PTFE vs Fluorogold

While browsing the GRM Custom Products website you probably saw a lot about PFTE and Fluorogold slide plates, but did you ever stop to think about what these materials are made of? Or if you are anything like myself, you might be wondering “What is the difference between Fluorogold and regular PTFE?” Well, that is what I am going to lay out for you within this article; the differences, similarities, and history of these amazing products we offer at GRM Custom Products.

What is PTFE?

PTFE is known for its extremely low coefficient of friction, high-temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and non-stick properties. But what is it? PTFE is an abbreviation that stands for polytetrafluoroethylene. It sounds a lot scarier than it is, we promise. Let’s break the word down further to better understand what this means.

  • Poly: This prefix means “many” or “multiple.”
  • Tetra: This prefix means “four.”
  • Fluoro: This part of the word relates to “fluorine,” a chemical element known for its properties like being non-reactive and having low friction. (this is what makes our slide plates work so smoothly)
  • Ethylene: This refers to a type of molecule, specifically an organic compound with two carbon atoms joined by a double bond.

PTFE vs Fluorogold

So, we have all the parts broken down and explained. Now, let’s put it all back together:

Polytetrafluoroethylene is a type of material made up of many (poly) units of molecules. These molecules contain four (tetra) fluorine atoms. It’s essentially a long chain of molecules where each unit consists of ethylene molecules with fluorine atoms attached to them. Also known as a synthetic fluoropolymer. Simple right? Now that you understand what PTFE is, let’s dive into learning about Fluorogold.

What is Fluorogold?

Fluorogold is considered to be PTFE, it just contains added fillers and modifiers. These added fillers and modifiers enhance the properties beyond regular PTFE, making it an irresistible choice in the market.

The Fluorogold that GRM Custom Products sells is 25% glass-filled. You might be wondering “What difference does this make?” Well, it makes a huge difference in a multitude of different areas.

  • Increases the strength of the material making it more resistant to breakage.
  • Increased dimensional stability compared to unfilled material; less likely to change shape and size due to temperature or environment.
  • Higher mechanical strength; lower stress and deflection of material under high-pressure loads
  • Increased thermal conductivity; allows for better heat distribution.

Each of these alterations is significantly important for our customers in various industries and applications. While each little modification may seem insignificant individually, collectively, they bring a pretty significant difference. If you are faced with the decision between regular PTFE and Fluorogold, Fluorogold is simply the superior choice.

History

The history of PTFE and Fluorogold go hand and hand. Without the discovery of PTFE, Fluorogold would not exist. The material polytetrafluoroethylene was first discovered on April 6, 1938, by DuPont scientist Dr. Roy Plunkett. PTFE was created by accident when Dr. Plunkett left a batch of gas out overnight while trying to create a better refrigerator coolant. Crazy to think that a material that was heavily involved in taking us to the moon was made by accident. It has become commonly used in non-stick cookware, like pots and pans used in your kitchen every single day. A few other common uses of PTFE include hair irons, artificial limbs, tape, athletic clothes and much more.

In summary, while both fluorogold and regular PTFE share some similar properties due to their composition, fluorogold is a modified version of PTFE with added properties for specific applications across many industries. PTFE is a great choice and can do a lot for your project, but Fluorogold can do that times 10. Fluorogold is guaranteed to last the lifetime of any structure it goes into, making it an irresistible choice in the market. Please contact GRM Custom Products with any questions, inquiries, or concerns regarding PTFE and Fluorogold!