The 10% polyimide PTFE rod for dry bearing is a high-performance PTFE stock shape developed for plain bearings, bushings, and wear rings operating without external lubrication. Where virgin PTFE may flow or deform under sustained pressure, this PI filled PTFE round bar delivers measurable improvements in load capacity, wear factor, and dimensional stability. Its low coefficient of friction and excellent release properties make it especially useful in slow-moving or oscillating mechanisms that require smooth startup and quiet operation. For engineers and machine shops, selecting a dependable 10% PI PTFE rod supplier is critical because filler dispersion, sinter quality, and diameter tolerance directly control the performance of finished components. The same material is widely used as a PTFE rod for soft mating surface where the counterface is aluminum, stainless steel, or a relatively soft polymer, protecting the shaft or housing from scoring and extending assembly life. Standard diameters range from 6 mm to 200 mm, with h9 tolerance and 1000 mm or 2000 mm lengths. Custom diameters, short cut pieces, and machined blanks are available with full material certification.
The low friction polyimide PTFE rod is particularly effective in reciprocating and slow-rotating applications where stick-slip must be eliminated and maintenance access is limited. Because the polyimide filler is dispersed evenly through the PTFE matrix, the material provides more consistent wear rates than glass-filled or carbon-filled PTFE alternatives in many dry sliding conditions. The rod can operate at surface velocities up to 1.5 m/s under light to moderate loads, with the practical PV limit depending on temperature, surface finish, and mating material. For best results, the counterface should have a surface finish of 0.2 to 0.4 µm Ra, and sharp edges on the machined part should be deburred to prevent localized stress. Machining is straightforward with high-speed steel or carbide tooling, and the low filling level causes less tool wear than heavily reinforced plastics. After machining, parts can be used immediately; no annealing or stress relief is normally required. Because the material absorbs virtually no water, it is also suitable for humid environments, washdown areas, and steam-assisted cleaning cycles. In addition, its non-stick surface prevents build-up of process residues, which is valuable in adhesive, paint, and food handling equipment. The rod is often selected for dry bushings in packaging machines, linear guides, valve stems, pump wear rings, and insulator sleeves in electrical equipment. It is available in both standard industrial grade and a high-purity grade for critical applications where contamination must be controlled. Dimensional inspection is performed on every production lot, and rods are cut with square, burr-free ends to simplify CNC setup. Each rod carries a batch number that can be traced to the original PTFE resin and polyimide filler lots. Rods are packaged in protective sleeves to prevent surface damage during transit and storage.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Specific gravity | 1.90 - 2.10 g/cm³ |
| Hardness, Shore D | 58 - 65 |
| Tensile strength | 14 - 20 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 150 - 250% |
| Compressive strength, 1% strain | 8 - 12 MPa |
| Flexural modulus | 800 - 1200 MPa |
| Coefficient of friction, dynamic | 0.06 - 0.12 |
| Static/dynamic friction ratio | 0.8 - 1.0 |
| Maximum continuous service temperature | 260°C |
| Minimum service temperature | -100°C |
| Water absorption, 24 h | <0.01% |
| Diameter tolerance | h9 or ±0.05 mm |
