Inquiries from the food and pharmaceutical industries regarding FDA approvals and designs conforming to applicable EU regulations on hygiene are increasing. Such applications often require very good chemical resistance and low friction. Specifically for these needs, various PTFE compounds are used.

For static sealing requirements, pure white PTFE is the preferred material. It has been granted FDA approval according to CFR21, parts 170-199. For dynamic sealing applications, special PTFE compounds such as PTFE with organic fillers or PTFE/glass are used. Although - unlike pure white PTFE - these compounds have no FDA approval, they can be deemed to conform to FDA requirements regarding their fillers. Basically, PTFE offers very good sterilization properties and very low surface tension. These provide the basis for the material’s very good anti-adhesive properties. In addition, there are other compounds available, such as a modified PE. This plastic material may also be deemed to conform to FDA requirements and has been approved for use in medical implantation technology as well. 

In view of differing requirement profiles regarding pressure, temperature, media, speed and contact surface, different sealing principles and materials are used. Based on the particular requirement profile, tailor-made solutions can be developed.