Isostatic molding of PTFE and TFM provides a premium quality material and opens up the possibility of producing complex shapes, some of which may not be machinable. We use isostatic molding on a production basis for components that require minimal finishing or as a final step of production. The isostatic molding process provides excellent finishes, close tolerances, improved density while typically at a reduced cost since avoiding resin waste common in machined components.
Encapsulation
Total encapsulation without seals or joints is used wherever total mechanical protection or electrical insulation is essential. Encapsulated devices are used throughout the chemical industry and for valves, pumps, agitators, sensors, activators and so on. Total encapsulation opens up a new world for design and application possibilities often with dramatic improvements in performance and cost savings.
Fusion Bonding
In general, fusion processes whereby PTFE/TFM parts are joined by fusion and used whenever other manufacturing methods are unsuccessful, easily reproducible or the volume does not warrant injecting molding. Fusion technology has been successfully used since the availability of TFM resin.
A component is made in TFM/PTFE; two or more of these components are then held in a jig capable of exerting considerable pressure on the fusion area, which is then heated to about 360° C for a predetermined period.
Parts fused in this manner have mechanical strength comparable to un-fused material and if carried out with skill, the fused areas are undetectable.
Fusion can be carried out with various polymer combinations, PTFE/TFM, TFM/TFM, PTFE/PFA, although conditions will vary and will be controlled by geometry and material types. Note: Fusion Bonding does not work on PTFE to PTFE components.
Lamination
Laminates are easily produced using PTFE and TFM powders: the process involves preparing a first layer of one form of powder, a second layer of powder is placed on top of the first and this is then converted into a pre-form in the usual way. It is thus possible to form laminates of various grades of PTFE and TFM and also to use powders incorporation fillers such a glass, fiber or carbon. Note that it is not possible to produce laminates by pressing or sintering together previously formed moldings of PTFE.
Imprinted Color Logos
Mastco can provide product brand recognition to your PTFE components by imprinting specific products or company logos with matching color(s). Imprints may be a single letter, word or a design that is either recessed or flush with the surrounding surface. There is also an option to have characters and logos raised above the surface. The extent of such imprints is dependent on complexity of design, purity requirements and some prototyping to insure the edge and color definition is the required match.
PTFE is the outstanding high performance engineering fluoropolymer with an incomparable profile of unique properties
Chemical Resistance - PTFE is almost totally inert chemically and can be used in the most corrosive environments yet will not contaminate the most sensitive medium.
Electrical Resistance - Outstanding electrical properties with low dielectric constant and dielectric loss factor. Does not support tracking or arcing.
Temperature Resistance - A wide range of working temperature cryogenic to about 280° C. No embrittlement in liquid helium. Thermal degradation does not commence until temperatures over 400° C. Does not melt to give a liquid phase an built-in
SAFETY FACTOR.Flexibility - Outstanding resistance to fatigue and excellent flex properties-one of the best flexural materials known.
Extended Performance - The performance of PTFE can be dramatically altered by the use of fillers-FILLED PTFE materials can be tailored for an exact application by choosing from a wide variety of additives.
The most common filled compounds are:
Carbon: Excellent compression wear and thermal conductivity. Used primarily for oil seals, grooved bearings, or dry piston rings.
Glass: Improved compression wear. Used for dynamic bearings, gaskets, or seals.
Graphite: Good thermal conductivity, low coefficient of permeability and fiction. Use for seals, piston rings, and self-lubricating seals.
Bronze: Excellent compression and wear properties, good thermal conductivity, and low cold flow. Bronze has poor chemical resistance, Use for compression area, bearing pads and high wear application.
Self Lubrication - Frictional coefficients for PTFE are the lowest for all solids and other materials have little or no adhesion to PTFE.
