PCTFE vs TFM-PTFE
Polymer · grade comparison
PCTFE and TFM-PTFE are both polymer grades. PCTFE is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 37 MPa (5.37 ksi) against 33 MPa (4.79 ksi) for TFM-PTFE, about 12% more. In exchange, TFM-PTFE is the more ductile: elongation 480% versus 110% for PCTFE, and PCTFE is harder (78 Shore D vs 57 Shore D). PCTFE is stiffer (1.5 GPa vs 0.55 GPa) and TFM-PTFE runs hotter in service (260°C vs 135°C continuous). On the shop floor, TFM-PTFE welds better (good vs poor) and TFM-PTFE sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than PCTFE (specialty, $$$$$).
PCTFEChoose it when strength drives the design.
TFM-PTFEChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
PCTFE 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Refractive Index
Same in both: Water Absorption (24 h) 0.01% · 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)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Limiting Oxygen Index 95%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·m3.94×10²³ µΩ·in · 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
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: 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 | PCTFE | TFM-PTFE |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Injection molding | Yes | — |
| Default condition | Unfilled | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | Yes | — |
| EMI Shielding Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Soft Touch Coating | Yes | — |
| Spray Painting | Yes | — |
| UV Coating | Yes | — |
PCTFE vs TFM-PTFE — frequently asked
Is PCTFE stronger than TFM-PTFE?
Yes. PCTFE has a typical tensile strength of 37 MPa (5.37 ksi) against 33 MPa (4.79 ksi) for TFM-PTFE — about 12% more.
Which is cheaper, PCTFE or TFM-PTFE?
TFM-PTFE is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while PCTFE is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, PCTFE or TFM-PTFE?
TFM-PTFE. Its weldability rates good (55/100) against poor (20/100) for PCTFE.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PCTFE 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.