FEP vs TFM-PTFE
Polymer · grade comparison
FEP and TFM-PTFE are both polymer grades. TFM-PTFE is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 33 MPa (4.79 ksi) against 23 MPa (3.34 ksi) for FEP, about 43% more. TFM-PTFE is the more ductile: elongation 480% versus 320% for FEP. TFM-PTFE is stiffer (0.55 GPa vs 0.48 GPa) and TFM-PTFE runs hotter in service (260°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, TFM-PTFE machines more easily (68 vs 55 out of 100), FEP welds better (very good vs good), and TFM-PTFE sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than FEP (specialty, $$$$$).
FEPChoose it when it will be welded.
TFM-PTFEChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
FEP vs TFM-PTFE: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Compressive Modulus
Shear Strength
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Same in both: Water Absorption (Saturation) 0.01%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 95%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·m3.94×10²³ µΩ·in · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 2.1 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁸ Ω·cm · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Mold Shrinkage 4%
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 220 MJ/kg94,583 BTU/lb · Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | FEP | TFM-PTFE |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Injection molding | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Unfilled | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | Yes | — |
| EMI Shielding Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Soft Touch Coating | Yes | — |
| Spray Painting | Yes | — |
| UV Coating | Yes | — |
FEP vs TFM-PTFE — frequently asked
Is TFM-PTFE stronger than FEP?
Yes. TFM-PTFE has a typical tensile strength of 33 MPa (4.79 ksi) against 23 MPa (3.34 ksi) for FEP — about 43% more.
Which is cheaper, FEP or TFM-PTFE?
TFM-PTFE is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while FEP is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, FEP or TFM-PTFE?
TFM-PTFE, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 68/100 against 55/100 for FEP; for welding the order is FEP first (very good, 80/100) then TFM-PTFE (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in FEP and TFM-PTFE side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.