PTFE, better known by its brand name Teflon®, is well known as a non-stick pan coating. But while it does function extremely well in this role, there are many other lesser-known uses for Teflon that may amaze you. Teflon® is an extremely versatile synthetic fluoropolymer coating. With its light, heat, chemical, solvent and adhesion-resistant properties, and its easy-to-clean properties, Teflon® can be used on a variety of applications to suit your industry’s needs. We’ll talk you through some popular and useful Teflon® applications below:

Valve Components

Teflon® has excellent heat and chemical resistance, and is therefore an effective coating for valves across a range of industries. They are especially useful in applications where these valves will be exposed to high temperatures or extreme conditions, or where they will come into contact with corrosive chemicals. The non-stick properties of Teflon® help chemicals and other materials pass easily through valves, and will slow the deterioration of pipes and valves experiencing a constant flow of strong chemicals.

Machine Parts

Teflon’s® non-stick and self-lubricating qualities drastically reduce friction in high-speed machinery parts, including gears, saw blades, bearings and joints. Production line processes such as printing presses, chutes and packing machinery also benefit from reduced friction to their working parts, resulting in less wear and less frequent replacement. Teflon® also helps ensure no buildups of glue, paint or other adhesive substances occur on the surface of a part, ensuring machinery runs smoothly for longer.

Pharmaceutical Equipment

 Chemical and heat resistance are the watchwords when it comes to pharmaceutical processing equipment and machinery, and Teflon® certainly delivers it. Teflon’s surface will not react with chemicals when it comes into contact with them, preventing it from wearing away or allowing the equipment components to become contaminated. The non-stick surface of Teflon® and its water resistance make it easy for pharmaceutical parts to be cleaned and sterilised.

Cable Insulation

 Not only is Teflon® non-stick, but it has great electrical insulation properties. For this reason, it is often used as a cable insulator for appliances, electronics, power supplies and more.

Hairdressing Equipment

 Teflon’s® heat resistance is excellent for appliances which reach high temperatures – an example of this being hair straighteners and curling tongs. The plates, or heat elements, of these are often coated in PTFE to prevent overheating or hair sticking to the hot metal and burning. For similar reasons, Teflon is often also used to coat hair dryers.

 Pans, Bakeware and Cookware

A familiar and still extremely important use of Teflon® – being non-stick and heat resistant, it is still a superior coating for pans, baking trays, griddle irons and other cookware and bakeware equipment. Being UV and heat-resistant means it withstands the heat of ovens and stovetops, and the surface of pans will repel water, oils and sauces – or sticky cakes – when cooking. Teflon coatings aren’t just handy for your average frying pan or muffin tray either – they’re also great for keeping baking moulds, such as commercial lolly moulds, free of adhesive substances.

DECO offers Teflon coating in both grey and black for all your industrial or bakeware needs. Find out more about our Teflon coating services here, or contact us for more information.