PFA vs TFM-PTFE
Polymer · grade comparison
PFA and TFM-PTFE are both polymer grades. TFM-PTFE is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 33 MPa (4.79 ksi) against 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) for PFA, about 10% more. TFM-PTFE is the more ductile: elongation 480% versus 330% for PFA, and PFA is harder (60 Shore D vs 57 Shore D). PFA is stiffer (0.6 GPa vs 0.55 GPa) and TFM-PTFE conducts heat better (0.25 W/m·K vs 0.22 W/m·K). On the shop floor, TFM-PTFE machines more easily (68 vs 55 out of 100), PFA welds better (very good vs good), and TFM-PTFE sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than PFA (specialty, $$$$$).
PFAChoose it when it will be welded.
TFM-PTFEChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
PFA 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
Flexural Strength
Shear Strength
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Compressive Modulus
Same in both: Compressive Strength 12 MPa1.7 ksi · Flexural Modulus 0.62 GPa0.09 Msi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Light Transmission
Same in both: Refractive Index 1.35
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 260°C500 °F · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 95%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Strength
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω·m3.94×10²³ µΩ·in · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 2.1 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 2×10⁻⁴ · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁸ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁷ Ω · 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
Melt Flow Rate
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 370°C698 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Water 300 L/kg35.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 0.3 MN·m/kg · 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 | PFA | TFM-PTFE |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Injection molding | Yes | — |
| Default condition | High Purity (Semiconductor) | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | Yes | — |
| EMI Shielding Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Soft Touch Coating | Yes | — |
| Spray Painting | Yes | — |
| UV Coating | Yes | — |
PFA vs TFM-PTFE — frequently asked
Is TFM-PTFE stronger than PFA?
Yes. TFM-PTFE has a typical tensile strength of 33 MPa (4.79 ksi) against 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) for PFA — about 10% more.
Which is cheaper, PFA or TFM-PTFE?
TFM-PTFE is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while PFA is specialty ($$$$$). 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, PFA or TFM-PTFE?
TFM-PTFE, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 68/100 against 55/100 for PFA; for welding the order is PFA first (very good, 78/100) then TFM-PTFE (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PFA 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.