PTFE (Teflon) vs UHMW: which low-friction plastic?
PTFE — often known by the brand name Teflon — and UHMW polyethylene (UHMWPE) are both chosen because things slide on them easily. That is where the similarity ends: they fail in different ways and suit different environments. PTFE is the answer to heat and chemicals; UHMWPE is the answer to abrasion and impact.
At a glance
| Property | PTFE | UHMW (UHMWPE) |
|---|---|---|
| Friction | Among the lowest of any solid — typically 0.05–0.10 | Very low — typically 0.10–0.20 |
| Abrasion & wear | Poor when unfilled; filled grades improve it | Outstanding — among the best of any thermoplastic |
| Temperature | Roughly −200 to +260 °C | To around 80 °C continuous; stays tough at low temperature |
| Chemical resistance | Virtually inert | Very good; not for strong oxidising acids |
| Load & creep | Soft — cold-flows under sustained load | Low stiffness — creeps under sustained load |
| Impact resistance | Moderate | Exceptional |
| Density | About 2.2 g/cm³ | About 0.93 g/cm³ — lighter than water |
| Food contact | Compliant grades available | Compliant grades widely used |
| Relative material cost | Higher | Lower |
Figures are typical values for unfilled grades and vary by grade and manufacturer — confirm against the supplier datasheet for a critical application. Teflon is a registered trademark of The Chemours Company; PTFE is the generic material.
Where PTFE is the better choice
Choose PTFE when temperature or chemistry rules everything else out: seals, gaskets, valve seats and bearings in chemical service, parts that run hot, and surfaces that must stay non-stick and inert. It is serviceable from cryogenic temperatures to around 260 °C and resists almost every industrial chemical. Expect to use a filled grade wherever the part also sees rubbing wear.
Where UHMW is the better choice
Choose UHMWPE for wear at near-ambient temperature: liners, guides, wear strips, scraper blades and impact pads. It typically outlasts unfilled PTFE by a wide margin in abrasive or sliding contact, shrugs off impact, and costs considerably less — and because it is less than half the density of PTFE, the same part uses far less material by weight.
How to decide
- Above about 80 °C, or in aggressive chemicals? PTFE.
- Abrasive, sliding or impact wear at ambient temperature? UHMWPE.
- A seal, seat or gasket? PTFE.
- A liner, guide or wear strip? UHMWPE.
- Low friction and wear life together at temperature? A filled PTFE grade.
Related comparisons
Final material suitability depends on the component drawing, load, speed, operating temperature, chemical exposure, food-contact requirements, wear conditions and validation. Tell us the position the part runs in and we will manufacture to the grade your drawing specifies — or discuss the material if the drawing leaves it open. See the full materials list for designations and characteristics.
Not sure which grade suits your part? Send the drawing and we’ll advise.
Send your drawing