PTFE VS FEP

PTFE VS FEP

If your application requires heat shrink tubing the challenge lies in choosing the right material. While there are many things to keep in mind such as the base material, heating method, your environment, and more, we want to eliminate questions regarding material. When it comes to PTFE and FEP tubing, both offer unique properties that can impact performance and durability. So, how do you decide which is the better fit? With this blog post, we’ll help you understand the differences between these two high-performance fluoropolymers.

Both PTFE and FEP are some of the most used materials in catheter manufacturing processes. They have a lot in common, but depending on the situation, one may be more effective in your application than another – or maybe you’ll use both!  

What do PTFE and FEP have in common?  

PTFE and FEP are both fluoropolymers – a type of plastic that contains fluorine atoms attached to a carbon backbone. They’re tough, flexible materials and also chemically inert. 

What are the differences between PTFE and FEP? 

• Temperature: PTFE withstands a higher temperature than FEP. However, its melting temperature (327°C/620°F) is so close to its decomposition temperature 400°C/752°F that melt-processing is much more difficult (and more expensive) with PTFE than FEP.
• Flexibility: While both materials are flexible, FEP is the more flexible. 
• Transparency: FEP is more transparent than PTFE, which makes it more desirable as an outer layer in applications where visual monitoring is necessary.  
• Melt-Processability: FEP is really the “melt-processable” version of PTFE because of its lower maximum operating temperature. 

How are PTFE and FEP used in catheter manufacturing processes? 

PTFE extruded tubing is primarily used as a liner. It has a low coefficient of friction, so it provides smooth insertion and allows devices to move through the lumen easily. The heat shrink versions of PTFE and FEP, on the other hand, may be used as a jacket in the reflow process for catheters. Due to the temperature characteristics above, FEP is often preferable. With the application of heat, the FEP jacket can bond the multiple layers of materials between the jacket and liner of the catheter to make a strong and flexible shaft. The fusing sleeve, or jacket, is removed before use.  

What sizes are Component Supply’s stocked configurations of PTFE Extrusions and FEP? 

Here’s a summary of the product lines. Click the links to start shopping! Filter by gauge size, wall and ID on the left.  

PTFE Extrusions 

• PTFE Regular Wall 
• PTFE Light Wall 
• PTFE Thin Wall 
• PTFE Fractional Sizes 

Heat Shrink 

• FEP 1.3:1 
• FEP 1.6:1 
• PTFE 2:1 Light Wall  
• PTFE 2:1 Thin Wall   
• PTFE 2:1 Standard Wall  

Do you offer any custom fabrication?  

Yes! The most common capability is precision cutting of extrusions to tight tolerances. For stocked material, the lead time is usually 5 days. But call or email us today for a formal quote.

📞 Call 931-761-4000 between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm CST

📧 Email parts@componentsupplycompany.com for a quote, design/drawing review, more product insight, or other questions.