Family-owned precision machine shop · Aurora, Illinois · Since 1986

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Materials · Fluoropolymers

PCTFE machining

Custom PCTFE and Kel-F® parts CNC machined to your drawing or sample: valve seats, seals and washers for cryogenic, gas and chemical service. Machined in our Aurora, Illinois shop.

Quote a PCTFE part (630) 904-2525

PCTFE at a glance

Full name
Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE)
Also called
Kel-F®, Neoflon®
Known for
Staying tough at cryogenic temperatures and holding its shape under load
Common in
Cryogenic, industrial gas, chemical and laboratory equipment
Color
Natural, clear to cloudy

Parts in PCTFE

PCTFE parts we machine

The parts we see most often in PCTFE, and why it suits each job. We machine any PCTFE part to your drawing or sample, listed here or not.

Need a different PCTFE part? Send the drawing, or the old part, and we’ll quote it. Request a quote

Is PCTFE right for the part?

Where PCTFE works, and where another plastic may suit

General guidance on how PCTFE behaves. If your drawing names PCTFE, Kel-F® or Neoflon®, we machine to it.

Where it works

Cold
Stays tough and seals at cryogenic temperatures.
Shape under load
Creeps far less than PTFE.
Chemicals
Resists most chemicals and solvents.
Gas and water
Takes on almost no water and lets very little gas through.

Where another plastic may suit

If the part needs Often used instead
Lower cost When the part doesn’t see cryogenic service, these cost less.
Higher heat For parts that run hotter than PCTFE handles.
Sliding wear PCTFE isn’t a bearing plastic. These run against shafts and slides.

Precision in PCTFE

How we machine PCTFE

±0.002"–±0.005" On critical dimensions, depending on the plastic

PCTFE is stiff and holds its shape, so it machines to close size. Heat at the cut and the finish on sealing faces are what we control. We confirm the critical dimensions with your quote.

  1. Heat at the cut

    Heat from cutting can change the surface.

    We keep tools sharp and the cut cool.

  2. Sealing faces

    Seats and seals depend on a clean face.

    We use fine finishing passes to the finish on your drawing.

  3. Small, thin parts

    Thin seats and rings can move as they’re cut.

    We support them in the fixture and take light finishing passes.

Compare

PCTFE or another fluoropolymer

PCTFE is mostly bought as one plain grade. Here’s how it compares with the fluoropolymers and PEEK it’s most often weighed against. If your drawing specifies one, we machine to it; if not, tell us how the part is used and we’ll suggest a plastic.

Plastic Typically chosen for
PCTFE Cryogenic seats and seals that must hold their shape.
PTFE Lowest friction and highest heat, at lower cost. PTFE
PVDF Tough chemical parts at lower cost. PVDF
PEEK When the part needs strength as well as chemical resistance. PEEK

Buyer questions

PCTFE FAQs

Something else? Call (630) 904-2525.

All plastics we machine

Kel-F® is an older brand name for PCTFE, and many drawings still call it out. Today PCTFE is also sold under names such as Neoflon®. If your drawing specifies one, we machine PCTFE to it. CDS isn’t affiliated with the trademark owners.

PCTFE is stiffer and creeps far less, and it’s the usual choice for cryogenic seats. PTFE has lower friction, takes more heat and costs less. If your drawing specifies one, we machine to it.

Yes. We supply PCTFE sheet and rod, cut to size when you need it, through our material supply service.

Getting a quote

Start with what you have

A drawing, a sketch or the worn or broken PCTFE part itself. Our experienced team takes it from there.

Request a quote (630) 904-2525
When a breakdown can’t wait, ask about our expedited service