Carbon-filled PTFE washers are engineered for high-performance environments that demand excellent wear resistance, low friction, and controlled conductivity. As a leading carbon filled PTFE washers supplier, Stephens Gaskets manufactures and supplies precision components used in dynamic, high-load, and anti-static applications across a wide range of sectors.
In this guide, we’ll explore the unique properties of carbon-filled PTFE, common applications, and why it’s the preferred choice over standard PTFE in challenging operating conditions. Whether you’re looking for carbon PTFE spacers, anti-static solutions, or a specialist PTFE washer manufacturer in the UK, you’re in the right place.
What Is Carbon-Filled PTFE?
Carbon-filled PTFE is a composite material made by blending virgin PTFE with carbon powder or fibres. This modification enhances PTFE’s already impressive properties, making it suitable for more demanding applications.
Compared to virgin PTFE, carbon-filled PTFE offers:
- Increased wear resistance
- Lower deformation under load
- Improved thermal conductivity
- Controlled electrical conductivity (anti-static)
This makes it especially useful where sliding contact, pressure, and electrostatic discharge are concerns.
Key Benefits of Carbon-Filled PTFE Washers
1. Superior Wear Resistance
The addition of carbon increases surface hardness and durability, reducing wear in moving assemblies such as valves, pumps, or bearings.
2. Anti-Static Properties
Unlike standard PTFE, carbon-filled grades help dissipate static charges – ideal for electronics, cleanrooms, or explosive environments.
3. Low Friction Performance
PTFE’s natural low-friction properties remain intact, making it suitable for sliding or rotating parts.
4. Thermal Conductivity
Enhanced heat dissipation helps prevent material distortion or breakdown during high-speed or high-friction operation.
Applications: Where Carbon-Filled PTFE Washers Excel
As a trusted PTFE washer manufacturer UK, we’ve supplied carbon-filled components for use in:
- Pumps and compressors
- Electronics assembly lines
- Semiconductor processing equipment
- Automated manufacturing systems
- Oil, gas, and chemical plant valves
- Static-sensitive workstations
Wherever friction, movement, or static electricity is present, anti-static PTFE washers are often the smart, safe solution.
Standard and Custom Options Available
Stephens Gaskets manufactures and supplies carbon PTFE spacers and washers in a wide range of sizes and specifications, including:
- Thicknesses from 0.5mm to 6mm
- Internal and external diameters to suit standard or bespoke fasteners
- Flat, flanged, or slotted profiles
- Made to drawing or CAD file
Need a specialised part? We’re more than a supplier-we’re a solution partner, offering bespoke machining for your application.
Discover more about our custom PTFE washers or the washer itself on our main product page.
Why Choose Carbon-Filled PTFE Over Virgin PTFE?
While virgin PTFE is excellent for chemical resistance and insulation, it lacks structural strength and has poor wear resistance under load. In contrast, carbon-filled PTFE:
- Withstands pressure without deformation
- Disperses heat more efficiently
- Provides anti-static protection
- Lasts longer in moving parts
That’s why many engineers specify carbon grades in dynamic, industrial, or electro-sensitive environments.
Why Choose Stephens Gaskets?
With over 70 years of washer manufacturing experience, Stephens Gaskets is a trusted carbon filled PTFE washers supplier known for quality, service, and technical support.
What we offer:
- UK-based manufacturing and fast delivery
- Custom machining to drawing or spec
- ISO 9001-certified processes
- Support for engineering and design teams
- Bulk or small-volume supply options
Whether you need standard washers or a complex custom solution, we provide dependable performance, batch after batch.
When to Specify Carbon-Filled PTFE Washers
Use these specialist washers when:
- You require low-friction contact in moving parts
- Your system must dissipate static electricity safely
- Washers will be exposed to chemicals or high heat
- Wear resistance and dimensional stability are essential
- You’re operating in cleanrooms or sensitive production lines
They’re an advanced solution to real-world engineering challenges-and we’re here to help you get the most out of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are carbon-filled PTFE washers conductive?
They’re not fully conductive, but they offer controlled conductivity to dissipate static—making them ideal for anti-static applications.
2. Can I use them in cleanroom environments?
Yes. Carbon-filled PTFE washers are widely used in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing due to their anti-static and low-particle-shedding properties.
3. Do you offer prototype quantities?
Yes. We support one-off orders, R&D prototypes, and full production runs.
4. What industries typically use carbon PTFE spacers?
Aerospace, electronics, food processing, and oil & gas are some of the top users of these precision-engineered components.
Final Thoughts: Built for Performance Under Pressure
Carbon-filled PTFE washers strike the perfect balance between strength, conductivity, and low friction. Whether it’s a high-speed assembly line or a critical sealing component, these washers are designed to deliver.
At Stephens Gaskets, we combine engineering expertise with advanced machining capabilities to supply anti-static PTFE washers you can trust-whatever the industry, whatever the challenge.