Market
PTFE Tubing passes all relevant tests for FDA, food and Pharmaceutical Use. This is because of its complete inertness combined with non-stick Properties and smooth surface finish. Another useful property is the ability to sanitize with steam, without harming the tube. Even conductive tubing will posses all these properties, meanwhile providing protection against static discharge when used with non-conductive fluids.
Chemical Processing Industries
In many chemical processes materials of construction are exposed to corrosive and hot environments. Even though plastics are normally not the first choice as construction material, in many cases there is no alternative. The most common applications for PTFE Tubing in these markets are Fluid or gas transfer Hoses, Steel pipe lining and protective sleeves.
Semiconductor Industries
Particularly for conveying high purity Etching fluids such as HF solutions PTFE tubing and hose proves to be very suitable. PTFE is not affected by these fluids and neither absorbs nor emits molecules that could contaminate microchips. It is a well-kept secret that PTFE is more suitable for this application than the famous High purity PFA types, because PTFE does not come in contact with metal objects when processed while PFA does. Whilst extremely corrosive in its molten state, PFA can absorb molecules from screw, barrel and die, even when these are made from high quality nickel alloys.
Aerospace Industries
PTFE Tube and hose products in aircraft, spacecraft and automobiles are found around the engines; Hot environments combined with vibrations and liquid fuels. Where metal hose is subject to fatigue caused by vibrations and has a higher weight, other plastic and rubber hose fail as a result of the elevated temperatures or swelling/chemical attack from aggressive fuels. Brake systems often contain PTFE hose, especially near the brake calipers, because of the elevated temperatures and in the ABS system because of vibrations combined with aggressive brake fluids. A different application in this industry is conduits and bulkhead guiding for electrical wiring in the fuselage and wings. A result of the unmatched insulating values of PTFE, combined with its Fire retardant properties.