Description
Virgin PTFE tube in large diameters from 50 mm to 120 mm OD: 44 OD × ID combinations, each in 1000 mm or 2000 mm lengths. PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, often known by the brand name Teflon®) is the most chemically inert engineering plastic available. It resists almost every industrial chemical and solvent, works from cryogenic temperatures up to +260 °C, has the lowest friction of any solid plastic and is an outstanding electrical insulator. These rigid tubes are made for machining into bushes, sleeves, liners, seals, spacers and insulators.
At a Glance
- Material: 100% virgin (unfilled) PTFE, white
- Outside diameters: 50, 54, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 78, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100 and 120 mm
- Wall thickness: from 5 mm (thin-wall sleeves) to 25 mm (heavy machining blanks)
- Lengths: 1000 mm or 2000 mm. Cut-to-length and bulk quantities available on request
- Service temperature: −200 °C to +260 °C continuous
- Chemical resistance: resists virtually all acids, alkalis and solvents
- Friction: coefficient 0.05–0.10, the lowest of any solid plastic
- Electrical: excellent dielectric strength, very low dielectric loss
- Flammability: UL94 V-0, self-extinguishing
Available Sizes
Choose a thick wall when you need material to machine flanges, grooves or stepped bores. Choose a thin wall for sleeves, liners and lighter, lower-cost parts.
| OD | Available IDs | Wall range |
|---|---|---|
| 50 mm | 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 mm | 5–15 mm |
| 54 mm | 36 mm | 9 mm |
| 55 mm | 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 mm | 5–17.5 mm |
| 60 mm | 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 mm | 5–17.5 mm |
| 65 mm | 40, 45, 50, 55 mm | 5–12.5 mm |
| 70 mm | 30, 40, 50, 60 mm | 5–20 mm |
| 75 mm | 45, 50, 60 mm | 7.5–15 mm |
| 78 mm | 65 mm | 6.5 mm |
| 80 mm | 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 mm | 5–25 mm |
| 85 mm | 50, 65, 70 mm | 7.5–17.5 mm |
| 90 mm | 70, 80 mm | 5–10 mm |
| 95 mm | 60 mm | 17.5 mm |
| 100 mm | 80, 90 mm | 5–10 mm |
| 120 mm | 80 mm | 20 mm |
Weight guide: weight per metre (kg) ≈ (OD² − ID²) × 0.0017, with OD and ID in mm. For example, 60 × 40 mm ≈ 3.4 kg/m, 80 × 60 mm ≈ 4.8 kg/m and 120 × 80 mm ≈ 13.6 kg/m. The exact shipping weight for each size is shown at checkout.
Technical Data (Typical Values for Virgin PTFE)
| Property | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.14–2.20 g/cm³ |
| Tensile strength | 20–35 MPa |
| Elongation at break | ≥ 200% |
| Hardness | Shore D 50–60 |
| Continuous service temperature | −200 °C to +260 °C |
| Melting point | ≈ 327 °C |
| Coefficient of friction (dynamic) | 0.05–0.10 |
| Water absorption | < 0.01% |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion | ≈ 100–160 × 10⁻⁶ /K |
| Dielectric constant (1 MHz) | ≈ 2.1 |
| Volume resistivity | > 10¹⁷ Ω·cm |
| Flammability | UL94 V-0 |
| UV / weathering resistance | Excellent |
These are typical material values, not guaranteed minimums. Ask us for the material data sheet if your application needs certified figures.
Why Choose PTFE Tube?
- Chemically inert: unaffected by strong acids, alkalis, oxidisers and organic solvents. The only known exceptions are molten alkali metals and elemental fluorine at high temperature.
- Self-lubricating: runs dry against metal with very low friction and no stick-slip, so bushes and guides need no grease.
- Non-stick and hygienic: almost nothing adheres to it, so it cleans easily in labs, food processing and pharmaceutical settings.
- Stable at temperature: keeps its properties from cryogenic service up to +260 °C, where most plastics soften or embrittle.
- Superior insulator: very high dielectric strength and resistivity with near-zero moisture uptake, so electrical properties stay consistent in damp conditions.
- Easy to machine: turns, bores and drills cleanly on standard equipment.
Typical Applications
- Chemical processing: pipe and valve liners, pump bushes, seal and gasket rings
- Mechanical engineering: plain bearings, thrust washers, wear rings and guide sleeves
- Electrical: high-voltage insulating sleeves, bushings, cable and busbar spacers
- Food and pharmaceutical: non-stick guides, scraper and sealing components
- Laboratory: reaction vessel parts, fittings and sample-handling components
- Semiconductor and cleanroom: wet-bench and high-purity fluid-handling parts
Machining Tips
- Use sharp, positive-rake HSS or carbide tooling with light cuts and good chip clearance.
- PTFE expands about 10× more than steel with temperature. Measure finished parts at about 23 °C, and allow for operating temperature when setting fits and clearances.
- Support thin-wall tube (walls of 5–7.5 mm) on a mandrel or in soft jaws to avoid distortion while clamping.
- PTFE can creep under sustained load. For high-load bearings, keep contact pressures moderate or ask us about filled PTFE grades.
- Avoid overheating in machining: above 400 °C PTFE releases hazardous fumes. Do not smoke while machining.
Ordering and Support
- Cut to length: need shorter pieces or multiple blanks? Contact us before ordering for a cutting quote.
- Bulk and trade pricing: quantity discounts are available. Request a quote for multiple lengths or regular orders.
- Documentation: technical data sheets, safety data sheets and food-contact compliance information are available on request.
- Smaller sizes: looking for 10–45 mm OD? See our PTFE Tube 10–45mm OD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as Teflon® tube?
Yes. Teflon® is a Chemours brand name for PTFE. This tube is virgin PTFE with the same core properties.
Is the tube rigid or flexible?
At these diameters and wall thicknesses the tube is rigid. It is intended for machining and structural use, not as flexible hose.
Which length should I choose?
The 2000 mm length is more economical when you need several parts or long sleeves, and it saves on joins. The 1000 mm length is easier to handle and ship for one-off parts.
Can it be machined into custom components?
Yes. It can be turned, bored, drilled and parted on standard lathes and mills. See the machining tips above for best results.
Is it suitable for strong acids and solvents?
PTFE resists virtually all industrial chemicals, including concentrated acids, alkalis and solvents. For unusual media or extreme conditions, confirm compatibility for your application.
Can it be glued?
Not easily. PTFE's non-stick surface means standard adhesives don't bond. Use mechanical fixing, or chemically etched PTFE if bonding is essential.
What is the maximum temperature?
PTFE is rated for continuous use up to +260 °C, and down to −200 °C at the low end.
All sizes & prices
88 sizes · prices include VAT · tap a price to select that size
54mm
78mm
95mm
100mm
120mm
Need a size that isn't listed? We cut to order. Request a quote or call 01744 520110.
Supplying UK engineers, manufacturers and public bodies
