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The exceptional performance of our PTFE tubing stems from the intrinsic properties of Polytetrafluoroethylene, a high-performance fluoropolymer. Kaxite Sealing utilizes only virgin, high-purity PTFE resins to guarantee optimal characteristics.
Kaxite Sealing offers a comprehensive range of PTFE tubing types to suit specific application needs. Below are the detailed parameters for our standard product lines.
| Parameter | Specification / Range | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Material | 100% Virgin PTFE | No reprocessed or recycled content |
| Standard Color | Natural White (Opaque) | Other colors (e.g., black) available on request |
| Inner Diameter (ID) | 0.5 mm to 50 mm (0.02" to 2.0") | Tight tolerances available (±0.1mm typical) |
| Wall Thickness | 0.2 mm to 5.0 mm (0.008" to 0.2") | Custom wall thicknesses can be produced |
| Operating Temperature | -200°C to +260°C (-328°F to +500°F) | Short-term exposure up to 300°C possible |
| Density | 2.15 - 2.20 g/cm³ | ASTM D792 |
| Tensile Strength | 20 - 35 MPa (2900 - 5000 psi) | ASTM D638 |
| Surface Finish | Smooth, non-porous | Electropolished options for ultra-high purity |
| Variant | Key Features | Primary Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Heat-Shrinkable PTFE Tubing | Shrinks uniformly upon heating (approx. 2:1 ratio), forming a tight, conformal seal. Retains all PTFE properties. | Wire & cable insulation, component encapsulation, strain relief, corrosion protection. |
| Convoluted / Flexible PTFE Hose | Corrugated structure provides extreme flexibility and bendability without kinking. Often stainless steel braided for pressure. | Complex routing in tight spaces, connections to moving parts, pneumatic lines, ducting. |
| PTFE Lined Hose | Seamless PTFE liner inside a robust outer casing (stainless steel wire braid or plastic). Handles higher pressures and vacuum. | High-pressure chemical transfer, steam lines, aggressive fluid loading/unloading. |
| Translucent / TFA Tubing | Modified for enhanced optical clarity, allowing visual flow monitoring while maintaining good chemical resistance. | Laboratory applications, sight glasses, pharmaceutical processes where fluid visibility is needed. |
| Anti-Static / Conductive PTFE | Incorporates carbon or other conductive fillers to dissipate static electricity, preventing spark hazards. | Handling flammable solvents, powder transfer, electronics manufacturing in ESD-sensitive areas. |
Q: What is the main difference between PTFE, FEP, and PFA tubing?
A: PTFE, FEP, and PFA are all fluoropolymers with excellent chemical resistance. PTFE has the highest continuous use temperature (260°C) but is opaque and more difficult to process. FEP is translucent, melt-processable (easier to form), but has a lower temperature rating (200°C). PFA offers clarity similar to FEP and a temperature resistance closer to PTFE (260°C), with excellent stress crack resistance. Kaxite Sealing can advise on the best material for your specific temperature, clarity, and chemical exposure requirements.
Q: Can Kaxite Sealing PTFE tubing be used for food and pharmaceutical applications?
A: Yes, absolutely. We offer specific grades of PTFE tubing manufactured from FDA-compliant and USP Class VI certified virgin resins. These tubes are produced in a controlled, clean environment to ensure they meet stringent standards for food contact and pharmaceutical fluid transfer, including applications involving WFI (Water for Injection) or high-purity ingredients.
Q: How do I connect or fit PTFE tubing? What types of fittings are compatible?
A: Due to its stiffness and low creep (cold flow), PTFE tubing cannot be reliably connected with simple barbed fittings. Standard methods include:
- Flared Fittings: The tube end is flared using a specialized tool, and a flared nut/ferrule system creates a seal (e.g., AN, JIC style).
- Compression Fittings: Specific ferrule-style compression fittings designed for semi-rigid plastics like PTFE. Overtightening must be avoided.
- Face Seal Fittings (e.g., SAE/ISO): The tube end is squared (face-cut) and sealed against an O-ring or gasket in the fitting body.
- Clamp & Ferrule Systems: Used for lined hoses. We recommend consulting Kaxite Sealing's technical team for the optimal fitting recommendation based on your pressure, temperature, and fluid media.
Q: What are the pressure ratings for your PTFE tubes?
A: The pressure rating is not a fixed value for PTFE; it depends heavily on the tube's dimensions (inner diameter, wall thickness), temperature, and whether it is in a static or dynamic (with flexing) application. As a general guideline:
- Small bore tubing (e.g., 1/8" ID with standard wall) can handle several hundred psi.
- Larger diameter tubes have significantly lower pressure ratings.
- Temperature dramatically affects strength; ratings decrease as temperature increases.
- For precise pressure-vacuum ratings, please provide your application details to Kaxite Sealing for a safe, engineered recommendation. We also offer stainless steel braided PTFE hoses for high-pressure applications.
Q: Does PTFE tubing exhibit permeation? Is it suitable for all gases?
A: While PTFE is an excellent barrier to liquids, it can allow certain gases to permeate through its walls at low rates, particularly small molecule gases like helium, hydrogen, and oxygen. This is a consideration in ultra-high-purity gas systems or long-term gas storage. For critical gas applications, multi-layer constructions or alternative materials like metal tubing might be suggested. Our engineers can discuss permeation rates for specific gases.
Q: How should I store and handle PTFE tubing?
A: Store PTFE tubing in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It should be coiled loosely (without sharp bends) and kept clean. Avoid dragging on abrasive surfaces. When cutting, use a sharp, clean blade (e.g., tubing cutter or razor) to achieve a square, burr-free end; a miter box is helpful. Never use saws that generate PTFE dust, as the fine particles are not desirable in clean applications. Always deburr the inner and outer edges after cutting.
Q: Can your tubing be custom fabricated (bent, flared, assembled)?
A: Yes. Kaxite Sealing provides extensive value-added services. We offer precision cutting to length, custom flaring, bending (for convoluted or flexible hoses), marking/printing, and complete assembly with fittings to create ready-to-install hose assemblies. This ensures optimal performance and saves you time and labor during installation.
Q: What industries most commonly use your PTFE tubing solutions?
A: Kaxite Sealing PTFE tubes are integral in numerous high-tech and demanding industries:
- Chemical Processing: Transfer of acids, alkalis, solvents, and aggressive intermediates.
- Semiconductor & Electronics: High-purity chemical delivery (CMP, etch, clean), gas lines, and wire insulation.
- Pharmaceutical & Biotech: Process lines for APIs, WFI, sterile fluids, and fermentation.
- Automotive & Aerospace: Fuel lines, air/oil lines, sensor lines, and hydraulic systems.
- Food & Beverage: Sanitary transfer lines for ingredients, cleaning-in-place (CIP) systems.
- Analytical & Laboratory: Instrumentation lines, peristaltic pump tubing, and sample handling.
Q: How does Kaxite Sealing ensure the quality of its PTFE tubing?
A: Quality is embedded in our manufacturing process. We start with certified virgin resins. Our extrusion process is tightly controlled for dimensions and consistency. We perform rigorous in-process and final inspections, including dimensional checks (OD, ID, wall), visual inspection, and material certification. Batches can be traced back to raw material lots. We are committed to meeting international standards and specific customer quality system requirements.
