Characteristics And Benefits Of PFA Tubing

PFA (perfluoroalkoxy) tubing, introduced in 1972 as part of the Teflon fluoropolymer family, is a transparent, chemically inert, and melt-processable material. It is widely used in industries like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, fluid management, and semiconductor manufacturing due to its high purity and excellent performance in demanding environments.

PFA tubing combines the best features of PTFE and FEP tubing. While it is more expensive than FEP, it offers a higher maximum operating temperature and contains fewer impurities, making it ideal for sensitive fluidics applications. Ultra-high purity PFA tubing is especially suited for life sciences, environmental monitoring, medical devices, and cleanroom processes.

Compared to PTFE and FEP, PFA tubing provides a smoother internal finish, greater tensile strength, flexibility, and resistance to stress cracking. It maintains a low coefficient of friction and is available in various colors for system identification. Its chemical resistance extends to nearly all solvents and harsh substances, supporting applications across a broad pH range (0–14).

PFA tubing can be sterilized using ethylene oxide or thermal methods and is autoclavable. It functions effectively at temperatures up to 80°C under standard conditions, though higher temperatures can reduce pressure ratings. Depending on dimensions and fittings, PFA tubing supports working pressures up to 3000 psi, particularly with 1/16” OD tubing.

Dimensional tolerances are tight—±0.001” for 1/16” OD and ±0.003” for 1/8” OD tubing—ensuring precision in fluid systems. These combined properties make PFA tubing a premium solution for critical, high-performance applications.