Skip to content 
In this blog post, you will learn about Comprehensive of the PTFE seals, the advantages and disadvantages of PTFE seals, including those filled with different materials from multiple perspectives.
What are PTFE seals?
A PTFE seal is a seal made of PTFE and related materials, which is widely used in hydraulic cylinders. It has excellent chemical resistance and a low friction coefficient. To enhance its mechanical properties, these seals are typically filled with other materials, such as copper powder, carbon fibre, and glass fibre.
Carbon fibre: Carbon fibre can improve PTFE seals’ mechanical strength and stiffness, making them suitable for high-pressure applications.
Glass fibre: Glass fibre can enhance PTFE seals’ wear resistance and dimensional stability, making them ideal for hydraulic cylinders in abrasive environments.
PTFE seals advantages:
Good chemical compatibility: PTFE is compatible with many chemicals, such as strong acids and alkalis, in harsh environments without chemical reactions and is very suitable for use in various hydraulic cylinder media;
Ultra-low friction: PTFE’s lubricating properties help it have excellent low friction performance, reduce friction and wear, and increase the mission life of seals and equipment;
Withstand high temperatures: PTFE can withstand continuous high-temperature environments, work stably, and maintain performance. It can withstand an operating temperature range of -200°~+260° (-328°F to 500°F).
Excellent wear resistance: PTFE’s wear resistance ensures that its seals have a long service life and reduce downtime.
Non-stick properties: PTFE does not easily adhere to other substances on its surface, preventing other stains from settling.
TYS PTFE and PTFE-filled seals result from our proprietary material development and are keep highly advantageous products. For more information, visit the PTFE seals product page on this website.
PTFE seals disadvantages:
Limited extrusion resistance: PTFE material has poor extrusion resistance, which may deform or extrude under high-pressure conditions, leading to seal failure.
Low elasticity: PTFE has low elasticity, which may not conform well to the cylinder’s surface, leading to leakage and reduced sealing efficiency.
Cost: PTFE material is relatively expensive compared to other seal materials, which may increase the cost of hydraulic cylinders.
Materials for filling PTFE seals:
Copper powder enhances PTFE seals’ thermal and electrical conductivity, making them suitable for hydraulic cylinders in high-temperature and high-electrical-conductivity applications.
Production process:
Material Formulation: Select the material formulation adapted to its working environment according to the application working conditions.
Moulding: The adjusted raw material formula is moulded into PTFE tubes and rods by pressing the machine.
Furnace sintering: prevent the moulded tube material from high-temperature sintering in an electric furnace.
CNC machining: Finally, a precision CNC lathe is used for turning. This process produces PTFE seals with very precise dimensions.
Maintenance and care:
Storage: PTFE seals should be stored in a dry and ventilated place, away from direct sunlight, away from heat, oxygen and ozone, away from pollutants and avoid distortion.
Inspection: Regularly inspect PTFE seals. If broken, cracked, deformed, etc., they should be replaced promptly.
Installation: Correctly install seals to prevent violence or improper installation, which can damage PTFE seals and thus affect the normal operation of the equipment.
PTFE seals applications :
They are widely used in hydraulic cylinders such as construction machinery, oil and gas, mining, agricultural machinery and other industrial systems.
In conclusion, PTFE seals are an excellent choice for hydraulic cylinders because of their chemical resistance and low friction coefficient. However, they also have some limitations, such as poor extrusion resistance and low elasticity. Filling PTFE seals with other materials, such as copper powder, carbon fibre, and glass fibre, can improve their mechanical properties, making them suitable for various hydraulic cylinder applications.
