Polymer PTFE Seals for Use in Medical Devices
Advanced EMC Technologies medical device sealing systems, plane polymer bearings, or precision components are required and used in applications throughout the global medical market. Advanced EMC works closely with our customers to provide custom-engineered medical device seals such as spring-energized PTFE seals, PTFE rotary shaft seals, and other polymer sealing solutions to meet their requirements in environments where high speed, low friction, and extreme precision are critical.
Medical Uses
PTFE has many different uses in the medical field. Most often, it is found in implants as it is inert to body fluids making the immune system ignore the presence of PTFE in the body.
However, inside the body is not the only use for PTFE in the medical field. This material is found as seals in devices like fluid streams for irrigation and pumping, rotary tools, and heart-lung machines.
Some of the machines where Polymer PTFE Seals are used include
- Implanted medical electronics devices
- Tissue cutting tools
- Ablation equipment
- Disposable stent handpieces
- Biopsy tools
- Surgical wash units
- Surgical equipment
- Blood pumps
- Infusion pumps
- Dialysis equipment
- Oxygen intensifiers
- Endoscopes
Properties of PTFE
Some of the properties of PTFE include:
| Property | Value |
| Melting Temperature | 317-337 °C ( 602.6 – 638.6°F) |
| Tensile Modulus | 550 MPa |
| Elongation at Breaking | 300-550% |
| Dielectric Strength | 19.7KV/mm |
| Dielectric Constant | 2.0 |
| Dynamic Coefficient | 0.04 |
| Surface Energy | 18 Dynes/g |
| Maximum Continuous Surface Temperature |
260°C (500 °F) |
PTFE Spring Energized Seals work in temperatures from -440°F to 550°F. The exact temperature range varies based on seal filling.
| Fluorolon | Description | Application | Temp. Range F. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 | Virgin PTFE | Light duty service, lowest friction, FDA approved, excellent for cryogenic and low molecular weight gas service. | -440 to 450 |
| 1017 | Moly/Filled PTFE | Excellent in dry gas with better wear resistance than Fluorolon 1000. | -320 to 525 |
| 1028 | 60% Bronze/ Filled PTFE | Excellent pressure capability even at high temperatures. Excellent at high rotary speeds with low-pressure | -350 to 450 |
| 1034 | Carbon/Graphite PTFE | Excellent resistance to heat and wear. Recommended for dry or semi-dry applications. Good in liquids and steam. | -320 to 500 |
| 1050 | Glass/Moly PTFE | Excellent wear and heat resistance. High-pressure applications, good in hydraulic, steam, and water. Abrasive in rotary service against soft metals. | -250 to 550 |
| 1060 | Polyimide/ Filled PTFE | Excellent in dry service with low wear rate in a vacuum and inert gases. Low abrasion to dynamic mating surfaces. | -450 to 500 |
| 2800 | PCTFE/KEL F | Best grade for cryogenic applications. Static and slow dynamic. | -350 to 300 |
| 5000 | UH/Polymer PE | Excellent wear and extrusion resistance in aqueous media. FDA Approved has higher friction than PTFE compounds. | -320 to 175 |