PVDF Plastic Machining

Your guide to PVDF Plastic Machining

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High performance engineering plastic

Outstanding chemical resistance to acids and alkali

Although similar to PTFE, the mechanical features such as tensile stress and compressive strength are notably higher

PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) is a high performance engineering plastic. It is a relatively new fluoropolymer best regarded for its chemical resistance. It has very good machinability.

This guide will take you through the main attributes, common applications, notes for designers and suitable finishing and treatments, as well as UK stock sizes and property tables. Don't forget to bookmark the page so you can refer back later.

If you are interested in PVDF machined parts, please scroll to the bottom of the page for more information about our service and to request a quote.

PVDF Guide: Properties, Applications and Design Considerations

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What is PVDF plastic?

PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) is a high performance engineering plastic. It is a relatively new fluoropolymer best regarded for its chemical resistance. Although similar to PTFE, the mechanical features such as tensile stress and compressive strength are notably higher. Where PTFE trumps PVDF is in resistance to high temperatures (up to 300°C as opposed to 150°C for PVDF).

PVDF has very good machinability and therefore there are few restrictions to consider when machining.

Sharp cutting tools are recommended to avoid chipping during machining.

You may also see PVDF referred to as:

TECAFLON™
Symalit®
Kynar®

Main Attributes:

Outstanding chemical resistance to acids and alkali
High density
Mechanical strength and toughness
Very low moisture absorption
Good UV and weather resistance
Flame retardant

Very good weldability
Food compliant
Wide operating temperature range (-50°C to 150°C)
Excellent dimensional stability
Good electrical insulating properties
Low thermal conductivity

Note For Designers:

PVDF is an expensive thermoplastic and therefore should be reserved for applications requiring the highest strength, purity and chemical and heat resistance.

If the superior tensile stress and compressive strength are not required, or a higher operating temperature is desired, PTFE may be considered as an alternative.

Can we meet your PVDF machining needs? Contact us now

UK Stock Sizes

PVDF UK Stock Sizes

Here are some indicative stock sizes/colours for PVDF in the UK. Please note we do not supply stock material, the information provided is purely for design and research purposes.

Examples PVDF Stock Sizes

Stock sizes will vary depending on supplier. Please get in contact to discuss further.

PVDF is typically available in rod, tube and plate form in lengths of 1000mm and 3000mm.

PVDF Rod

From 4 to 16mm
Natural / Black modificated (electrical conductive)

PVDF Plate

10x500mm to 20x1000mm
Natural / Black modificated (electrical conductive)

PVDF Tube

040 / 0025mm to 090 / 0070mm
Natural

Please note: some sizes may be non-stocked items and subject to minimum order quantities.

Technical Properties

PVDF Technical Properties

Here are the properties for TECAFLON PVDF natural which is an unfilled, unreinforced PVDF brand. Reinforced and modified grades will have different properties.

TECAFLON PVDF Properties

Mechanical Properties	Value	Parameter	Norm	Notes
Modulus of Elasticity (tensile test)	2200 MPa	1mm/min	DIN EN ISO 527-2	For tensile test: specimen type 1b
Tensile Strength	62 MPa	50mm/min	DIN EN ISO 527-2
Tensile Strength at Yield	62 MPa	50mm/min	DIN EN ISO 527-2
Elongation at Yield	8%	50mm/min	DIN EN ISO 527-2
Elongation at Break	17%	50mm/min	DIN EN ISO 527-2
Flexural Strength	77 MPa	2mm/min, 10 N	DIN EN ISO 178	For flexural test: support span 64mm, norm specimen
Modulus of Elasticity (flexural test)	2100 MPa	2mm/min, 10 N	DIN EN ISO 178
Compression Strength	16/28/59 MPa	1% / 2% / 5% 5mm/min, 10 N	EN ISO 604	Specimen 10x10x10mm
Compression Modulus	1900 MPa	5mm/min, 10 N	EN ISO 604	Specimen 10x10x50mm
Impact Strength (Charpy)	150 kJ/m²	max. 7.5J	DIN EN ISO 179-1eU	For Charpy test: support span 64mm, norm specimen
Ball Indentation Hardness	129 MPa		ISO 2039-1	Specimen in 4mm thickness

Thermal Properties	Value	Parameter	Norm	Notes
Glass Transition Temperature	-40°C		DIN EN ISO 11357	Found in public sources
Melting Temperature	171°C		DIN EN ISO 11357
Service Temperature	150°C	short term		Found in public sources. Individual testing regarding application conditions is mandatory
Service Temperature	150°C	long term
Thermal Expansion (CLTE)	16 10^-5 K^-1	23-60°C, long	DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2
Thermal Expansion (CLTE)	18 10^-5 K^-1	23-100°C, long	DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2

Electrical Properties	Value	Norm
Specific Surface Resistance	10¹⁴ Ω	DIN IEC 60093

Other Properties	Value	Parameter	Norm	Notes
Water Absorption	<0.01 / <0.01%	24h / 96h (23°C)	DIN EN ISO 62	Ø ca. 50mm, h=13mm
Resistance to hot water/bases	+		-	+ good resistance
Resistance to weathering	+		-
Flammability (UL94)	V0	Corresponding to	DIN IEC 60695-11-10	Corresponding means no listing at UL (yellow card). The information might be taken from resin, stock shape or estimation. Individual testing regarding application conditions is mandatory.
Density	1.78 g/cm³