Frequently Asked Questions

What is PTFE?

PTFE, or polytetrafluoroethylene, is a high-performance fluoropolymer known for non-stick release, low friction, chemical resistance, and temperature resistance. It is commonly used in industrial tapes, fabrics, conveyor belts, release sheets, liners, gaskets, and other demanding applications.

What is PTFE coated fiberglass?

PTFE coated fiberglass is made by applying PTFE resin to a woven fiberglass substrate. The fiberglass provides strength and dimensional stability, while the PTFE coating provides release, chemical resistance, low friction, and high-temperature performance.

What is the difference between PTFE and Teflon™?

PTFE is the material. Teflon™ is a well-known brand name associated with PTFE and other fluoropolymer products. Many people use the terms interchangeably, but PTFE refers to the actual polymer.
Teflon™ is a registered trademark of The Chemours Company (formerly DuPont). 

Why is PTFE used in industrial applications?

PTFE is used because it combines release, heat resistance, chemical resistance, low friction, and durability. These properties make it useful in aerospace, automotive, packaging, food processing, composite molding, heat sealing, thermal spray masking, textile processing, wire harness protection, and many other manufacturing environments.

What are PTFE coated fiberglass fabrics used for?

PTFE coated fiberglass fabrics are used for release sheets, heat sealing, food processing, packaging equipment, composite molding, insulation, conveyor belt fabrication, textile processing, and other applications requiring release, heat resistance, and dimensional stability.

What temperature can PTFE coated fabric withstand?

Many PTFE coated fiberglass fabrics are used in applications up to approximately 500°F / 260°C. Actual suitability depends on the specific product construction, exposure time, mechanical load, and application conditions.

What is silicone coated fiberglass fabric?

Silicone coated fiberglass fabric combines a fiberglass substrate with a silicone rubber coating. It provides flexibility, grip, cushioning, heat resistance, and good release properties for applications where PTFE may be too slick or where a softer surface is preferred.

When should I choose silicone coated fabric instead of PTFE coated fabric?

Silicone coated fabric is often selected when an application needs more grip, cushioning, conformability, or pressure distribution. PTFE coated fabric is typically preferred when maximum release, low friction, and chemical resistance are the main requirements.

Can PTFE coated fabrics be fabricated into custom parts?

Yes. PTFE coated fabrics can often be slit, cut, sewn, welded, punched, laminated, or fabricated into custom parts depending on the material construction and application requirements.

What is PTFE coated fiberglass tape used for?

PTFE coated fiberglass adhesive tape is commonly used on heat sealing bars, packaging equipment, composite tooling, release surfaces, wire harnesses, textile equipment, food processing machinery, and other surfaces that need heat resistance and release.

What adhesive options are available for PTFE tapes?

PTFE tapes are commonly available with silicone or acrylic adhesive systems. The right adhesive depends on application temperature, surface type, dwell time, removal expectations, and operating conditions.

How long does PTFE tape last?

Service life depends on heat, pressure, abrasion, chemicals, surface preparation, line speed, and maintenance practices. A tape used in a light release application may last much longer than one exposed to heavy abrasion or repeated pressure.

Can PTFE tape be removed cleanly?

Many PTFE tapes are designed for clean removal, but performance depends on adhesive type, surface condition, temperature exposure, application pressure, and how long the tape remains in place.

What is thermal spray masking tape?

Thermal spray masking tape is used to protect selected areas during abrasive blasting and coating processes such as flame spray, plasma spray, electric arc spray, HVOF, and related thermal spray applications.

What is PTFE coated conveyor belting?

PTFE conveyor belting is made from PTFE coated fiberglass or open mesh materials used to move products through heating, drying, curing, cooling, sealing, laminating, or processing operations.

What industries use PTFE conveyor belts?

PTFE conveyor belts are used in food processing, packaging, flooring/carpet production, screen printing, laminating, composite processing, renewable energy, industrial drying, heat sealing, and many other production environments.

What is open mesh belting?

Open mesh belting is a PTFE coated belt construction with openings that allow airflow through the belt. This can improve heat transfer and drying efficiency in applications where airflow is important.

What is the difference between open mesh and solid PTFE belts?

Open mesh belts allow airflow through the belt and are often used for drying or curing. Solid PTFE belts provide a continuous surface and are often selected for release, product support, heat sealing, laminating, or applications where small parts cannot pass through the belt.

Can PTFE conveyor belts be repaired?

Some PTFE conveyor belts can be repaired depending on the belt style, splice type, damage location, and operating conditions. Repair options may include patching, edge repair, splice replacement, or full belt replacement. Click here for information on our belt patching irons. 

How do I choose the right PTFE or silicone coated material?

The right material depends on temperature, release requirements, surface friction, chemical exposure, abrasion, flexibility, product contact, belt speed, pressure, and the equipment being used. Taconic can help review the application and recommend a suitable construction.

Does Taconic offer samples?

Samples are available for many Taconic tapes, coated fabrics, belting materials, and specialty constructions. Availability depends on the product, size, and application requirements.

Can Taconic products be customized?

Many products can be customized by width, length, thickness, coating weight, color, adhesive system, substrate, or fabrication method. Customization depends on product family, minimum requirements, and manufacturing capability.

Where can I find product specifications?

Product specifications can be found on individual product pages, technical data sheets, and Taconic’s Product Data Quick Reference page.