Expanded PTFE

Reliable sealing on uneven surfaces

What is expanded PTFE?

The Expanded PTFE (ePTFE) is virgin, unfilled Teflon 100 %, which has been processed to obtain a structure of microporous and flexible. Its spongy character allows it to be perfectly adapted to uneven surfaces, making it an ideal solution for applications where reliable sealing with low tightening torques is required.

At Epidor, we work with products from high quality, as adhesive tape Gloster-Flon® Gloster-Flon, made of ePTFE fibers oriented in one direction only, which gives it an excellent superior mechanical strength and excellent adaptability to any geometry.

Advantages of Gloster-Flon® Expanded PTFE tape

Temperature range: from -240 ºC to +270 ºC, with peaks up to +310 ºC.
Almost universal chemical resistance: Suitable for acids, bases, hydrocarbons, alcohols, lubricants, etc.
pH 0-14.
Inert, nontoxic, odorless and tasteless, suitable for food and pharmaceutical industries.
Flexible and moldable at the time of assembly.
Ideal for large diameter flanges, plastic, glass, or with low tightening capacity.
It does not age and does not generate waste.
Self-adhesive, This facilitates mounting in any position.

Typical applications of expanded PTFE

Expanded PTFE tape is an excellent alternative to traditional flat gaskets when:

The geometry to be sealed is irregular or of large diameter.
The flanges have defects, corrosion or lack of parallelism.
Sealing is required in plastics, glass or enameled materials.
Service conditions involve aggressive products or extreme temperatures.

Available formats of expanded PTFE

At Epidor, we supply Gloster-Flon® tape in variable length coils, in rectangular section with widths of 3 to 40 mm and thicknesses of 1.5 to 7 mm (other sizes upon request).

Examples of standard sizes:

3.0 x 1.5 mm
5.0 x 2.0 mm
10.0 x 3.0 mm
17.0 x 6.0 mm
40.0 x 5.0 mm

Certifications and regulations

Gloster-Flon® expanded PTFE tape has multiple certifications that guarantee its use in demanding industries:

FDA 21 CFR 177.1550

Suitable for food contact.

EC Regulation 1935/2004

Materials in contact with food.

EC No. 10/2011

Metal migration tests.

EN 1186-3

Tests with food simulants.

BAM

Test with gaseous oxygen at 60 ºC and 16 bar.

DVGW G 260

Suitable for gases (except LPG) at 50 ºC and 16 bar.

Differences between PTFE and expanded PTFE

Although the two materials share excellent chemical and thermal resistance, the Expanded PTFE stands out for its greater versatility and adaptability. Being sponge-like and microporous, it allows effective sealing on damaged surfaces or surfaces with low assembly tolerance.

Examples of standard sizes:

3.0 x 1.5 mm
5.0 x 2.0 mm
10.0 x 3.0 mm
17.0 x 6.0 mm
40.0 x 5.0 mm

Quick and easy installation

Clean the area to be sealed well (free of grease and dust).
Cut the required length of tape.
Remove the adhesive protector and fix the tape to the surface.
In case of closing the perimeter, overlap the ends by about 2 cm.

FAQ's about expanded PTFE

In which cases is the use of expanded PTFE tape especially recommended?

It is ideal when sealing damaged, uneven or not very flat surfaces, as well as flanges made of sensitive materials such as glass, plastic or systems that do not support high tightening torques.

Can the tape be reused after removal?

Reuse is not recommended. As it is a deformable material that adapts to the surface, its sealing capacity decreases after the first use.

Can the tape withstand aggressive chemical media?

Yes, it has almost universal chemical resistance, making it compatible with most industrial products.

Is it safe for the food or pharmaceutical industry?

Yes, it is certified by FDA and European regulations for use in contact with food and medical devices.

Do you need expanded PTFE for your project?

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