Most companies offer three Teflon fluoropolymer resin wires, namely PFTE, FEP, and PFA. All of them possess great chemical resistance and are best for many applications. However, the Tefzel fluoropolymer outnumbers them all. It is because the Tefzel wire is not only chemical resistant but also they have great mechanical strength and are easy to apply.
Let us see the details of Tefzel fluoropolymer resin and how it is better than most cables.
Table of Contents
- What is Tefzel Wire and Cable?
- Common types of Tefzel® Wire or Cable
- ETFE vs. PTFE vs. PFA vs. FEP: How to choose
- Conclusion
What is Tefzel Wire and Cable?
Tefzel fluoro-plastic resin was introduced in 1972 and is similar to Teflon fluoro-plastic resin. It also goes by the name of ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) or Tefzel ETFE. You can use it for insulating or jacketing purposes.
The Tefzel insulation has good heat resistance and can sustain high voltages. Moreover, It has a high level of radiation and chemical resistance. These qualities make it easy to insulate long wires for aerospace vehicles, computers, rapid transit cars, automotive, heating pipe systems, and nuclear plants.
Further, ETFE comes in a variety of Mil-W-22759 (Military-grade wire) makings and Mil-C-27500 (Mil-Spec multi-conductor cable) configurations.
| Temperature Rating | Fire Resistant | Chemical Resistant | UV Resistant | Durability | Flexibility |
| -70°C to 150°C | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Good |
Common types of Tefzel® Wire or Cable
Common Tefzel wires include:
- Aerospace Wires
- Nuclear Wires
- Medical Wires
- Appliance Cables
- Avionics Wires
- Electronics Cables
- Military wire
- Automotive wire
ETFE vs. PTFE vs. PFA vs. FEP: How to choose
Because of its higher strength, most manufacturers frequently prefer EFTE over FEP, PTFE, or PFA.
Tefzel Wire: Explaining EFTE
It is possible to use ETFE insulated wire and cable in temperatures as high as 150 degrees Celsius. Also, notice that the EFTE possesses increased flexibility, mechanical toughness, and abrasion resistance. Thus, ETFE insulation is common in applications requiring mechanical strength and exceptional resistance. Moreover, it is ideal for situations where it has to survive high heat and use electrical stability characteristics.
ETFE insulation outperforms both PTFE and FEP insulation in terms of mechanical qualities. EFTE insulated wire and cable operates between -100 degrees to 150 degree Celsius in terms of the temperature range.
Tefzel Wire: Explaining PTFE
PTFE (by Teflon) is a fluorocarbon with fluorine and carbon atoms. On the other hand, ETFE has carbon, fluorine, and hydrogen.
There are some distinctions between the two polymers regarding their physical properties. The rigidity of ETFE can be up to 34% higher than that of PTFE. Furthermore, because PTFE has a friction coefficient one-third that of ETFE, it is a better wire insulator for locations where the cable harnessing will contact other cables and scratch them.
There are also significant variances in each material’s thermal characteristics. The melting temperatures of PTFE and ETFE are 327 degrees Celsius to 267 degrees Celsius, respectively, but these materials weaken at lower temperatures. As a result, the materials’ operating temperature is lower.
Moreover, PTFE has a larger than 95 percent Limiting Oxygen Index (the minimal percentage level of oxygen where the polymer would burn). Still, ETFE has a Limiting Oxygen Index of 30-36 percent, indicating that you should use PTFE in higher oxygen settings.
Tefzel Wire: Explaining PFA
For high-temperature applications, PFA Insulated wires or cables are a perfect pick. Compared to other insulations, PFA insulation can endure heat up to 260 degrees Celsius and has higher mechanical strength at high temperatures. Moreover, it doesn’t break when it is cold in the area.
You can also use the PFA insulated cable and wire in places where the cable has to submerge in chemicals. As you expose it to some industrial solvents and chemicals, PFA insulation remains inert. In temperatures that are from –200 degrees Celsius to +260 degrees Celsius, PFA insulation keeps its quality intact.
Tefzel Wire: Explaining FEP
FEP Insulated Cables and FEP Wiring are also useful in high-temperature and harsh environments where other insulations might be failures. The FEP-insulated wires do not react to most chemical conditions and can tolerate high heat. Moreover, it also has great low-temperature strength and does not break as it freezes.
These wire and cable also has great weather resistance and is electrically stable. Additionally, they retain their qualities in temperature ranges of -200 degrees to 200 degrees Celsius (or -328 degrees to +392 degrees Fahrenheit). Thus, it is common to utilize FEP wires in many electrical, chemical, and medical applications.
However, it is highly flammable. So you have to be careful while using them in such areas where there is a chance of fire.
Conclusion
There are four types of polymer resins available in the market, namely PFTE, PFA, FEP, and ETFE. Among all of them, you can use the EFTE in most places that need resistance to radiation, chemicals, and heat. Moreover, it has good electrical properties, making it ideal for the smooth transfer of electric signals. Here at Bloom, we offer quality wire with types of insulation and jackets available, so your connection is made with attention to detail.
