Manufacturing and Engineering Advancements in PTFE Seal Technology

PTFE began to see limited use as a seal material in the late 1950's. In the 70's and 80's, it became the material of choice for diesel engine crankshaft seals in North America. Despite its well documented success in these applications, the use of this material in the automotive market was hampered by the additional costs necessary to manufacture it. With the introduction of an economical method for bonding PTFE to metal, the finished cost of a PTFE seal becomes competitive with elastomeric seals in sizes and types conventionally used in the automotive market.