FFKM vs PTFE (Teflon™)
When selecting sealing materials for demanding applications, FFKM (perfluoroelastomer) and PTFE (Teflon™) are two of the most widely used options for chemical resistance and high temperature performance. While both materials excel in harsh environments, they differ significantly in mechanical behavior, sealing performance, and application suitability.
PTFE (Teflon™) is a fluoropolymer known for its near-universal chemical resistance, low friction, and high temperature capability, making it ideal for applications where non-stick properties and dimensional stability are critical. PTFE is commonly used in gaskets, backup rings, spring energized seals, and machined components.
In contrast, FFKM O-rings, gaskets, custom parts, and tubes provide elastomeric sealing capability, allowing them to compress and recover to maintain a tight seal under varying pressures and thermal conditions. At Canyon Components, Canrez® FFKM is engineered to deliver exceptional chemical resistance and thermal stability, while also providing the flexibility and resilience required for dynamic sealing applications. Compared to Kalrez® and Chemraz®, Canrez® offers strong performance, improved availability, and competitive pricing, making it an excellent choice for high-performance elastomer sealing.
Understanding the differences between FFKM and PTFE is essential to selecting the right material for your application, particularly when balancing sealing performance, chemical resistance, and mechanical requirements.
Common names include: FFKM (Perfluoroelastomer), PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene, Teflon™), Fluoropolymers. Trade names: Canrez®, Kalrez®, Chemraz®, Teflon™, Dyneon™, Algoflon®.
FFKM Materials Available
This table shows many of our standard materials and links out to our O-ring store. Get in touch with us if you need a custom gasket, custom molded part, or non-standard geometry!
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Features of FFKM vs PTFE O-Rings, Gaskets, & Custom Parts
- FFKM O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts provide elastic sealing capability, allowing compression and recovery for tight sealing in static and dynamic applications
- PTFE (Teflon™) components offer near-universal chemical resistance, often exceeding even FFKM in extreme chemical environments
- FFKM perfluoroelastomer materials provide excellent high temperature performance, often exceeding 500°F (260°C) while maintaining elasticity
- PTFE materials offer high temperature resistance and dimensional stability, but lack elasticity and require mechanical loading for sealing
- FFKM O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts exhibit low compression set, maintaining long-term sealing performance
- PTFE components provide extremely low friction, making them ideal for dynamic applications requiring reduced wear
- Canrez® FFKM offers a high-performance elastomer solution with strong availability and cost efficiency compared to Kalrez® and Chemraz®
- PTFE is commonly used for backup rings, spring energized seals, and machined gaskets, often in combination with elastomer seals
Limitations of FFKM vs PTFE O-Rings, Gaskets, & Custom Parts
- FFKM O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts have a higher upfront cost compared to many elastomers, though they offer superior performance in extreme environments
- PTFE lacks elastic memory, meaning it cannot recover after deformation and may require additional sealing force or spring energization
- PTFE can experience cold flow (creep) under load, which may reduce sealing effectiveness over time
- FFKM materials may not match PTFE in absolute chemical inertness in certain extreme environments
- PTFE sealing solutions often require more complex designs, such as spring energized seals or mechanical loading systems
- Material selection must consider pressure, temperature, chemical exposure, and sealing dynamics to ensure optimal performance
Please consult a Canyon Components Engineer about your specific application and we will use our decades of experience to formulate a solution that fits your need.
Industrial Usage of FFKM vs PTFE (Teflon™)
FFKM and PTFE O-rings, gaskets, custom parts, and tubes are used across a wide range of industries, often complementing each other in advanced sealing systems. FFKM is typically chosen for elastomeric sealing performance, while PTFE is used for extreme chemical resistance, low friction, or structural sealing components. Canyon Components helps customers evaluate their application requirements and select the most effective solution or combination of materials.
Have questions about choosing between FFKM and PTFE (Teflon™)? Canyon Components can help you select the right solution, including Canrez® FFKM O-rings, gaskets, custom parts, and tubes, or PTFE-based sealing components tailored to your application.
Chemical Processing
FFKM O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts are used where elastic sealing and chemical resistance are required, while PTFE is used for gaskets and components exposed to highly aggressive chemicals
Semiconductor Industry
FFKM is preferred for plasma resistance and sealing performance, while PTFE is used for low friction components and high-purity machined parts
Oil & Gas Industry
FFKM is used for high-pressure, high-temperature sealing, while PTFE is often used for backup rings and anti-extrusion elements
Pharmaceutical & Food Processing
FFKM is used in high-purity and sterilization environments, while PTFE is used for non-stick surfaces and chemical-resistant components
Industrial Equipment & OEM Applications
FFKM and PTFE are often used together in advanced sealing systems, combining elastomer sealing with PTFE structural and wear-resistant components
Please consult a Canyon Components Engineer about your specific application and we will use our decades of experience to formulate a solution that fits your need.
All Other FFKM Types Available
Canrez® FFKM O-Rings & Custom Parts
Canyon Components supplies Canrez® FFKM O-rings, equivalent to Kalrez®, Chemraz®, and Parker® O-rings, in AS568, JIS, and Metric sizes. These perfluoroelastomer O-rings provide exceptional chemical resistance, high-temperature stability, and long-term sealing performance for semiconductor, pharmaceutical, and chemical processing applications. Custom molded Canrez® parts available.
Kalrez® vs Canrez®: Comparing FFKM Sealing Solutions"
Compare Kalrez® vs Canrez® FFKM for O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts. Learn the differences in performance, availability, and cost to choose the best perfluoroelastomer for your application.
Kalrez FFKM O-Rings, Gaskets & Custom Parts
Canyon Components supplies genuine Kalrez® FFKM O-rings, gaskets, and custom molded parts with exceptional chemical resistance and high-temperature performance. Available in AS568, Metric, and custom sizes, with Canrez®, Chemraz®, and Parker® O-ring equivalents for semiconductor, pharmaceutical, aerospace, and chemical processing applications.
Parker Hannifin Parofluor FFKM O-Rings, Gaskets & Custom Parts
Canyon Components supplies genuine Parker Hannifin Parofluor FFKM materials for extreme chemical resistance and high temperature sealing. Compare Parofluor with Canrez® FFKM for O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts in demanding applications.
Chemraz FFKM O-Rings, Gaskets & Custom Parts
Canyon Components supplies Chemraz® FFKM O-rings engineered for the most demanding sealing applications. Known for extreme chemical resistance and high-temperature stability, Chemraz® O-rings provide reliable sealing in semiconductor, pharmaceutical, aerospace, and chemical processing environments. Alternatives include Kalrez®, Canrez®, and Parker® FFKM O-rings in AS568, Metric, and custom sizes.
Simriz® FFKM from Freudenberg: O-Rings, Gaskets, and Custom Parts
Canyon Components is a distributor of Simriz® FFKM O-rings designed for extreme chemical resistance and high temperature applications. Compare Simriz® with Canrez® FFKM for O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts in demanding sealing environments.
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