It saves your breakfast from burning and keeps your hair styled, but Teflon is capable of so much more.
Teflon coating is expanding its presence outside your household. Industrial uses for Teflon are growing as businesses and manufacturers take advantage of its many benefits for their factories and products. How can your industry benefit?
First, let’s talk about what Teflon coating is.
What is Teflon Coating?
Teflon is a trademarked name for a synthetic resin invented by Chemours in 1938. Since that time, there are now 4 types of Teflon resins:
- PTFE or polytetrafluoroethylene: Non-stick, heat and chemical resistant, good for electrical insulation. Uses include cookware, pipe liners, seals or coatings. PTFE comes in liquid form.
- FEP or fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer: Properties are the same as PTFE but melts at lower temperatures and is softer. Uses are for wire insulation and cable, not for cookware. FEP comes in liquid and powder form.
- PFA or perfluoroalkoxy: Similar properties to PTFE but is melt processable. Stronger than PTFE or FEP resins. Industrial uses are tubing and lining for chemical processing. PFA comes in liquid and powder form.
- ETFE or ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene: Chemical resistant, radiation resistant, and stronger than PTFE. It coats wires and acts as a thermoplastic liner for pipes or tanks. ETFE only comes in powder form.
Each resin has a unique set of properties that make them beneficial for specific industrial uses.
Here are 5 of the top major industries that benefit from industrial coating!
1. Food and Kitchenware Industry
It isn’t just for pots and pans anymore.
Food grade PTFE Teflon is found in blenders, microwaves, coffee makers, and waffle irons. Larger appliances such as dishwashers and oven ranges are also coated in PTFE.
Apply these coatings to your appliances to create a non-stick, easy-to-clean, and heat resistant product. For mechanical parts within your appliances, specifically blenders, this is useful in making sure food products do not clog the machine.
Their use on the surface and within the product itself will extend its durability and longevity. For larger and more commercial kitchens this means not having to replace equipment as often and making it easier to clean.
If you’re looking for ways to use it while cooking, food molds made from or coated with Teflon make it easy! View this site for more info about how to fix any repairs on this without any support.
2. Chemical Manufacturing
Because Teflon is chemical resistant, it is the perfect resin to coat pipelines, containers, and hoses that transport corrosive chemicals.
PFA or ETFE Teflon is ideal for this industry because they endure harsh environments without sacrificing their integrity. These coatings work on metal and glass surfaces so they are versatile, as well.
These particular forms of Teflon are made so they do not crack under extreme circumstances. Not only that, but it will not melt or erode as a result of the chemicals in your facility.
Production machinery and tools used in this setting also benefit by the extra layer of protection. Bolts, fasteners, and even your wrench can be coated!
Should your company need a sealant or top coat, Teflon is the way to go.
3. Construction
Being an electrical insulator, Teflon coatings serve as a way to protect or encase wiring. In the construction business, where people might know that bucket trucks can help, this type of coating is ideal because it is so resistant to temperature, water, flames, and chemicals.
Gas line pipes, electrical wiring, and hoses can be made with Teflon.
No matter if it’s a new house or skyscraper, you’ll know you’re working with the best materials. You’ll also notice companies use it for thermal breaks and bearing pads, as well.
For these types of jobs, you’ll want to use PTFE or FEP Teflon.
If you want to add some strength to your tools or other materials, consider a PTFE coating. Smaller tools like scissors, wire cutters or drill bits are optimal candidates.
4. Automotive and Car Parts
What better for a paint sealant or car part coating? Teflon is a great product for the automotive industry because of its durability and resistance to heat and chemical materials.
Teflon coating for cars came as a response to rust problems. Coat your automobile with a PTFE sealant to protect it from weather and other environmental factors.
Used also for windshield wipers, Teflon works great for repelling water and its non-stick properties allow the wiper to move over the window without getting stuck.
It is also beneficial for automotive parts, such as gaskets. Teflon coatings protect parts from corrosion, general wear and tear, and degradation.
The use of Teflon in factories where parts are produced is helpful because they do not react to extreme heat or pressure like other products. Using an industrial coating on factory machines enables you to protect them and extend their life.
5. Security and Detection
Did you know your door latches and keys can be coated as well?
Used as a way to keep your key from sticking in the door, Teflon can ensure the strength and consistency needed for your security.
In a more industrial setting, Teflon is found on equipment used to detect explosives or chemicals. It keeps the mechanics of the machines working well but also protects it from damage should the threat be real.
PTA or ETFP coatings work best in this environment. They are flame resistant and will not take as much damage from an explosion, chemical or otherwise. This saves your company from having to replace the equipment as often.
Teflon Coating in Your Industry
Now that you know the differences between PTFE, PFA, FEP, and ETFE Teflon and their beneficial properties, you can plan how to use it in your industry.
Performance Engineered Components is a Teflon coating company specializing in industrial Teflon coating. With over 30 years of experience, your company or business can learn about which type of coating is right for you!
To get a consultation, give us a call or send us an email!