FEP and PFA are fluoropolymers that are ideal for use in injection molded biomedical devices and thin-walled, complex parts. Learn more about the properties of FEP and PFA and their different applications below.
When you need parts that can withstand extreme operating conditions, fluoropolymers may fit the bill. Parts like roofing membranes, fuel tubes, biomedical devices, and wires are all common applications of fluoropolymers.
To meet these demanding and various expectations, our supplier DAIKIN has developed two series of fluoropolymers:
– POLYFLON Series, a variety of high-performance PTFE. Available in fine powder, molding powder or dispersion used for tubes, membranes, etc.
– NEOFLON Series, a complete array of melt-processable fluoropolymers such as FEP, PFA, ETFE, PCTFE, suitable for pipe, sealant, roofing, etc.
Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP plastic) was created as a melt-processable fluoropolymer alternative to PTFE. FEP has several advantages to PTFE. FEP has low gas and permeability properties, can be extruded in long continuous lengths, and possesses excellent UV transmission rating. FEP is also suitable for use in a biomedical setting and is gamma sterilizable.
All of these attributes and more make FEP an ideal fluoropolymer for a diverse range of applications from environmental monitoring equipment to medical devices and electronics. Because it is a thermoplastic, FEP is also easily heat-formed, tipped, tapered, flared, and flanged.
Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA plastic) is a melt-processable fluoropolymer that combines many of the best traits of PTFE and FEP. At 500 °F (260 °C), PFA has a higher service temperature than FEP and maintains its mechanical integrity in extreme temperatures even when exposed to caustic chemicals. PFA has greater tensile strength than PTFE and a smoother surface finish than both PTFE and FEP.
PFA’s is a top choice in semiconductor, chemical, oil and gas, aerospace, automotive, pharmaceutical, and medical industries. This fluoropolymer has excellent lubricity, clarity, flexibility, and chemical resistance, making it a versatile choice.
| PTFE | PFA | FEP | ETFE | EFEP | CPT | PCTFE | VT | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical field | Chemical resistance + Heat resistance |
● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||
| Chemical resistance + Mechanical property |
● | ● | ● | ● | |||||
| Electronics field | Electrical property | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||
| Electrical property + mechanical property |
● | ● | |||||||
| Industry field | Low friction | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||
| Low expansion coefficient | ● | ||||||||
| Other fields | Weatherability | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Flame retardancy | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |
| Optical transparency | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||
FEP and PFA are injection moldable, highly inert, compatible with most organic compounds, have good barrier properties and high continuous use temperatures. They are virtually impervious to chemical, enzyme and microbiological attack and stiffer than PTFE. The non-stick properties of these polymers can also be useful to reduce liquid, gel and powder adhesion. Fluoropolymers in general, have good dielectric properties and are resistant to atmospheric degradation.
While significantly less expensive than PFA, FEP is very difficult to mold due to its low viscosity. However, Performance Plastics has developed proprietary tooling and processes enabling the injection molding of small, thin-walled, complex FEP parts.
PFA is significantly easier to mold than FEP, however, it is significantly more expensive.
We are experts in injection molding biomedical devices made of fluoropolymers.
Potential applications include:
Injection Molded PFA & PPSU in the Lithium Ion Battery
Designing and Molding Complex Plastic Parts
Tight Tolerances & Material Selection
Plastic Injection Molding vs 3D Printing
