Polytetra buyer guide
PTFE bush selection: sizes, grades & duty
Choose a PTFE bush by shaft diameter, housing bore, bush length, running clearance, mechanical load and sliding speed. PTFE's low friction does not establish a bearing load rating. Carbon-filled guide bushes and keyed bushes need a drawing and a review of the actual operating conditions.
PTFE bush or carbon-filled guide bush?
Virgin PTFE may be considered where purity and chemical compatibility dominate. Carbon-filled PTFE is offered in the paper-industry guide-bush range for wear-related duty. Filler, load, speed and medium must be reviewed together; no grade is best for every bearing or guide.
Bore, outside diameter and running clearance
Provide shaft diameter, housing bore, bush length, flange or shoulder details and any keyway. Specify the assembled clearance, installation method and temperature. Thermal expansion and housing restraint affect fit; a room-temperature dimension alone is not sufficient.
Load and shaft speed
Confirm radial load, motion, sliding speed, start-stop cycles and lubrication. Pressure-velocity performance depends on compound and test conditions. Ask for the selected compound's permitted duty instead of using a universal PTFE bearing limit.
Paper-machine guides and keyed bushes
Match guide bushes and stainless-steel-key bush constructions to the machine drawing. Share process temperature, chemicals, contamination and mating-surface condition. The catalogue's paper-industry parts are specific constructions, not interchangeable bearing grades.
Machining a bush from PTFE rod
PTFE rods provide stock for drawing-based bushes, spacers and spares. Select rod diameter and machining allowance with the finished dimensions in mind. Confirm grade, tolerance and inspection requirements before cutting stock.
Related products & specifications
Carbon Filled Teflon Bush with S.S. Key
Bush-and-ring sets made to customer specification
PTFE Teflon Rods
Extruded: 5–100 mm OD; moulded: 100–300 mm OD; 300, 500 and 1000 mm standard lengths; custom cut lengths