by Brandon Pascual Brandon Pascual No Comments

The Ultimate Guide to PTFE Sheets: Unleashing the Power of the Most Versatile Material on the Planet

Hey there, innovators! Are you ready to unlock the secrets of the most incredible material in the universe? Look no further than PTFE sheets!

Imagine a material that’s like a superhero cape – it’s non-stick, chemical-resistant, and can withstand temperatures that would melt lesser materials like a popsicle on a hot summer day. Sounds like science fiction, right? But trust us, PTFE sheets are the real deal.

THE EVOLUTION OF PTFE UNRAVELING THE HISTORY AND ADVANCEMENTS IN PTFE FIBER AND POLYMER

What are PTFE Sheets?

PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) sheets are made from a unique polymer that’s like a molecular ninja – it can dodge and weave around chemicals, heat, and even radiation like a pro. This means that PTFE sheets can be used in some of the most extreme environments on the planet, from the depths of space to the heart of a nuclear reactor.

Properties of PTFE Sheets:

Rotary Shaft Seals for Oil and Gas Industry | Advanced EMC Technologies

Chemical Resistance: PTFE can withstand almost all chemicals.

High Temperature Tolerance: It remains stable from -200°C to +260°C.

Non-stick Surface: Few substances will permanently adhere to a PTFE coating.

Low Friction: PTFE has one of the lowest coefficients of friction of any solid.

Semiconductor circuit board

High Dielectric Strength: Excellent insulator for electrical components.

Non-Flammable: It is used in high-temperature environments without risk of fire.

Spring Energized PTFE Seals

Applications of PTFE Sheets

The possibilities are endless! With PTFE sheets, you can create:

Gaskets and Seals: Ideal for applications that require resistance to aggressive chemicals and high temperatures.

Bearings and Bushings: Provides a frictionless surface to reduce wear and tear.

Liners and Coatings: Protects equipment from corrosion and contamination.

Insulators and Dielectrics: Used in electrical applications due to its high dielectric strength.

Spring Energized Teflon Seals

Medical Devices: Biocompatible and used in various surgical instruments and implants.

Aerospace Components: Withstands the extreme conditions of space.

Food Processing Equipment: Non-stick and easy to clean, perfect for hygienic applications.

Energy Storage Systems: Durable and stable, ideal for use in batteries and fuel cells.

THE EVOLUTION OF PTFE: UNRAVELING THE HISTORY AND ADVANCEMENTS IN PTFE FIBER AND POLYMER

Real-World Applications of PTFE Sheets

PTFE sheets are used in a wide range of industries, from aerospace to medical devices. Here are some real-world examples of how PTFE sheets are being used:

Aerospace: PTFE sheets are used in the manufacture of aircraft and spacecraft components, such as seals, gaskets, and bearings. Their ability to withstand extreme temperatures and chemical exposure makes them ideal for these applications.

Medical Devices: PTFE sheets are used in the production of medical devices, such as implantable devices, surgical instruments, and diagnostic equipment. Their biocompatibility and non-stick properties make them suitable for a wide range of medical applications.

Spring Energized Teflon Seals

Food Processing: PTFE sheets are used in the production of food processing equipment, such as conveyor belts, seals, and gaskets. Their non-stick and chemical-resistant properties ensure hygiene and durability.

Energy Storage: PTFE sheets are used in the production of energy storage systems, such as batteries and fuel cells. Their thermal stability and chemical resistance enhance the efficiency and longevity of these systems.

EXPANDED PTFE VS. PTFE

Case Study: PTFE Sheets in Aerospace Applications

Background: A leading aerospace manufacturer was facing challenges with traditional sealing materials in their jet engines. The extreme temperatures and aggressive chemicals were causing frequent failures and maintenance issues.

Solution: The manufacturer switched to PTFE sheets for gaskets and seals. PTFE’s high thermal stability and chemical resistance provided a durable solution that could withstand the harsh operating conditions.

Results:

  • Increased Reliability: The use of PTFE sheets significantly reduced the frequency of seal failures.
  • Cost Savings: Maintenance costs dropped due to the longer lifespan of PTFE seals.
  • Performance Improvement: The overall performance and efficiency of the jet engines improved, leading to higher customer satisfaction.

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMPOSITE BUSHINGS IN TECHNOLOGY

So…

So, what are you waiting for? With PTFE sheets, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or just starting out, we invite you to join the PTFE revolution!

PTFE sheets are incredibly versatile, offering unmatched chemical resistance, thermal stability, and non-stick properties. They are essential in various industries, from aerospace to medical devices, providing reliable and long-lasting solutions.

Ready to explore the incredible benefits and applications of PTFE sheets? Click here to get started or contact us at Advanced EMC Technologies today!

Contact Us Today!

PTFE SHEET FLASH SALE!

Available Sizes and Pricing

Our PTFE sheets are available in a variety of thicknesses to meet your specific needs:

1/32″ Thickness

Price Per Sheet: $25.00

Weight Per Sheet: 6 lbs

1/16″ Thickness

Price Per Sheet: $50.00

Weight Per Sheet: 12 lbs

3/32″ Thickness

Price Per Sheet: $77.00

Weight Per Sheet: 18 lbs

1/8″ Thickness

Price Per Sheet: $100.00

Weight Per Sheet: 24 lbs

3/16″ Thickness

Price Per Sheet: $110.00

Weight Per Sheet: 35 lbs

Technical Data on PTFE Sheets

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Thickness Range: 0.79375 mm to 4.7625 mm

Sheet Sizes: 1219.2 mm x 1219.2 mm

Density: 2.2 g/cm³

Tensile Strength: 20-30 MPa

Elongation at Break: 300-500%

Hardness: Shore D 50-65

Temperature Range: -200°C to +260°C

Thermal Conductivity: 0.25 W/mK

Dielectric Strength: 60-80 kV/mm

Chemical Resistance: Excellent resistance to most chemicals, including acids, bases, and solvents

Water Absorption: <0.01%

Flammability: UL 94 V-0

Benefits of Our PTFE Sheets

Chemical Resistance: Withstand aggressive chemicals.

Thermal Stability: Maintain properties in extreme temperatures.

Non-stick Surface: Easy cleaning and maintenance.

Low Friction: Reduce wear and extend the life of mechanical parts.

High Dielectric Strength: Ideal for electrical applications.

Non-Flammable: Safe for high-temperature environments.

Contact Us Today!

Additional Resources

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by Brandon Pascual Brandon Pascual No Comments

Advanced EMC Technologies: Revolutionizing Sealing Solutions Across Industries

Advanced EMC Technologies is synonymous with innovation and excellence in PTFE sealing solutions. Our products are designed to meet the most demanding requirements across various industries. In this blog, we delve into real-world application examples to showcase the exceptional capabilities of our PTFE rotary shaft seals in diverse fields such as oil and gas, renewable energy, aerospace, and space exploration.

Real-World Application: PTFE Rotary Shaft Seals in Oil and Gas Drilling

Challenge: In the oil and gas industry, drilling operations face extreme conditions, including high pressures, temperatures, and exposure to harsh chemicals and abrasive materials. Traditional seals often fail under these conditions, leading to costly downtime and repairs.

Solution: Advanced EMC Technologies’ PTFE rotary shaft seals provide a reliable solution for these challenging environments. Let’s explore how our seals excel in this application:

High-Pressure Resistance: During drilling operations, equipment such as mud pumps and rotary steerable systems experience high pressures. Our PTFE seals can withstand pressures up to 15 bar, ensuring continuous operation without seal failure.

TYPES OF SEALS FOR OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY

Broad Temperature Range: The temperature range in drilling operations can vary significantly, from sub-zero temperatures in deep-sea environments to high temperatures encountered during drilling. Our seals operate efficiently from -40 to +220°C, providing unmatched reliability.

THE BENEFITS OF PTFE SPRING ENERGIZED SEALS FOR OIL AND GAS

Chemical Resistance: Drilling fluids and chemicals used in oil and gas operations can be highly corrosive. Our PTFE seals offer exceptional resistance to a wide range of chemicals, preventing degradation and ensuring long-lasting performance.

HOW TO DESIGN AND SELECT SEALS FOR OIL AND GAS

Minimal Friction and Wear: Equipment downtime due to seal failure can be costly. Our PTFE rotary shaft seals are designed with a durable sealing lip that exhibits minimal friction and wear, reducing maintenance frequency and extending the life of the equipment.

THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY DURING COVID-19

Impact: By using our PTFE rotary shaft seals, oil and gas companies can achieve higher operational efficiency. The seals’ ability to withstand extreme conditions reduces the risk of equipment failure, ensuring continuous drilling operations and translating into significant cost savings.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency: PTFE Seals in Renewable Energy

Challenge: The renewable energy sector, including wind and solar power, demands reliable sealing solutions that can withstand environmental extremes and ensure efficient operation. Components must handle wide temperature ranges, exposure to elements, and continuous motion.

Solution: Advanced EMC Technologies’ PTFE seals are ideal for renewable energy applications. Here’s how:

Weather Resistance: Our seals provide excellent resistance to UV exposure, moisture, and extreme temperatures, making them perfect for outdoor applications such as wind turbine blades and solar panel mounts.

BENEFITS OF SPRING-ENERGIZED SEALS FOR WIND TURBINES

Durability: The high wear resistance of our PTFE seals ensures longevity, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and replacements in renewable energy installations.

WHEN TO USE A PTFE ROTARY SHAFT SEAL

Efficiency: By minimizing friction and wear, our seals contribute to the overall efficiency of energy generation systems, ensuring optimal performance and reduced energy loss.

SPRING-ENERGIZED SEALS FOR THE WIND INDUSTRY

Impact: Wind turbines and solar panels equipped with our PTFE seals perform more efficiently and require less maintenance, leading to lower operational costs and more sustainable energy production.

Taking Flight: PTFE Seals in Aerospace

Challenge: Aerospace applications demand sealing solutions that can endure high altitudes, temperature fluctuations, and extreme pressure conditions. Aircraft components require seals that guarantee safety and reliability.

Solution: Advanced EMC Technologies’ PTFE seals are designed to meet these stringent requirements. Here’s why our seals are a top choice for aerospace:

Temperature Tolerance: Our seals perform effectively across a broad temperature range, from the cold of high altitudes to the heat generated by aircraft engines.

A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO AEROSPACE SEALS

Pressure Resistance: The high-pressure resistance of our PTFE seals ensures reliability in hydraulic systems, fuel systems, and other critical components.

SPRING-ENERGIZED SEALS FOR SPACEFLIGHT

Lightweight: Weight is a critical factor in aerospace applications. Our PTFE seals are lightweight yet robust, contributing to overall aircraft efficiency without compromising on performance.

PTFE AEROSPACE SEALS

Impact: Our seals ensure that aircraft components operate smoothly and safely, reducing the risk of mechanical failures and enhancing the overall reliability and efficiency of aerospace systems.

Reaching for the Stars: PTFE Seals in Space Exploration

Challenge: Space missions involve extreme conditions, including vacuum, radiation, and cryogenic temperatures. Seals used in rockets and spacecraft must offer exceptional reliability and durability to ensure mission success.

Solution: Advanced EMC Technologies’ PTFE seals are perfect for space applications. Here’s how they make a difference:

Cryogenic Performance: Our seals maintain integrity at cryogenic temperatures, crucial for handling rocket fuels like liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen.

SEALS IN SPACE: THE UNSUNG HEROES OF ROCKETRY

Vacuum Compatibility: PTFE’s properties make our seals ideal for use in the vacuum of space, where traditional materials might fail.

A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO AEROSPACE SEALS

Chemical Inertness: The chemical resistance of our PTFE seals ensures they can withstand exposure to various rocket propellants and other harsh substances used in space missions.

ADVANCEMENTS IN AEROSPACE DYNAMIC SEALS: ENHANCING HIGH-TEMPERATURE CAPABILITIES FOR AEROSPACE APPLICATIONS

Impact: Our seals play a vital role in the success of space missions by ensuring the reliability and safety of critical components, from rocket engines to spacecraft systems.

Why Choose Advanced EMC Technologies?

  1. Customization: We understand that each application has unique requirements. Our team works closely with clients to design and manufacture customized PTFE seals that meet specific operational needs.
  2. Quality Assurance: Our seals are manufactured to the highest standards, ensuring consistent quality and performance. We utilize advanced materials and manufacturing processes to deliver superior products.
  3. Expert Support: From initial consultation to after-sales support, our team of experts is dedicated to providing exceptional service. We assist clients in selecting the right seals and offer ongoing support to ensure optimal performance.

Advanced EMC Technologies‘ PTFE rotary shaft seals are transforming industries by providing reliable, high-performance sealing solutions. Our seals are engineered to excel in the most challenging environments, ensuring operational efficiency, cost savings, and environmental safety.

Whether it’s drilling deep in the earth, harnessing the power of the wind and sun, soaring through the skies, or exploring the final frontier, Advanced EMC Technologies has the sealing solutions to keep your operations running smoothly.

For more information about our products and services, visit our website or contact our sales team at Sales@advanced-emc.com. Let Advanced EMC Technologies be your trusted partner in sealing solutions for all your industrial needs.

When to Use a PTFE Rotary Shaft Seal | Advanced EMC Technologies
by Sara McCaslin, PhD Sara McCaslin, PhD No Comments

When to Use a PTFE Rotary Shaft Seal

Rotary shaft seals are used in a host of applications, including many that involve harsh environments or strict compliance with FDA standards. But when should PTFE be used?

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Sump Temperatures vs Underlip Temperatures | Advanced EMC Technologies
by Sara McCaslin, PhD Sara McCaslin, PhD No Comments

Underlip Temperatures and Rotary Shaft Seals

Many engineers do not realize the impact that underlip temperatures can have on seal performance and service life, especially when elastomeric materials are used. Learn why underlip temperature is so important and what you can do to reduce its impact.

What is Underlip Temperature?

Before we can define underlip temperature, we should start out with sump temperature, which refers to the temperature of the oil/lubricant. The lip of an oil seal moves across a very thin meniscus of oil. Some friction exists between the seal lip and the shaft which can generate enough heat to increase the temperature under the lip of the seal. This temperature at the point where the seal lip and shaft make contact is referred to as the underlip temperature and it can be higher than the sump temperature, especially for higher shaft speeds.

Why Underlip Temperature is Important

If the seal lip material does not possess good thermal conductivity, the heat generated can raise the underlip temperature high enough to exceed the operating temperature limits of the seal. This will result in accelerated wear and eventual seal failure. Signs of such a problem might be a seal lip that is …

  • Cracked
  • Blistered
  • Hardened

That is why it is important to use the estimated underlip temperature, as opposed to the sump temperature, as the expected operating temperature for a seal.

Estimating the Underlip Temperature

The underlip temperature is related to the friction between the seal and the shaft as well as the shaft speed. One way to estimate the increase in underlip temperature (in degrees Fahrenheit) based on shaft speed is to take the square root of the shaft seal speed in feet per minute.

Change in Underlip Formula | Advanced EMC Technologies

Before we look at an example, remember that …

Example 1

Suppose you need to estimate the increase in underlip temperature for a shaft rotating at 2500 fpm. The associated increase in underlip temperature would be ….

Example 2

If a 3” shaft is rotating at 2500 rpm and the sump temperature is 150°F, what would the underlip temperature be?

If the sump temperature is 150°F, then the underlip temperature is the sump temperature + the change in underlip temperature …

150°F + 44°F = 194°F

Faster Estimate

There is a faster way to estimate the underlip temperature, but it is not nearly as accurate: add 20°F for every 1000 rpm of shaft speed. However, the applicability of this estimate is limited to sump temperatures less than 210°F.

What Influences an Increased Underlip Temperatures

The underlip temperature is a function of several different characteristics. These include …

  • Shaft speed
  • Shaft size
  • Surface condition of the shaft
  • Friction between the shaft and seal
  • Thermal conductivity of the seal lip material
  • Oil level

In the chart below, you can see how the underlip temperature increases as the rotational shaft speed increase for a 1” diameter shaft. Even for a relatively small shaft, the increase in underlip temperature is significant.

Sump Temperatures vs Underlip Temperatures | Advanced EMC Technologies

In this next chart, it is evident how the change in underlip temperatures varies significantly as a function of shaft speed and diameter. In particular, notice that the upper limit for a 5-inch shaft rotating at 5000 rpm can lead to a 90°F increase in underlip temperature.

Change in Underlip Temperatures

When specifying a seal for a specific application, the engineer has control over the surface condition of the shaft, the friction between the shaft and the seal, and the thermal conductivity of the seal lip material. 

Reducing the Change in Underlip Temperatures

A smoother shaft combined with a low-friction seal lip material reduces the amount of heat generated at the point of contact, which can help reduce the increase in underlip temperature. 

Furthermore, a material with high thermal conductivity will be more likely to conduct generated heat away from the seal lip, further reducing the increase in underlip temperature.

Conclusion

Polymer seal lip materials such as PTFE and PEEK provide reduced friction, higher thermal conductivity, and better performance at high temperatures than their elastomeric counterparts when used in rotary shaft seals. When elastomeric seals are exhibiting signs of failure due to high underlip temperatures (i.e., cracking, blistering, hardening), then it may be time to consider a change in seal lip material.

At Advanced EMC, our rotary shaft seal experts can help you troubleshoot the cause of premature seal failure and advise you on the best choice of material for your application. Contact us today for more information.

 

Rotary Shaft Seals for Automobiles | Advanced EMC Technologies
by Sara McCaslin, PhD Sara McCaslin, PhD No Comments

Rotary Shaft Seals for Automobiles

Even the simplest automobile requires a wide variety of seals, including rotary shaft seals. In this blog post, you will learn the basics of these seals within the context of the automotive industry, including the materials commonly used and why PTFE is so often recommended.

Rotary Shaft Seals

The goal of a rotary shaft seal is to prevent the leakage of oil, grease, and other fluids (e.g., transmission fluid, brake fluid, air conditioning refrigerant) while also keeping environmental contaminants out. These seals, sometimes called oil or grease seals, are used with bearings to keep lubricants within the bearing and environmental contamination out (i.e., lubrication retention). The term rotary refers to their ability to perform in the presence of both rotary and swiveling movements.

Where Rotary Shaft Seals Are Used in the Automotive Industry

Rotary shaft seals are a necessary part of many components and systems within cars, trucks, buses, high performance vehicles, and motorsports. And seals are needed for EVs (electric vehicles) and HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) as well. These seals are also used with ATV (All Terrain Vehicles).  Some of the most common areas of application in automotive transportation are:

  • Air conditioning compressors
  • Braking systems
  • Pumps
  • Gearboxes
  • Power transmissions
  • Steering wheels

In most of these applications, the failure of a seal can lead to serious repercussions that include bodily injury, damage to the vehicle, and danger to those around the vehicle. Because of this, finding the right high quality seal for your application is extremely important.

Automotive Seal Operating Conditions

While the conditions for automotive rotary shaft seals do vary depending on their specific applications, the most common operating environments include …

  • Extreme temperatures
  • Environmental elements
  • Vibration and shock loadings
  • High contamination exposure
  • Chemical compatibility
  • Low friction
  • Wear resistance
  • Compliance with automotive standards

Environmental elements include exposure to sunlight, ozone, UV, and oxidation, all of which can accelerate the degradation of a seal. Contamination can include water, dirt, grease, and other debris, while the seals are likely to be exposed to materials such as diesel, hydraulic fluid, brake fluids, coolants, and chemical solvents. 

Materials Used in Rotary Shaft Seals

The basic components of a spring energized seal include a flexible inner seal lip that is bonded to a rigid outer component. In addition, some of these seals may include a spring energizer to keep the lip in contact with the sealing surface (note that spring-energized seals are most commonly used for oil retention as opposed to grease retention). Furthermore, some applications may require a seal with two lips where one serves as a wiper seal or dust lip to further prevent the ingression of contaminants.

The outer material for a rotary shaft seal is responsible for seal positioning and retention in the seal housing. This part of the seal is typically made from stainless steel, aluminum, or a rigid non-metallic composite material. 

The seal lip itself is made from either an elastomer or a polymer, with high performance PTFE being one of the most commonly used polymers. PTFE meets all the requirements for an effective, dependable seal lip, including the ability to handle high pressures, wide ranging chemical compatibility, extremely low friction, and excellent wear resistance. PTFE can also include additives such as carbon or MoS2 that can enhance properties such as strength, stiffness, wear resistance, and low friction.

Nitrile rubber (NBR, Buna-N) and polyacrylate rubber (ACM) are both widely used elastomeric materials for automotive rotary shaft seals. Another often used elastomer category is fluoroelastomers commonly referred to as FKM, Viton, and FPM. These offer superior performance compared to nitrile and polyacrylate, but they do cost more. 

PTFE Rotary Shaft Seals

At Advanced-EMC, we highly recommend the use of PTFE rotary shaft seals in the automotive industry where possible. They provide excellent performance in the harsh conditions often involved and are the most chemically compatible and low friction polymer on the market today. They can outperform elastomeric materials and are quickly replacing their use in many applications.

There are several grades of PTFE to choose from, including …

  • Virgin PTFE: light-duty service with slow speeds
  • 25% Glass-filled PTFE: wear and extrusion resistant but abrasive to shafts with a hardness less than 62C
  • 23% Carbon / 2% Graphite-filled PTFE: general purpose service where extrusion and deformation resistance are necessary
  • 15% Glass / 5% MoS2 filled PTFE: excellent wear resistance makes it well adapted to higher speed applications
  • Polyimide-filled PTFE: because of its low abrasion, works well with soft materials such as 300 SS and Aluminum
  • Modified PTFE: higher mechanical strength and better wear resistance

Conclusion

Rotary shaft seals can be found everywhere from the air conditioning to the power transmission system on a vehicle. Finding the right sealing solution that can handle the extremely harsh operating conditions and high temperature environments can be challenging, but PTFE has become one of the most popular choices for the seal lip material. 

If you are interested in an effective, reliable sealing solution for your automotive application, contact the knowledgeable team at Advanced-EMC today. Our engineers can work with you to find the right seal, made from the right materials, for even your most challenging designs.

 

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4 Reasons: PTFE Rotary Shaft Seals for Low Friction High Speed Applications

PTFE Excellent Solution

PTFE rotary shaft seals are an excellent solution to high speed applications with surface speeds up to 30 m/s.  In this article, we are going to look at four reasons behind that continued popularity.

 PTFE-Polytetrafluoroethylene-Rotary-shaft-seals.jpg

 

Here are some additional articels on PTFE Rotary Shaft Seals from the Advanced EMC Technologies Blog:

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Why use a PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) instead of Rubber in a Rotary Shaft Seal?

PTFE Rotary Shaft Seals Outperform Rubber Shaft Seals

Elastomeric seals performed well for many years, but as the applications and environments became more demanding, elastomers had a hard time keeping up.  If the application pressure is above 30 psi or the operating temperature goes above 275°F, elastomers simply don’t perform as well as, say, PTFE. (polytetrafluoroethylene).  In this article, we are going to look at 3 areas where PTFE rotary shaft seals outperform rubber shaft seals.

PTFE-rotary-shaft-seal-Advanced-EMC.jpg

 

 

Need more information on PTFE Rotary Shaft Seals? Check out these additional articles from the popular Advanced EMC Technologies Blog:

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