Forming PTFE tubing
Forming PTFE tubing
(OP)
So I am not very familiar with PTFE tubing, but I have an application that requires the use of PTFE tubing and since it is not very flexible, I was wondering if anyone could recommend a way to possibly form it using heat (bath vs heat gun) and what to possibly look out for (besides Teflon Flu).
thanks!
thanks!
~Boottmills






RE: Forming PTFE tubing
Dr. Chris DeArmitt
Plastics consultant to the Fortune 500: www.phantomplastics.com
Webinars on plastics, fillers & impact modification: www.plastictraining.com
RE: Forming PTFE tubing
Better to buy it with a heavy wall, wrestle it into the shape you want, and mechanically restrain it there.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Forming PTFE tubing
Are you thinking of PFA tubing, which is translucent, but becomes nearly transparent near its softening point? I've made useful objects from such tubing using a hot air gun and glass-blowing techniques.
For PTFE (white, opaque) tubing, Mike has the right idea. Heat in boiling water and then drop it onto a forming jig, clamp in place and let it sit for a day. Or put the whole jig into a 250 deg. F oven. Usually it will spring back a bit, so you have to over-bend a little.
RE: Forming PTFE tubing
There's a reference to that behaviour here: http://polyfluoroltd.blogspot.se/2011/04/ptfe-myth...
"It attains what is referred to as a "gel state" - where the material goes from being opaque-white to transparent, but retains its shape even in this state. While in gel state, PTFE is soft, but still not completely pliable - making it very difficult to handle."
Dr. Chris DeArmitt
Plastics consultant to the Fortune 500: www.phantomplastics.com
Webinars on plastics, fillers & impact modification: www.plastictraining.com