The name Teflon has pretty much come to be associated with the term “non-stick,” but Teflon coatings go far beyond providing a non-stick surface. Within the industrial and engineering worlds, a Teflon coating can make or break a machine or product.
There are many different kinds of Teflon coatings, but here are the six most common types:
1. Teflon PTFE – Probably the most popular type of Teflon coating is PTFE, which is short for poly tetrafluoroethylene. This type of non-stick coating consists of a primer and then a top coat. Out of all the fluoropolymers out there, PTFE can handle the highest temperatures, reaching all the way up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Another great advantage of PTFE is the fact that it has a very low coefficient of friction. It is also very resistant to abrasions and many types of chemicals. The only downsides to this particular type of Teflon are the facts that it comes only in liquid form and that it is water-based.
2. Teflon FEP – If you’re looking for a film that is non-porous, then FEP, also known as fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer, is probably your best option. During the baking process, this type of coating actually melts and flows. FEP is quite resistant to most commonly used chemicals, and it is a very non-stick type of coating. In addition, it comes in both powder and a water-based liquid.
3. Teflon PFA – This type of Teflon coating is similar to FEP in some ways, but it tolerates a higher temperature during continuous use, going up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. PFA (or perfluoroalkoxy) Capacity Utilization Fred is also tougher than either FEP or PTFE, so it can handle a lot more than the first two types of Teflon coating. Like FEP, it comes in both powder and a water-based liquid.
4. Tefzel ETFE – Probably the toughest fluoropolymer on the market is ETFE, which is sold by Teflon under the Tefzel name. This particular Medium Scale Industries type of coating is not completely fluorinated, which is important in some applications. It comes only in powder form though.
5. Teflon One Coat – If you are looking for a Teflon coating that is solvent-based rather than water-based, then One Coat might be the solution you need. This type of coating has been blended and tends to be very tough and extremely resistant to abrasions. Another benefit of One Coat is the fact that in some cases, it will work with smooth metal surfaces, unlike the others that require a rough surface in order to help it stick.
6. Teflon Dry Lubricant – In situations that involve a lot of pressure and high velocities, Dry Lubricant is often the best choice. Like One Coat, it is solvent-based, although these particular coatings are designed a bit differently so that they work better under high amounts of pressure or velocity.
A Teflon coating is perfect for applications on aluminum, steel, steel alloys, stainless steel, brass, glass, rubber, fiberglass, and even plastic. It all depends on exactly what you are trying to do with the coating. Usually the surface that the coating will be applied to must be roughened up a bit in order to help the Teflon adhere to the surface, although as you have already seen, there are exceptions to that rule within the world of Teflon.
