The Versatility of PTFE

Most people may not be familiar with the scientific name polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE even though they probably encounter this substance on an almost everyday basis. PTFE is more popularly known by its common name, Teflon, most notably in the form of cookware and other household goods. However, PTFE has other uses aside from non-stick cooking pots and frying pans.

For instance, various industries today make use of PTFE rotary shaft seals made from a combination of fluorine and carbon. These components boast exceptional heat- and water-resistant properties, making them ideal for automobiles and hydraulic equipment that are constantly exposed to extreme environments. PTFE rotary shaft seals also serve as barriers that keep other machine components from rubbing against each other, thereby reducing damage from friction as well as wear and tear.


Not all manufacturers use rotary shaft seals made of PTFE, however, as some opt to use rubber rotary shaft seals for various reasons. Yet these materials often don’t resist damage quite as well as PTFE variants when exposed to extreme heat or cold. As such, it is important to correctly identify one’s exact requirements and thereby choose the type of rotary shaft seal that best suits specific industrial applications.

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