Understanding what PTFE tape is used for is important. There are several potential Teflon™ tape uses but ultimately, the requirements of a particular task will determine whether PTFE tape is suitable.
PTFE tape is commonly referred to as a thread sealant and many types can help to minimise leakage around certain types of joints. Specific thicknesses of tape can be selected to provide an additional barrier to leakage in ducting. These tapes often feature inherently expansive properties, helping to fill out any small gaps between threads and conduits once they have been wrapped around the inside of a threaded joint.
Common PTFE tape uses include:
The use of plumber’s tape to stop leaks has long been a widespread practice. It is primarily used as a preventative measure when coupling joints together; wrapping the threads of a male component with PTFE tape before mating can help to seal and tighten the joint from the inside. This provides added protection against the risk of future leakage.
PTFE tape can also be used as a temporary short-term solution to help seal plumbing leaks until further work can be carried out. It is generally applied to a joint's exterior to minimise further leakage. However, it is not designed to be a long-term measure for fixing degraded, damaged, or incorrectly fitted joints.
Using PTFE tape for gas pipe sealer applications is common, but it is vital to select the right product for the job. Gas-rated PTFE thread seal tape is widely available, but it tends to be thicker and denser than standard PTFE tape for use in liquid plumbing environments. The latter can be prone to degradation and leaking if used inappropriately for gas pipelines, as it tends to be more porous. This is usually because of having been stretched thinner during the manufacturing process than the more heavy-duty PTFE tapes for natural gas ducting joints.
Due to its chemical inertness, PTFE tape is resistant to both petrol and oil. Therefore, it is often used in automotive applications to seal and lubricate fuel line joints.
Plumber’s lubricating and sealing tape is designed to cope well under moderately high pressure and heat demands. This means that it is broadly suitable for use in environments where it may encounter oil, petrol, diesel and other fuels.
As with most PTFE tape applications, it is good practice to start wrapping slightly below the first line of threading, leaving one full thread circumference exposed at the insertion end of the mating joint. If any small pieces of tape are sheared off where the threads bite together, you can start your wrap a little further back from the endpoint to prevent these material scraps from entering and potentially contaminating connected tanks or fuel lines.
While it can be used, PTFE on compression fittings is not typically required. Thread sealants are not needed with compression fittings because, in this application, the thread itself does not seal the joint. Instead, it is the compression of the ferrule between the pipe and the nut that makes the seal, rendering the use of PTFE tape unnecessary.
The number of turns needed will largely depend on the thickness of the tape you are using. However, as a rule, two or three revolutions will be sufficient for most standard applications.
PTFE tape is a staple component of the plumber's toolkit. Keeping supplies of tape to hand will prove useful should any leaks in plumbing systems occur. PTFE is typically used as either a preventative measure to help secure joints and protect against future leaks or as a short-term solution in the event of more serious damage or leaks.
Pipe joint compounds (also known as pipe dope or pipe glue) can be used instead of PTFE tape. However, it should be noted that these alternatives typically have higher strength than tape so are ideally suited as permanent seals rather than temporary solutions.
Published
by Rogers Corporation
Elastomeric Material Solutions
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) tapes, also known as high-performance fluoropolymer tapes, are indispensable across industries such as aerospace, automotive, chemical processing, and packaging. While these industrial PTFE tapes are renowned for their superior heat resistance, non-stick properties, and chemical inertness, there's more to these versatile materials than meets the eye.
High-performance PTFE tapes offer a range of benefits that often go unnoticed.
Here are the top five things you might not know about PTFE tapes that showcase their exceptional capabilities:
PTFE tapes excel in high-temperature environments, but they are also able to withstand extremely cold temperatures.
PTFE tapes maintain their properties at temperatures ranging from –94 to 500°F (-70 to 260°C), making them ideal for applications like aerospace thermal shielding and automotive components that are exposed to intense temperature fluctuations. Keep in mind that temperature ranges may vary depending on capabilities of the tape’s adhesive, as tapes in general are limited to the adhesive capabilities regardless of tape type.
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DeWAL® PTFE tapes exhibit exceptional temperature versatility. Their ability to perform consistently in both extreme heat and cold sets them apart from other materials, making them a go-to solution for industries facing the most demanding temperature challenges.
While PTFE materials are famous for their non-stick properties, their chemical resistance is equally impressive.
Chemical-resistant tape solutions like DeWAL PTFE materials maintain durability in harsh chemical environments—whether exposed to acids, solvents, or bases. This makes them suitable for demanding applications in chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and other corrosive environments.
From sealing and gasketing to lining applications, DeWAL PTFE materials maintain their integrity where other materials might fail.
One of the significant benefits of DeWAL PTFE tapes is their ability to be removed cleanly without leaving any residue.
These PTFE industrial tapes excel in process aid applications, designed for repeated use in extreme conditions and clean removal afterward. This feature is especially useful in mold release applications, industrial processes, sealing operations, and other scenarios where adhesive residue could compromise performance and product quality. The residue-free nature of PTFE tapes ensures consistent results and reduces maintenance time and costs.
PTFE tapes don’t just perform well; they also meet stringent industry standards.
DeWAL PTFE tapes meet various UL and MIL specifications, ensuring reliable performance in regulated industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics.
By meeting stringent industry standards, DeWAL PTFE tapes can be utilized in applications where safety, quality, and compliance are critical—like electrical insulation, composite manufacturing, and sealing applications.
Not all PTFE tapes are created equal. DeWAL offers a range of PTFE tapes that can be tailored to various applications and performance needs, including tapes with high heat resistance, easy removal, and durability in demanding environments. The product portfolio also includes PTFE tapes with acrylic adhesives.
Whether you need tapes for aerospace, automotive, or chemical processing, there’s a DeWAL PTFE tape specially designed for practically any requirement.
If you’ve relied on other PTFE tape suppliers in the past and are having trouble sourcing PTFE tapes, Rogers has you covered with a reliable DeWAL replacement. Use this cross-reference guide to find the DeWAL equivalent to your product:
Other PTFE Tapes DeWAL PTFE Tapes DW204-2HD DW204-5HD DW134-3 / L DW134-6 / DW134-6 YL DW134P-6*Ask our PTFE tape experts about other DeWAL product alternatives to 60, 61, 62, 63, , , , , and .
PTFE tapes are more than just high-temperature materials; they are versatile, durable, and engineered to meet stringent industry standards. Whether you’re looking for a reliable supplier for PTFE tapes or just exploring new materials for demanding applications, DeWAL PTFE tapes offer an exceptional combination of performance and reliability.
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Published on Oct 07,
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