gaskets offer great chemical resistance, and are extremely durable when exposed to weathering, combined with the great electrical properties it is ideal for use in most industries.
As PTFE plastic can be produced in a range of sheet sizes, these can be easily converted into a range of bespoke gaskets found utilised in a number of industries and applications including seals in chemical plants, food and pharmaceuticals industries.
Due to being non-corrosive, this material can also be used as equipment seals, useful in laboratories where highly corrosive chemicals are handled, and also within circuit board components due to it’s electrical insulation and heat resistance properties.
Using PTFE Electrical Insulation gaskets within electrical devices and equipment for the purpose of electrical insulation protects them from generating and passing high voltages, reduces the cost of energy, improves performance and protects users from shock.
Product Enquiry
For information on PTFE Electrical Insulation Gaskets please complete the following quick enquiry or call us on +44(0)1384 252555.
Characteristics Of PTFE Plastics
- Colour: Natural/ white
- Temperature range: -200+260°C (short-term up to 300°C)
- Sheet Thickness: 0.25mm - 100mm (and in roll or tube form)
- Resistances: chemicals, weathering, wear, electrically insulating, gamma radiation, UV
- Flammability: class UL94 V-0 flammability rating (will self-extinguish after removal of flame)
- FDA: complies with food standard regulations 21 CFR 177.1550 and FDA 21 CFR 175.300
Please contact us using the form below or by calling us on +44(0)1384 252555.