PTFE rod (also called PTFE round bar or PTFE rod stock) is a solid cylindrical product made from virgin or mechanical grade polytetrafluoroethylene. It has the lowest coefficient of friction of any solid material, equal static and dynamic friction coefficients, no slip-stick behaviour and near-universal chemical resistance. This makes it the standard material for machined seals, valve seats, bearing pads, bushings, insulators and laboratory fixtures. Kaxite supplies PTFE rod from 3/32" to 6" in virgin grade and 3/16" to 2" in mechanical grade — on coil or reel, in straight 1000/2000/3000 mm lengths, or cut to customer-specific lengths. Grounded rod is available where exact diameter and roundness are critical.
The PTFE rod — also called PTFE round bar or PTFE rod stock — is a solid cylindrical product made from virgin or mechanical grade polytetrafluoroethylene. It has the lowest coefficient of friction of any solid material, equal static and dynamic friction coefficients, no slip-stick behaviour and near-universal chemical resistance. This makes it the standard material for machined seals, valve seats, bearing pads, bushings, insulators and laboratory fixtures. We supply PTFE rod from 3/32" to 6" in virgin grade and 3/16" to 2" in mechanical grade — on coil or reel, in straight 1000 / 2000 / 3000 mm lengths, or cut to customer-specific lengths. Grounded rod is available where exact diameter and roundness are critical.
PTFE rod is supplied in two grades and two standard length groups. Choose the grade by chemical and food-contact demand, and choose the length group by the diameter you need.
Both grades are made from PTFE resin, but they are made to different purity levels and serve different purposes. Use the comparison below to match the grade to your application.
Standard extruded rod is made to a normal extrusion tolerance. For applications where the finished machined part must fit a bore precisely, extrusion tolerance is not enough — the rod must be ground after extrusion.
Grounded PTFE rod
Grounded rod is extruded in the usual way and then processed to guarantee the exact diameter and roundness you require. When the rod is machined into a seal, bushing, valve seat or insulator and the finished part must fit precisely, grounded rod gives you the dimensional control that standard extruded rod cannot. Specify the exact diameter and roundness on your drawing and we will confirm the achievable tolerance before quoting.
These are the properties that make PTFE rod the standard material in low-friction and chemically aggressive applications. Each property is listed with its practical relevance.
PTFE rod is a machined-parts raw material. It is specified wherever low friction, chemical resistance and cleanliness must be combined in a single component.
What is PTFE rod used for?
PTFE rod is used as raw material for machined parts: seals, valve seats, bearing pads, bushings, insulators, laboratory fixtures and chemically resistant machined components. It has the lowest coefficient of friction of any solid material, no slip-stick behaviour, equal static and dynamic friction coefficients and near-universal chemical resistance, which makes it the standard choice where low friction and chemical resistance must be combined.
What diameters and lengths are available?
Virgin grade PTFE rod is available from 3/32" to 6" diameter. Mechanical grade is available from 3/16" to 2". Standard lengths are 6 ft for 3/32" to 2" diameter, and 1 ft for 2-1/4" to 6" diameter. Both grades are sold in 1 ft intervals. Metric straight lengths of 1000 mm, 2000 mm and 3000 mm are also available, as is coil or reel with production lengths and customer-specific cut lengths.
What is grounded PTFE rod?
Grounded PTFE rod is extruded rod that is processed after extrusion to guarantee the exact diameter and roundness you require. For applications where the rod is machined into a seal, bushing or valve seat and the finished part must fit precisely, grounded rod is the recommended option over standard extruded rod.
What is the difference between virgin grade and mechanical grade PTFE rod?
Virgin grade PTFE rod is 100% pure PTFE. It offers the best chemical resistance, the best dielectric insulation and meets FDA and USDA standards. Mechanical grade PTFE rod is made to a lower purity specification at a lower cost, and is intended for mechanical parts where food contact and electrical insulation are not required. Choose virgin grade for chemical, food and electrical service; choose mechanical grade when cost matters more than purity.
What is the temperature range of PTFE rod?
PTFE rod works from −20 °F to 500 °F (approximately −29 °C to +260 °C). It is UV stabilized, so it does not degrade in outdoor service. Virgin grade material also meets FDA and USDA standards.
Can PTFE rod be cut to a custom length?
Yes. Standard lengths are 6 ft for 3/32" to 2" diameter and 1 ft for 2-1/4" to 6" diameter, both sold in 1 ft intervals. Custom cut lengths are also available — send your required diameter, length, grade (virgin or mechanical), grounded or not, and quantity, and Kaxite will cut to your specification.
Page reviewed and updated by the Kaxite technical team · Rev. 2026-01 · Ningbo Kaxite Sealing Materials Co., Ltd, No. 432, Zhenhai Middle Road, Luotuo Street, Zhenhai District, Ningbo City, Zhejiang, China.
