Thermoplastics

Thermoplastics include standard and special hard grade materials with outstanding wear resistance for mechanical applications and top performance PTFE compounds with highest chemical and temperature resistance, optimized for sealing applications and Advanced Engineered Plastic Parts (AEPP). Most of the materials comply with FDA regulations.

PTFE

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a group of thermoplastic polymers that are compatible with a wide assortment of lubricants and feature chemical resistance that is far superior to that of any other sealing lip material. PTFE has a smooth, dirt-resistant surface. Seals with PTFE lips can accommodate high surface speeds while offering extended service life. The seals can tolerate dry running and are particularly valuable in highly contaminated applications because of their excellent exclusion ability.

SKF Ecoflon 1

SKF Ecoflon 1 is a thermoplastic material based on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE-virgin), which is used for back-up rings, packings, O-rings, rotary seals and gaskets. SKF Ecoflon 1 has the widest application range of all sealing materials. SKF Ecoflon 1 has an outstanding chemical resistance. When using PTFE for seals, the creeping behaviour of PTFE has to be considered. SKF Ecoflon 1 complies with FDA regulations.

SKF Ecoflon 2

SKF Ecoflon 2 is a polytetrafluoroethylene filled with glass fibres and molybdenum disulphide (PTFE with fillers) and can be used for U-cups, glide rings, back-up rings, packings and guide rings. SKF Ecoflon 2 has good physical properties and significantly better creeping behaviour than virgin PTFE. The chemical resistance is similar to virgin PTFE.

SKF Ecoflon 3

SKF Ecoflon 3 (PTFE +40% bronze) exhibits improved compression strength sliding properties as well as an improved thermal conductivity in comparison to virgin PTFE.

SKF Ecoflon 4

SKF Ecoflon 4 (PTFE +25% carbon) shows improved mechanical strength, stiffness and hardness as well as improved sliding properties in comparison to virgin PTFE.

SKF Ecoflon 5

SKF Ecoflon 5 (PTFE modified) exhibits improved wear and abrasion resistance in comparison to SKF Ecoflon 1. The material is suitable for food and beverage applications.

PEEK

Polyether ether ketones (PEEK) are engineering thermoplastics with high tensile strength, stiffness, high heat distortion temperature and good sliding and friction behavior.

SKF Ecopaek

SKF Ecopaek (PEEK) is a polymer with high tensile strength, stiffness, high heat distortion temperature and good sliding and friction properties. As far as strength and stiffness are concerned, SKF Ecopaek exceeds most technical plastics, especially at high temperatures.

PA

Polyamides consist of a wide range of different types, which can be used for textiles, sportswear and engineered components. The types used by SKF, are engineering thermoplastics with good sliding properties. Polyamides absorb water, therefore for applications in water or water-based fluids, the swelling of the material must be taken into account.

SKF Ecomid

SKF Ecomid (PA) is a cast polyamide with good sliding properties and is used for back-up rings, guide rings and bearing components for diameters above 260 mm. SKF Ecomid can be used in mineral oils and water-based fire-resistant hydraulic fluids. When designing components using SKF Ecomid for an application in water or water-based fluids, the swelling of the material (SKF Ecomid absorbs water up to eight weight percent) must be taken into account.

POM

Polyoxymethylene (POM) – also known as polyacetal or polyformaldehyde is a group of engineering thermoplastic materials with high stiffness, low friction and excellent dimensional stability. 

SKF Ecotal

SKF Ecotal is a semi-crystalline polyacetal-copolymer (POM), which is used for anti-extrusion rings, guide ring bushes, scrapers and for precision-machined parts with tight tolerances. SKF Ecotal is one of the most important engineering thermoplastics with good physical properties, low water absorption and good chemical resistance. SKF Ecotal can be used in mineral oils, in water-based fire-resistant hydraulic fluids (HFA, HFB and HFC fluids). In direct contact with acids and bases limited chemical resistance must be taken into consideration.