What is CTFE Plastic?

Chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) is a fluorocarbon polymer. CTFE is a clear, colorless, and unreactive liquid that is used as a raw material in the production of fluoropolymers and other high-performance plastics. As a result, these plastics are manufactured into parts for a variety of applications. CTFE plastic is used in parts for electrical insulation, chemical resistance, and high-temperature stability.

Applications of CTFE Plastic

Parts made of Chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) are normally used in high-performance applications that require excellent chemical resistance, low coefficient of friction, and high temperature stability. CTFE is often used to manufacture components in industries such as aerospace, chemical processing, and electrical equipment manufacturing. Common parts made of CTFE include seals, gaskets, linings, and electrical insulators.

Molding CTFE Parts

Chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) parts can be molded using several methods, including:

1. Compression molding: This is a process in which a pre-heated piece of CTFE material is placed in a mold and then subjected to high pressure. The material is then allowed to cool and solidify in the mold, forming the desired shape.
2. Injection molding: Injection molding is a process in which molten CTFE is injected into a mold, where it is allowed to cool and solidify. The process is similar to that used for other thermoplastics and is well suited for high-volume production.
3. Extrusion molding: In this process, CTFE is melted and then forced through a die to form a continuous shape, which is then cut to length to produce individual parts.
4. Calendaring: This is a process in which CTFE is melted and then passed through a series of rolls to produce a flat sheet. The sheet is then cut to size to produce the desired parts.

It is important to note that CTFE is a challenging material to mold due to its low thermal stability, high processing temperatures, and high molding pressures required to form a part. Experience and material familiarity are imperative to mold CTFE parts effectively and repeatedly.

CTFE Mold Flashing

CTFE plastic is known to create flash during molding operations due to its low melt viscosity and high vapor pressure. Mold flashing occurs when the melted material is forced out of the mold, resulting in a thin layer of plastic protruding from the parting lines. Molding conditions must be carefully controlled, including temperature, pressure, and material flow in order to mitigate flashing. Proper tool design can also help reduce the occurrence of flashing.

Cryogenic Deflashing CTFE Parts

Chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) parts can be cryogenically deflashed to remove residual flashing that remains once molding operations are complete. Cryogenic deflashing is a process in which parts are cooled in a cryogenic deflashing system to a temperature near or below the glass transition temperature of the material. This makes the flash brittle and easy to remove. Once the desired temperature is achieved the parts tumble in a basket while being blasted with a fine cryogenic grade polycarbonate media. Cryogenic deflashing is often used to remove flash from injection-molded parts made of CTFE and other materials that are difficult to deflash using traditional methods such as hand trimming. It is worth noting that cryogenic deflashing does not alter the surface finish or mechanical properties unlike other deflashing methods.

Nitrofreeze Cryogenic Solutions provides batch deflashing services for molded CTFE parts with only a 2 day turnaround. Expedited parts for same day and next day service are available at a slight premium. If you are interested in sending your CTFE part samples for a no-cost deflashing evaluation, please contact us at (508) 459-7447×105 or email us at info@nitrofreeze.com.