Delrin and Teflon are two materials can be used in CNC plastic machining, and they are both brand names.In the world of polymers, Teflon and Delrin stand out as two exceptional materials that have found their way into a myriad of industrial and consumer applications.
These polymers possess distinct properties that make them invaluable in various fields, from engineering to everyday household products.
In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the characteristics, benefits, and applications of Teflon and Delrin, shedding light on the factors that drive their popularity and versatility.
Introduction to Teflon and Delrin
Teflon, also known by its chemical name polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), was first discovered by accident in 1938 by Roy Plunkett at DuPont. Teflon is celebrated for its exceptional nonstick properties, high chemical resistance, and impressive thermal stability. These attributes have led to its widespread use in cookware, industrial applications, and even as a coating for medical devices.
Delrin, scientifically termed polyoxymethylene (POM), was developed by Hermann Staudinger in the 1950s. Delrin boasts excellent mechanical properties, such as high stiffness, low friction, and dimensional stability. It has gained popularity in various industries, including automotive, consumer electronics, and medical devices, for its ability to replace metal components while maintaining performance and reducing weight.here’s a more comprehensive comparison chart detailing the chemical composition and mechanical properties of PTFE (Teflon) and polyoxymethylene (Delrin) resin(Include delrin vs teflon hardness):
| Property | Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) | Polyoxymethylene (POM) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Long-chain fluoropolymer | Polymeric formaldehyde (acetal) |
| Monomer Composition | Tetrafluoroethylene | Formaldehyde (HCHO) |
| Chemical Formula | (C2F4)n | (C3H6O)n |
| Molecular Weight | ~100,000 – 200,000 g/mol | ~60,000 – 100,000 g/mol |
| Structure | Highly branched and long polymer chains | Linear polymer chains |
| Mechanical Properties | ||
| Tensile Strength | 20 – 30 MPa (2900 – 4350 psi) | 50 – 80 MPa (7250 – 11600 psi) |
| Young’s Modulus | 0.5 – 1.5 GPa (72.5 – 217.5 x 10^3 psi) | 2.6 – 3.5 GPa (377 – 507 x 10^3 psi) |
| Flexural Modulus | 0.5 – 1.2 GPa (72.5 – 174 x 10^3 psi) | 2.8 – 3.4 GPa (406 – 493 x 10^3 psi) |
| Poisson’s Ratio | 0.42 – 0.47 | 0.36 – 0.42 |
| Izod Impact Strength (notched) | 7 – 10 J/m (1.3 – 1.9 ft-lbf/in) | 50 – 180 J/m (0.94 – 3.38 ft-lbf/in) |
| Hardness (Rockwell) | R M50 – R M70 | R M84 – R M110 |
| Density | 2.14 – 2.20 g/cm³ (133.8 – 137.4 lb/ft³) | 1.41 – 1.43 g/cm³ (88 – 89.3 lb/ft³) |
| Thermal Properties | ||
| Melting Point (Crystalline) | 327°C (620.6°F) | 165 – 175°C (329 – 347°F) |
| Glass Transition Temperature | -90°C (-130°F) | ~ -50 to -60°C (~ -58 to -76°F) |
| Continuous Use Temperature | Up to 260°C (500°F) | Up to 100°C (212°F) |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 112 – 150 x 10^-6/°C (68 – 86 x 10^-6/°F) | 80 – 110 x 10^-6/°C (44.4 – 61 x 10^-6/°F) |
| Electrical Properties | ||
| Dielectric Constant (ε) | 2.1 – 2.3 (depending on frequency) | 3.6 – 4.2 (depending on frequency) |
| Dielectric Strength | 45 – 60 kV/mm (1143 – 1524 V/mil) | 20 – 40 kV/mm (508 – 1016 V/mil) |
| Chemical Resistance | ||
| Resistance to Chemicals and Solvents | Excellent | Good |
| Water Absorption | < 0.01% | 0.2 – 0.9% |
Teflon vs Delrin, What’s the Difference Between Them?
Teflon and Delrin are both types of engineering plastics, often referred to as polymers or thermoplastics. They are widely used in various industries due to their unique properties. Here’s a comparison of Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE) and Delrin (polyoxymethylene, or POM Brand,view our pom machining page):
1. Chemical Composition:
- Teflon (PTFE) is a synthetic fluoropolymer made from tetrafluoroethylene. It is known for its excellent chemical resistance and non-stick properties.
- Delrin (POM) is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer made from formaldehyde. It is known for its high strength, stiffness, and low friction.
2. Mechanical Properties – Delrin vs Teflon Strength
- Teflon has a relatively low coefficient of friction, making it a great choice for applications where reduced friction is crucial. It also has good electrical insulating properties and is highly resistant to heat and chemicals.
- Delrin has high mechanical strength, stiffness, and fatigue resistance. It’s often used in applications requiring precision and dimensional stability. It has a lower coefficient of friction compared to many other plastics, but it’s not as low as Teflon’s.
3.Delrin vs Teflon Coefficient Of Friction
The coefficient of friction is an essential property when comparing materials for various applications. Here’s a direct comparison of the coefficient of friction between Delrin (POM) and Teflon (PTFE):
Delrin (POM):
- Coefficient of Friction (Static): 0.2 – 0.4
- Coefficient of Friction (Dynamic): 0.2 – 0.4
Teflon (PTFE):
- Coefficient of Friction (Static): ~0.04 – 0.06
- Coefficient of Friction (Dynamic): ~0.04 – 0.05
These values represent general ranges and can vary based on factors such as surface finish, lubrication, load, and speed. Teflon (PTFE,via teflon machining) typically has a significantly lower coefficient of friction compared to Delrin (POM), making it an excellent choice for applications requiring low friction and non-stick properties. Delrin (POM) still has relatively low friction compared to many other materials, making it suitable for various mechanical applications where wear resistance and precision are important.
4. Temperature Resistance:
- Teflon has exceptional high-temperature stability, maintaining its properties at temperatures up to around 260°C (500°F). It does not melt, but it can start to degrade at very high temperatures, releasing potentially harmful fumes.
- Delrin has a lower temperature resistance compared to Teflon, typically working well in the range of -40°C to around 100°C (-40°F to 212°F). It can soften and deform at higher temperatures.
5. Applications:
- Teflon is commonly used for non-stick coatings in cookware, gaskets, seals, bearings, electrical insulation, and as a lining material in various industries.
- Delrin finds applications in gears, bearings, bushings, precision mechanical components, automotive parts, and various engineering components requiring strength and wear resistance.
Teflon (PTFE) is prized for its low friction and non-stick properties, along with excellent chemical and temperature resistance. Delrin (POM) is known for its mechanical strength, stiffness, and wear resistance, making it suitable for applications requiring precision and durability. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of the application.