A strong yet flexible material option, perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) is a transparent fluoropolymer well-suited to chemical, electrical, industrial, and high-purity applications. It’s a common choice for fluid processing equipment and tubing as it can withstand harsh chemicals and a wide range of thermal conditions. PFA is a high-temperature alternative to fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP). Compared to another fluoropolymer, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), PFA has better melt processibility due to its relatively low melt viscosity.

At Plastic Design, Inc. (PDI), we work with numerous plastic material and grade options to fabricate innovative, high-quality products for a diverse client base. Our capabilities extend to pure fluid assemblies, including high-purity fluoro-plastic assemblies constructed from PFA. Read on to learn about the material’s beneficial characteristics, its common uses, and how we can support clients in such industries as life science, biomedical, pharmaceutical, and more with expertly crafted PFA products.

Properties of PFA

PFA exhibits many advantageous properties, making it a versatile and popular choice for an array of projects. Its primary characteristics include:

  • Chemical resistance. In the presence of almost all chemical substances, PFA is chemically inert. It won’t degrade when exposed to most solvents, acids, bases, oxidizing agents, and organic or inorganic chemicals.
  • Purity. With PFA’s chemical resistance and inertness, it’s an ideal option for high-purity applications. The material has a low risk of leaching or releasing extractables. It’s a safe choice for manufacturing components for anything from semiconductors to pharmaceuticals as PFA won’t introduce contaminants into sensitive electronics or products meant for consumption.
  • Temperature resistance. Capable of handling operating temperatures of -94 °F to 500 °F (-70 °C to 260 °C), this fluoropolymer offers temperature resistance superior to that of FEP for cryogenic or high-heat environments. PFA won’t degrade even under recurring thermal cycling.
  • Mechanical properties. PFA is advantageous for mechanical properties such as its flexibility, which allows the material to effectively resist stress cracking. It also has exceptional electrical insulation capabilities.
  • Surface properties. The material has several good surface qualities, with a smooth, non-stick finish that enables smooth internal tubing surfaces. PFA has a low coefficient of friction, as well.

Benefits of PFA

The above PFA properties make the material highly beneficial for applications like fluid transfer assemblies and tubing. Choosing this fluoropolymer for your project or process will lend several PFA benefits to your business, including:

  • Enhanced quality with reduced risk of damage. PFA resists UV light degradation, rust, oxidation, chemical corrosion, and deformation or crystallization from extreme temperatures, so assemblies and tubing made from the fluoropolymer are typically longer lasting and require fewer repairs.
  • Facilitated fabrication and use. PFA is lightweight yet strong. It offers good stability for making dependable products. Also, it’s highly malleable and easy to form, possessing a low melting point. It allows manufacturers to fabricate it into products ranging from simple to complex — often easier than working with metals. Also, should you purchase an entire PFA piping kit with a single part number, you can minimize the risk of error.
  • Project versatility. Given its many resistance capabilities, low friction coefficient and media permeation, and electrically insulative and chemically inert nature, PFA tubing and assemblies can stand up to diverse and demanding applications in biomedical labs, pharma operations, and chemical factories.
  • Cost and space efficiency. In addition to saving on fabrication time, PFA tube bending can achieve smaller assemblies at a lower cost by reducing the total tubing length.

Applications of PFA

PFA is a good choice for reliable fluid transfer and more in myriad industrial and high-purity applications. Common PFA uses include:

  • Chemical processing with corrosive-resistant PFA fittings, linings, and pipes
  • Semiconductor manufacturing processes, including high-purity fluid handling, wafer processing, and wet etching
  • Pharmaceutical tubes, parts, and containers for delivering and manufacturing various drugs
  • Biocompatible biomedical devices and medical implants
  • Laboratory and sample analysis tools capable of assuring process and sample integrity
  • Heat-resistant electrical insulation in electronics systems and products
  • Chemically inert aerospace and automotive components

Products made from this fluoropolymer are also applicable for automotive sampling, beverage delivery and bulk filling operations, fluid filtration and storage, media and buffer preparation, cryogenic processes, chromatography applications, and more.

PFA Solutions From Plastic Design, Inc.

PFA tubing and high-purity fluid transfer assemblies from PDI help prevent leaching and contamination for safe product integrity and long-lasting, chemically and thermally resistant performance. Our team utilizes state-of-the-art computer-aided design (CAD) and automated fabrication technology to create custom products per your unique specifications. From single prototypes to full-scale production runs, we support our clients with made-in-the-USA products like bio-isolation chambers, pure fluid assemblies, and fully automated etching tools for semiconductors.

Since 1976, our team has prided itself on our commitment to quality, comprehensive in-house service options from rapid prototyping to precision welding, cost-effective product solutions, minimized lead times, and fast quote delivery. Discover the PDI difference today. Contact our team to learn more about our PFA fabrication capabilities for your unique application, or request a quote to start your order.