At first glance, it might appear that the Teflon Balls are the same as the glass-filled ones. However, closer inspection reveals that the two materials have very different properties. Both virgin Teflon balls and glass-filled Teflon balls have unique properties, making them ideal for different applications.
This article will explore the differences between virgin and glass-filled Teflon balls.
Virgin Teflon Balls
Virgin Teflon balls can be either hollow or solid. Both offer the benefits of being lightweight and ideal for light load-bearing applications. These balls do not require lubrication and, unlike metal balls, are not magnetic and provide heat and electrical insulation.
The strengths of virgin Teflon balls include:
- Weathering resistance
- Solid PTFE balls are resistant to corrosion
- Chemically resistant to all common solvents
- Thermal resistance
- Low smoke and toxic gas emissions
- Abrasion, fatigue, and radiation resistant
- Can be used in extreme conditions
Applications
There are several applications in which virgin Teflon balls are the ideal choice. As it is ideal for light load-bearing applications, it is ideal in pump and valve components. Thanks to its electrical insulation properties, it is often used in electrical components.
Other applications where virgin Teflon balls are used include:
- Sealing
- Bushing
- Food processing
- Medical device components
Properties
Virgin Teflon balls are generally white or off-white in color. In their natural state, Teflon balls are heavier than water. Other properties include
| Properties | Unit | Method | Typical Value |
| PHYSICAL | |||
| Density | g/cm3 | ASTM D792 | 2.14-2.18 |
| Hardness | points | ASTM D2240 | 51-60 |
| Tensile Strength | MPa | ISO 527 | ≥ 20 |
| Elongate at Break | % | ISO 527 | ≥ 200 |
| Compressive strength at 1% deformation | psi | ASTM D695 | 580-725 |
| Impact strength Izod | J/m | ASTM D256 | 153 |
| TRIBOLOGICAL | |||
| Dynamic Coefficient of Friction | / | ASTM D1894 ASTM D3702 |
0.06 |
| Wear Factor K | / | ASTM D3702 | 2.900 |
| PV limit at 3 m/min
at 30 m/min at 300m/min |
N/mm2 * m/min | / | 2.4
4.2 5.7 |
| THERMAL | |||
| Service Temperature | °F | / | -328/+500 |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (linear) 25-100°C | 10-5 in/in/°F | ASTM D696 | 6.625-7.206 |
| ELECTRICAL | |||
| Dielectric strength (specimen 0.5mm thick) | KV/mm | ASTM D149 | ≥ 40 |
| Dielectric Constat at 60 Hz and 106 Hz | / | ASTM D150 | 2.05-2.10 |
| Volume Resistivity | Ω * cm | ASTM D257 | 1018 |
| Surface Resistivity | Ω | ASTM D257 | 1017 |
Glass-Filled Teflon Balls
Glass is one of the most common fillers in filled Teflon balls. The filling typically ranges from 5 to 40%. Typically glass-filled Teflon balls are used instead of virgin Teflon balls because these components are stronger, and their compression and wear properties are an improvement.
The strengths of glass-filled Teflon balls include
- Improved resistance to wear over standard solid PTFE balls
- Resistant to oxidation and acid
- High hardness rating
- High maximum operating temperature
- Increased compressive strength
- Low coefficient of friction
- HIgh UV Light resistance
- Lower thermal expansion
- Lower deformation under load
Applications
As with virgin Teflon balls, glass-filled PTFE can be used in many different fields. Some of the more common applications include
- Petrochemical application
- Commercial application
- High-load industrial applications
- Material handling
- Precision part manufacturing
- Chemical engineering applications
Properties
The properties of glass-filled, carbon-filled, stainless steel, and bronze vary slightly. Understanding the difference will help you know which product is the best choice for each application.
For 25% glass-filled Teflon balls, typical properties include:
| Properties | Unit | Method | Typical Value |
| PHYSICAL | |||
| Density | g/cm3
lb/in3 |
ASTM D792
ASTM D792 |
2.25
0.081 |
| Hardness | / | ASTM D785 | Shore D60 |
| Tensile Strength | psi | ASTM D638 | 2100 |
| Elongate at Break | % | ASTM D638 | 270 |
| Compressive strength | psi | ASTM D695 | 1000 |
| Flexural strength | psi | ASTM D790 | 1950 |
| TRIBIOLOGICAL | |||
| Dynamic Coefficient of Friction | / | ASTM D1894 | 0.5 |
| Static Coefficient of Friction | / | ASTM D1894 | 0.12 |
| THERMAL | |||
| Maximum Continuous Operating Temperature | °F
°C |
/ | 260
500 |
| Minimum Continuous Operating Temperature | °F
°C |
/ | -200
-328 |
| Melting Point Temperature | °F
°C |
ASTM D3418
ASTM D3418 |
635
335 |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (linear) 25-100°C | 10-5 in/in/°F | ASTM D696 | 6.4 |
| ELECTRICAL | |||
| Dielectric fACTOR AT 1MHz | / | ASTM D150 | 2.4 |
| Dielectric Constant at 1 MHz | / | ASTM D150 | 0.05 |
| Surface Resistivity | Ω * cm | ASTM D257 | >105 |
15% glass-filled Teflon balls properties are:
| Properties | Unit | Method | Typical Value |
| PHYSICAL | |||
| Density | g/cm3
lb/in3 |
ASTM D792
ASTM D792 |
2.15-2.25
0.0777-0.0813 |
| Hardness | / | ASTM D2240 | 60-64 |
| Tensile Strength | psi | ASTM D638 | 2490-3700 |
| Elongate at Break | % | ASTM D638 | 250-280 |
| Compressive strength | psi | ASTM D695 | 853-925 |
| Impact strength Izod | J/m | ASTM D256 | 14.0-15.5 |
| TRIBIOLOGICAL | |||
| Dynamic Coefficient of Friction | / | ASTM D1894 | 0.060 |
| Static Coefficient of Friction | / | ASTM D1894 | 0.050 |
| THERMAL | |||
| Maximum Continuous Operating Temperature | °F
°C |
/ | 518
270 |
| Minimum Continous Operating Temperature | °F
°C |
/ | -436
-260 |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (linear) 25-100°C | 10-5 in/in/°F | ASTM D696 | 8.9-12.7 |
| ELECTRICAL | |||
| Dielectric factor at 1MHz | kV/mm | ASTM D149 | 16.0-19.0 |
| Dielectric Constant at 1 MHz | / | ASTM D150 | 2.3-2.5 |
| Surface Resistivity | Ω * cm | ASTM D257 | >1015 |
10% carbon filled
| Properties | Unit | Method | Typical Value |
| PHYSICAL | |||
| Density | g/cm3
lb/in3 |
ASTM D792
ASTM D792 |
2.25
0.081 |
| Hardness | / | ASTM D785 | 63 |
| Tensile Strength | MPa | ASTM D1457 | 15 |
| Elongate at Break | % | ASTM D1457 | 180 |
| Compressive strength | MPa | ASTM D695 | 100 |
| TRIBIOLOGICAL | |||
| Dynamic Coefficient of Friction | / | ASTM D1894 | 0.12-0.14 |
| Static Coefficient of Friction | / | ASTM D1894 | 0.14-0.16 |
| THERMAL | |||
| Maximum Continuous Operating Temperature | °F
°C |
/ | 260
500 |
| Minimum Continuous Operating Temperature | °F
°C |
/ | -200
-328 |
| Melting Point Temperature | °F
°C |
ASTM D3418
ASTM D3418 |
635
335 |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (linear) 25-100°C | 10-5 in/in/°F | ASTM D696 | 9.5 x 10-5 |
| ELECTRICAL | |||
| Dielectric factor at 1MHz | / | ASTM D150 | – |
| Dielectric Constant at 1 MHz | / | ASTM D150 | – |
| Surface Resistivity | Ω * cm | ASTM D257 | >103 |
Bronze filled (40%) PTFE balls have a specific gravity of 3.0-3.12g/cm3 and a tensile strength of 22-27 Mpa, with a hardness of 65-68. Stainless steel-filled PTFE has a specific gravity of 3.35 g/cm3, a tensile strength of 22 Mpa, and a harness of 65-69.
Which Is Best?
Both virgin and glass-filled Teflon balls have their benefits. The ultimate choice of which ball you should use depends on the environment you are working in and your basic equipment needs.
Ready to learn more? Contact us today to learn about the types of Teflon balls we offer and which choice best meets your needs.