This is in reference to old post thread712-364007
Heat setting or thermoforming PTFE Tubing is very difficult due to the extreme temperatures that were required to sinter the product during manufacturing. Forming PTFE takes well over 500°F in order for the material to take a nice set. The higher the set temperature the better the product.
Depending upon the application a better material to use if you need the chemical resistance would be to from it out of FEP. We recomend using Heavy Wall FEP Tubing for most thermoforing projects and parts. The heavier wall will allow for material to be coiled in a tigher radius wouth out the fear of kinks. FEP Tubing is almost identical to PTFE when it comes to its Thermal , Physical and Chemical Properties and requires less temperature to heat set.
All fluoropolymers can be heat set or formed, it just depends upon resources that you have for doing the job. Heat guns work for small coils or items but an controlled convection oven works the best.
Below is a picture of a Retractable FEP Coil that was heat set.
Heat setting or thermoforming PTFE Tubing is very difficult due to the extreme temperatures that were required to sinter the product during manufacturing. Forming PTFE takes well over 500°F in order for the material to take a nice set. The higher the set temperature the better the product.
Depending upon the application a better material to use if you need the chemical resistance would be to from it out of FEP. We recomend using Heavy Wall FEP Tubing for most thermoforing projects and parts. The heavier wall will allow for material to be coiled in a tigher radius wouth out the fear of kinks. FEP Tubing is almost identical to PTFE when it comes to its Thermal , Physical and Chemical Properties and requires less temperature to heat set.
All fluoropolymers can be heat set or formed, it just depends upon resources that you have for doing the job. Heat guns work for small coils or items but an controlled convection oven works the best.
Below is a picture of a Retractable FEP Coil that was heat set.
