PFA
A melt-processable fluoropolymer, up to 260 °C
Typical values for the temper in the title
PFA is a perfluoropolymer with chemical resistance and service temperature (260 °C) like PTFE. The difference: PTFE does not melt and is processed by pressing and sintering, while PFA melts (about 305 °C) and can be injection molded and extruded.
So PFA is used for complex high-purity parts: chemical piping, fittings and valves in the semiconductor industry, vessel and pipe linings, and high-temperature cable insulation. It is more expensive than PTFE and FEP.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength Rm | 25–35 MPa | |
| Density ρ | 2.15 g/cm³ | |
| Max continuous service temperature | 260°C | |
| Machinability | 60% | relative rating in the site database |
Structure and family
| Feature | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Family | perfluoropolymer | |
| Tm | about 305 °C | melt-processable |
| Service | up to 260 °C | like PTFE |
Typical values per producer data sheets.
Grades and versions
In fluoropolymers the choice is by service temperature, processing route (melt or sinter) and strength. All are highly chemically resistant.
| Version | Properties | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| High-purity grade | low metals and ions | semiconductor industry |
| General grade | molding and extrusion | piping and fittings |
Applications
- High-purity chemical piping and valves
- Semiconductor equipment
- Vessel and pipe linings
- High-temperature cable insulation
- Laboratory parts
Fabrication
Machining
Use very sharp tools, a feed that does not overheat the material, and good support (the material is flexible and deforms under clamping). For precision parts, stress-relief annealing before final machining is sometimes performed.
Thermal expansion
The expansion coefficient of an unfilled polymer is several times that of a metal. In a precision part or an assembly with metal, design clearances accordingly.
Melt processing
Can be molded and extruded, unlike PTFE.
Compared with similar materials
| Material | Rm / Rp0.2 | Welding | When it is the better choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTFE | 25 MPa | Sintering only | PTFE: cheaper, not melt-processable · material page |
| FEP | 20–30 MPa | Hot welding | FEP: cheaper, up to 200 °C · material page |
| PVDF | 50 MPa | Hot Gas / Ultrasonic | PVDF: stronger, less heat resistant · material page |
Common mistakes
Applying a constant mechanical load
PFA creeps, like PTFE.
Choosing PFA where FEP is enough
Below 200 °C FEP is cheaper.
Heating above the processing temperature
Harmful fumes.
Equivalents, standards and supply
| ASTM | D3307 |
|---|---|
| Standards | ASTM D3307 |
| Forms | sheet · rod · pellets |
| Producers | Chemours (Teflon PFA) · Daikin |
Learn more
Values are typical for an unfilled grade (unless stated otherwise) and for comparison only. In polymers, properties depend on grade, filler, temperature, moisture and load duration. For design, rely on the producer data sheet for the specific grade. Sources: ASTM classification standards (D8033, D5205, D5204, D6394, D4067 and others), producer data sheets, and the METAL HUB materials database.
Updated: October 31, 2026