Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Thread Sealing Tape Key Terms

Some key terms for polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE tape

By J. Stoltzfus, writer/programmer, LOCAL CITIZEN

Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE thread sealing tape is useful in a lot of different industrial situations. Different types of PTFE tape provide materials for specific installation and resistance to electrical charges, as well as heat resistant insulation. A large variety of materials is used to provide different types of PTFE, including fiberglass, silicon and acrylics. Knowing about some common key terms for types of PTFE will help businesses figure out what they need to use in-house for production or maintenance purposes.

White and yellow Teflon tape

Some types of PTFE tape are also called "Teflon tape." Tapes like these that are used in joint sealing are often color coded, with yellow being used for gas line connections. It's important for workers to recognize these color coatings for correctly identifying systems sealed with PTFE tapes.
Try: See more on color coding for Teflon tape at Acme.

Silicon or acrylic low friction PTFE tape

PTFE tapes with low friction engineering are used in situations where high friction is not a part of the industrial equation. These low friction tapes are often made with either silicon or acrylic backing.
Try: See more on a range of silicon and acrylic low friction PTFE tape and information about specifications for various uses at Precision Coating.

Skived PTFE

Skived PTFE tapes are often used in heat resistant setups. According to industry resources, skived PTFE tapes are high-density rolls that are "tensilized" for tensile strength and coated with 1.5 high temperature adhesive materials.
Try: Learn more about skived PTFE and other similar materials from Can-Do Tape, a distributor offering info resources services to buyers.

Fiberglass PTFE tape

Some types of PTFE tape are made with fiberglass materials for durability in heat sealing and other industrial uses.
Try: See more on types of fiberglass PTFE tapes at Sideweld Industries.

Dielectric strength

Dielectric strength is the measurement of how many volts can be sustained by an insulating material. Some PTFE tape types have high dielectric strength properties measured in volts per mil. High dielectric strength is desirable for uses in electrically charged areas.
Try: See more on dielectric strength here.

Mils

PTFE tape width is generally measured in mils. A mil is a unit equivalent of one thousandth of an inch (.001) and represents a standard in referring to precision sizes for a variety of industrial tools.
Try: See more on mils at the Business Dictionary.