What are thermal insulating washers?
Thermal insulating washers are made out of a material called PTFE. PTFE is a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, a high-molecular-weight compound consisting of carbon and fluorine — and is one of the most commonly used artificial substances in the world.
The History of PTFE
PTFE is a relatively new material that was discovered by mistake, by a chemist named Dr. Roy Punkett. Dr. Roy Punkett was working with gases similar to Freon refrigerants, called tetrafluorethylene (TFE). After creating around 100 pounds of the TFE he stored the gas in small cylinders and froze them. When he went back to the cylinders, he found a waxy, white powder resin. Experiments on the new substance revealed that it was extremely slippery, which is when PTFE was born.
Common Applications of PTFE Washers
Thermal insulating washers are found in nearly every industry, including aerospace, automotive, heating and cooling, plumbing, appliances, the list goes on. And thanks to its many unique characteristics, it’s also a popular choice for washers and spacers. Its texture allows other components and parts to glide over them easily and being thermal but remaining non-conductive, also makes them a popular choice for use in circuit boards.
How are PTFE washers used?
Thermal insulating washers can be used in a large variety of ways. They can be used as spacers, provide spring force, sealing washers, insulate, lock, align parts, distribute loads, and even improve aesthetics.
Benefits of Thermal Insulating Washers
PTFE washers are strong, durable, and have one of the lowest coefficient friction levels of any other solid material. They are also chemically resistant and non-conductive with excellent dielectric properties. Plus, PTFE is an excellent insulator and is FDA-approved.
PTFE Washers in the UK
As leading PTFE washers UK suppliers, Stephens Gaskets is proud of our top quality, wide-range of thermal insulating washers. We can fulfil any customer requirements, so if you don’t see the washers you need on our website, just contact us directly with your specs, and we’ll take the steps needed to deliver what you want. We start the PTFE in our very own warehouse, that means we have a very quick turnaround, sometimes even same day if required.
Quality Thermal Insulating Washers at Stephens Gaskets
We manufacture the PTFE washers to an ISO 9001 standard, so each job we do has a full material traceability and a full dimension report once the goods go through final inspection. If you would like to find out more about PTFE washers, head to our website today. Alternatively, you can call 0121 544 5808 to speak to a member of our helpful and friendly team.
If you have found this blog helpful, you may wish to read our previous blog on High Temperature Gasket Material.