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PTFE O-Rings: Performance, Safety, and Compliance

Jun 20, 2025 | Non classé

PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) O-rings are widely used in demanding environments where chemical resistance, thermal stability, and compliance with food and pharmaceutical standards are critical. Find out why these seals are a go-to solution for many industrial applications—and how ULTIMA’s offer adds even more value to your projects.

1. WHY CHOOSE A PTFE O-RING?

PTFE O-rings offer several technical advantages that make them suitable for extreme conditions:

  • Excellent chemical resistance: PTFE withstands nearly all chemicals and solvents, including strong acids, bases, and hydrocarbons.

  • Wide temperature range: usable from -200°C to +250°C, ideal for both cryogenic and high-temperature applications.

  • Cost-effective material: a high-performance solution at a controlled cost.

  • Food-grade compliant: thanks to multiple certifications (FDA, EC 1935/2004, etc.).

  • Very low water absorption: maintains performance even in humid environments.

  • Good dimensional stability: retains its mechanical properties over time.

  • Withstands pressures up to 300 bar: suitable for high-pressure applications.

2. LIMITATIONS OF PTFE O-RINGS

Despite their many strengths, PTFE O-rings also have a few limitations that should be considered:

  • Plastic deformation under stress, especially during repeated mechanical loads.

  • Low elasticity: unlike FFKM, PTFE does not offer good elastic recovery.

  • Intended for static applications only: not suitable for dynamic or moving assemblies.

  • Not suitable for closed-groove installations: due to its rigidity.

3. THE ULTIMA ADVANTAGE: FAST & CUSTOM SERVICE

At ULTIMA, we’ve built our offer around flexibility, responsiveness, and precision:

  • In-house manufacturing up to 500 mm in diameter.

  • No tooling costs: reduced costs for prototypes and small-to-medium series.

  • From single unit to medium series production (up to 5,000 units).

  • Quick production and delivery: your orders are handled with efficiency.

  • Tight manufacturing tolerances: for high reliability in assembly.

  • “Chrono Seal” option available for diameters up to 150 mm: quote + production + delivery in under 24 hours (for orders placed before 8:30 a.m.).

4. CERTIFICATIONS & STANDARDS: A FULLY COMPLIANT PTFE

Our PTFE 500 meets a wide range of international standards, ensuring its safe use in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial environments:

🥗 Food-Grade Standards

  • FDA 21CFR177.1550 and 21CFR177.300 (USA)

  • EC 1935/2004 and EC 2023/2006 (European Union)

  • Chinese standards: GB 31604.8-2016, GB 31604.7-2016, GB 31604.9-2016, GB 9685.3-2016, GB 31604.2-2016, and GB 9685-2016

💊 Pharmaceutical Standards

  • USP Class VI per protocols USP 35 <87> and USP 36 <88> (USA)

💧 Drinking Water Certifications

  • ACS (France), DVGW and KTW (Germany), WRAS (UK), Belgaqua (Belgium), B5014-T1 (Austria)

🛢️ Petrochemical Standards

  • NORSOK M-710

  • API-6A / ISO 10423:2009


Conclusion

PTFE O-rings offer a reliable and durable sealing solution for food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and petrochemical industries. With their exceptional resistance and ULTIMA’s rapid, custom-made manufacturing, you get a high-performance product that complies with the most stringent standards.

🔍 Need a quote or technical advice? Contact our team today and benefit from our speed, precision, and industrial expertise!


 

PTFE O-rings offer a reliable and durable sealing solution for food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and petrochemical industries