Why is PTFE difficult to machine?

PTFE is soft, has low thermal conductivity, and expands significantly with heat. It tends to tear rather than cut cleanly. Specialized tooling, sharp positive rake geometry, and temperature control are required.

What grades of PTFE are commonly machined?

Virgin PTFE is most common. Glass-filled PTFE provides better wear resistance and creep resistance. Bronze-filled PTFE offers the best wear resistance and thermal conductivity.

What tolerances can PTFE machining achieve?

Standard work holds ±0.05-0.1mm. Precision work holds ±0.02mm. PTFE's thermal expansion and creep must be considered in design and machining.

Is PTFE FDA-compliant?

Yes, virgin PTFE is FDA-compliant and is used in food processing and medical applications. Filled grades are not typically FDA-compliant.

What industries use CNC PTFE machining?

Chemical processing, food and beverage, medical devices, electrical and electronics, and aerospace. PTFE is specified where chemical resistance and low friction are required.

How is PTFE's non-stick property useful in machined parts?

PTFE prevents sticking of materials, making it ideal for seals, gaskets, conveyor components, and surfaces where material adhesion must be prevented.

CNC PTFE

CNC PTFE machining is the precision processing of polytetrafluoroethylene using computer-controlled cutting tools. PTFE (Teflon) is a fluoropolymer with exceptional chemical resistance, non-stick properties, and the lowest coefficient of friction of any solid material. It maintains properties from -200°C to +260°C.

PTFE is challenging to machine due to softness, creep under load, and dimensional instability. Sharp positive rake tooling, negative back rake, and high surface speeds with low feed rates are used. Cryogenic or liquid coolant prevents thermal expansion. Tolerances are held to ±0.05-0.1mm standard, precision at ±0.02mm.

Our CNC Machining Services

From prototype to production — reliable quality, on-time delivery

We provide precision CNC machining services for a wide range of materials including aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, titanium, PEEK, PTFE, acetal, nylon, and other engineering plastics. Our manufacturing capabilities cover 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC milling, as well as CNC turning, suitable for both prototype development and high-volume production runs.

With ISO 9001:2015 certification and a commitment to quality, we serve customers across aerospace, automotive, medical, electronics, industrial equipment, and consumer goods industries. Our in-house capabilities include surface finishing, anodizing, powder coating, heat treatment, and inspection with CMM and optical measurement equipment.

We offer competitive pricing, flexible lead times, and full material traceability. From simple brackets to complex precision components, we deliver parts that meet your specifications with reliable quality and on-time delivery.

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Materials

Aluminum 5083-H111

Aluminum 5083-H111 | 3.3547 | 54300| AlMg4.5Mn0.7

Aluminum 5083 (CNC) is a strain hardening aluminum alloy with excellent corrosion resistance. Suitable for marine applications. Can be welded.

Understand Aluminum 5083-H111

Aluminum 6063

Aluminum 6063 | EN AW-6063 | 62400| AlMg0,7Si

Aluminum 6063 has good mechanical properties and can be heat treated. Suitable for aerospace applications. Can be welded.

Understand Aluminum 6063

Aluminum 5052

Aluminum 5052 | EN AW-5052 | 3.3523 | AlMg2,5

Aluminum 5052 is a strain hardening aluminum alloy with excellent corrosion resistance. Suitable for marine applications. Can be welded.

Understand Aluminum 5052

Aluminum 2024-T351

Aluminum 2024-T351 | 3.1355 | 24530 | AlCu4Mg1

Aluminum 2024 is a high-strength alloy with excellent fatigue resistance. Suitable for aerospace applications.

Understand Aluminum 2024-T351

Aluminum 7050

Aluminum 7050 | EN AW-7050 | 3.4144| AlZn6CuMgZr

Aluminum 7050 has excellent mechanical properties with good ductility, high strength, toughness and good resistance to fatigue. Suitable for aerospace applications.

Understand Aluminum 7050

Aluminum MIC-6

Aluminum MIC6

Aluminum MIC6 is a light weight material that can be easily machined at high speed and is free from tension, contaminants and porosity.

Understand Aluminum MIC-6

Aluminum 6082-T651

Aluminum 6082-T651 | 3.2315 | 64430 | AlSi1MgMn

Aluminum 6082-T651 (CNC) has very similar composition and properties to 6061, with slightly higher tensile strength. Compliant with British Standards.

Understand Aluminum 6082-T651

Aluminum 2017A

Aluminum 2017A | 3.1325 | 24530 | AlCu4MgSi

Aluminum 2017 has a higher ductility and formability than Aluminum 2014 and has intermediate strength.

Understand Aluminum 2017A

Aluminum 7075-T651

Aluminum 7075-T651 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5.5MgCu

Aluminum 7075-T651(CNC) is an aerospace-grade material with excellent strength-to-weight ratio and strength and hardness comparable to steels. T651 is the temper of Aluminum 7075, and to achieve this temper, the alloy is solution heat-treated, stress relieved, and then artificially aged.

Understand Aluminum 7075-T651

Aluminum 2014

Aluminum 2014 | 3.1255 | 24345 | AlCu4SiMg

Aluminum 2014 is easily machined and can be hardened to get strengths comparable to steel, but is prone to corrosion. Suitable for aerospace applications.

Understand Aluminum 2014

Aluminum 6061-T651

Aluminum 6061-T651 | 3.3211 | 65028 | AlMg1SiCu

Aluminum 6061-T651 is commonly used in aerospace, automotive and construction industry, as it is valued for its high strength, excellent machinability, and good weldability. The "T651" designation indicates that the material has been heat-treated to a specific level of hardness.

Understand Aluminum 6061-T651

Aluminum 7075-T7351

Aluminum 7075-T7351 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5.5MgCu

Aluminum 7075-T7351 is commonly used in aerospace and defense applications, as well as automotive and transportation, as it is valued for its high strength, excellent machinability and good fatigue resistance. The "T7351" designation indicates that the material has been heat-treated to a specific level of hardness.

Understand Aluminum 7075-T7351

Aluminum 6061-T6

Aluminum 6061-T6 | 3.3211| 65028| AlMg1SiCu

Aluminum 6061 (CNC) is the most popular aluminum alloy. It has good strength-to-weight ratio, excellent machinability and natural corrosion resistance.

Understand Aluminum 6061-T6

Aluminum 6082

Aluminum 6082 | 3.2315 | 64430| AlSi1MgMn

Aluminum 6082 (CNC) has very similar composition and properties to 6061, with slightly higher tensile strength. Compliant with British Standards.

Understand Aluminum 6082

Aluminum 6060

Aluminum 6060 | 3.3206 | AlMgSi

Alloy 6060 offers good strength, relatively good corrosion resistance and is suitable for decorative anodizing.

Understand Aluminum 6060

Aluminum 7075-T6

Aluminum 7075-T6 | 3.4365 | 76528 | AlZn5,5MgCu

Aluminum 7075-T6 (CNC) is an aerospace-grade material with excellent strength-to-weight ratio and strength and hardness comparable to steels.

Understand Aluminum 7075-T6

Applications

Seals & Gaskets

Compression seals and packings
Gaskets and chemical-resistant seals
O-rings and backup rings
Flange seals and gasket kits

Bearing Components

Self-lubricating bearings
Bushings and thrust washers
Slide bearings and wear pads
Bearing cages and retainers

Chemical Processing

Chemical-resistant fittings
Valve seats and seals
Pump and vessel components
Reaction vessel linings

Food & Medical

FDA-compliant seals and components
Medical device bearing surfaces
Laboratory equipment parts
Food processing seals

Electrical

High-temperature electrical insulators
Wire and cable components
Insulating spacers

Capabilities

We machine PTFE for seals, gaskets, and bearing components. Specialized machining techniques are used: sharp positive rake tooling, high speeds, low feeds, and temperature-controlled processes. Tolerances held to ±0.05-0.1mm standard, ±0.02mm precision. ISO 9001:2015 certified.

Finishes

As-Machined

Standard finish for PTFE parts
Smooth, non-stick surface
Ra 1.6 – 3.2μm typical

Precision Finishing

Fine turning or facing
Ra 0.8μm achievable
Critical for sealing surfaces

Polishing

High-gloss low-friction surface
Used for bearing and seal applications
Ra 0.4μm achievable

Sintering

Post-machining heat treatment
Stress relief, improved dimensional stability
Prevents creep after installation

Technical Specs

Property	PTFE (Virgin)	PTFE (25% Glass Filled)	PTFE (Bronze Filled)
Tensile Strength (MPa)	20-30	15-25	15-20
Elongation at Break (%)	250-350	100-200	100-150
Hardness (Shore D)	50-60	60-70	65-75
Density (g/cm³)	2.1-2.2	2.2-2.3	3.5-4.0
Coefficient of Friction	0.05-0.10	0.10-0.15	0.08-0.12
Max Service Temp (°C)	260	260	260
Dielectric Strength	Excellent	Good	Fair
FDA Compliance	Yes	No	No

Parameter	Capability
Max Part Size (Milling)	2,000mm x 800mm x 600mm
Max Part Size (Turning)	600mm diameter x 1,500mm length
Standard Tolerance	±0.05 – 0.1mm
Precision Tolerance	±0.02mm
Surface Finish (As-Machined)	Ra 1.6 – 3.2μm
Surface Finish (Precision)	Ra 0.8μm

FAQs

Why is PTFE difficult to machine?

PTFE is soft, has low thermal conductivity, and expands significantly with heat. It tends to tear rather than cut cleanly. Specialized tooling, sharp positive rake geometry, and temperature control are required.
What grades of PTFE are commonly machined?

Virgin PTFE is most common. Glass-filled PTFE provides better wear resistance and creep resistance. Bronze-filled PTFE offers the best wear resistance and thermal conductivity.
What tolerances can PTFE machining achieve?

Standard work holds ±0.05-0.1mm. Precision work holds ±0.02mm. PTFE's thermal expansion and creep must be considered in design and machining.
Is PTFE FDA-compliant?

Yes, virgin PTFE is FDA-compliant and is used in food processing and medical applications. Filled grades are not typically FDA-compliant.
What industries use CNC PTFE machining?

Chemical processing, food and beverage, medical devices, electrical and electronics, and aerospace. PTFE is specified where chemical resistance and low friction are required.
How is PTFE's non-stick property useful in machined parts?

PTFE prevents sticking of materials, making it ideal for seals, gaskets, conveyor components, and surfaces where material adhesion must be prevented.