PTFE Electrical Insulation
PTFE Electrical Insulation
Electrical insulation materials such as plastic, make up just a very small proportion of the thousands of products offered by Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd. We are able to offer electrical insulation plastics using numerous grades, colours and thicknesses, one of which includes a variety of PTFE plastics, sourced from a network of reputable worldwide plastic material suppliers. PTFE plastics or ‘Polytetrafluoroethylene’, sometimes also referred to as Teflon is a very versatile material which is generally manufactured in thicknesses between 0.25 and 100mm and in sheet sizes of up to 1500mm x 1500mm (depending on thickness) from which a number of components and finished products can be be cut.
Material Enquiry
For information on PTFE Electrical Insulation please complete the following quick enquiry or call us on +44(0)1384 252555.
Characteristics of PTFE Electrical Insulation
- 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
Full technical data can be supplied upon request,
or downloaded from our online portal.
What is PTFE Electrical Insulation ?
PTFE electrical insulation plastic or Polytetrafluoroethylene is is a fluorocarbon material - consisting of only carbon and fluorine, natural coloured as standard, however other colours can be made to order. PTFE fluorocarbons are solid at room temperature, hydrophobic (highly water repellent) and non-stick. PTFE electrical insulation products made using a ‘Virgin grade’ in comparison to other plastics have a low mechanical strength, however this can be improved or reinforced with the inclusion of additives such as glass fibre or carbon during the raw material manufacturing process. PTFE electrical insulation plastics are manufactured in sheet form, but can be cut into a range of components such as strips, washers, gaskets or pads, often purchased for use in the same way as a gasket, whereby they are used to create a seal between uneven surfaces and fill irregularities or in this case to act as insulation such as electrical barriers.
Why use PTFE Electrical Insulation ?
All materials including plastics are formulated using different compounds in order to produce a product with specific properties. PTFE or Polytetrafluoroethylene plastics are manufactured using a formulation 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 electrical insulation also 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.
PTFE plastic is soft and formable, with good bearing and wear properties, and high dielectric strength, providing 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.
Other Types of Electrical Isulation Materials Available
Advanced Seals & Gaskets work with a multitude of material manufacturers and suppliers, giving our customers more choice of electrical insulation materials- some of the most popular 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.
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
Advantages of Using PTFE Electrical Insulation
Electrical insulation components made using PTFE or Polytetrafluoroethylene offer users a number of excellent advantages meaning they are suited for use in many applications and industries. PTFE electrical insulation plastic offers 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 is 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, they offer great chemical resistance, and are extremely durable when exposed to weathering, combined with great electrical properties it is ideal for use in most industries.
PTFE sheets are manufactured in a range of standard thicknesses which can be converted into a range of finished products in various sizes which can be found utilised as seals and fittings in chemical plants, food production and pharmaceuticals. Due to being non-corrosive, these components can also be used in laboratories where highly corrosive chemicals are handled, and for use within circuit board components due to it’s electrical insulation and heat resistance properties.
Please contact us using the form below or by calling us on +44(0)1384 252555.