Two component applications in PTFE

In our selected cases, you can read about how Acoplastic helped a customer finding a second source for one of their key products. The part consists of a conductive element and only few companies in the world master two component molding of PFTE. 

The key challenge was to find a supplier that could manufacture a complex part in two different PTFE compounds. To begin with the customer made the inquiry with their existing supplier network without any luck. Then they expanded the search for suppliers as desk research without any luck, finally they hired an external consultant to find a supplier that could find a suitable supplier mastering two component molding in PTFE. Hereby Acoplastic and the customer was connected. 

You can read the rest of the case here.

Let us take a more detailed look at two component applications in PTFE.

What is two component applications in PTFE?

Two component applications in PTFE involve the use of PTFE in combination with another compound or material like another PTFE compound, PTFE item or metal

A single component meet specific functional or environmental properties, whereas two component applications in PTFE can combine the properties of two materials. E.g. by combining PTFE with metal insert you can increase the strength of the application and expand the lifetime of the product. And take the full advantage of the PTFE’s properties and by combining it with metal properties, like combining low friction a high load-bearing capacity. This enables high-performance solutions for industries like aerospace, automotive, chemical processing, and medical devices.

Acoplastic is one of the few companies in the world that master’s two component PTFE molding. We have developed a special technique for two component molding in various PTFE compounds for different product designs and applications.

The two component applications we offer:

1. PTFE + Metal (e.g., virgin PTFE with stainless steel metal insert: The PTFE provides low friction and chemical resistance, metal gives strength and stability).

2. PTFE + Filled PTFE (e.g., virgin PTFE with e.g. polyimide-filled PTFE compound, and hereby limits the use of the expensive Polyimide only where it is needed).

 

Why do we use two component applications in PTFE?

We use two component applications in PTFE to improve the total cost of ownership, overcome the limitations of PTFE alone, and to enhance the overall performance of an application by combining it with a second material. As mentioned above, PTFE has excellent properties, like chemical resistance, low friction, and high temperature tolerance. But the material also has some limitations like poor mechanical strength, wear and difficulty bonding.

By combing the PTFE’s unique benefits with the complementary strengths of another material you end up improving durability, functionality, manufacturability, and cost-efficiency. This approach is widely used products like pumps, valves and other applications.

If you have any questions about two component applications in PTFE, need sparring or have any inquiries, please feel free to contact us.