PTFE solutions without the pain We deliver preventive support.

Securing your TFM 1600 supply until at least 2026#

First, the good news: We will reliably meet our customers' demand for TFM 1600, TFM 4105 and other Dyneon compounds until mid-2026. This gives you the planning certainty you need to keep your processes running without production downtime or last-minute material changes.

But we are also thinking ahead. We are already offering alternatives that allow you to switch materials as your needs change. This not only ensures long-term availability but also allows us to use technological advances to make your sealing applications even more efficient and effective.

Why panic is not the answer - but planning is#

With the support of the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI), IDT established the "Technical Plastics in the Chemical Industry" working group in 2023. Together with leading representatives of the chemical industry and other seal manufacturers, we are developing solutions for supply bottlenecks, the testing of alternative materials, and specifications for new materials.

In many cases, the essential parameters that a replacement material must meet have yet to be defined. This is a major challenge because static and dynamic applications place very different demands on the material. While a material may work perfectly in static applications, it may prove unsuitable for stem seals in valves.

First test results provide clarity#

The working group has already tested around 20 alternative materials for TFM 1600 in static and dynamic applications. The initial results show:

• Static applications: Tests to DIN EN 13555 show little difference in material performance.
• Dynamic applications: There are some significant differences in performance that require more in-depth analysis and specific adjustments.

Transitioning with foresight – safely#

The industrial use of PTFE is on the brink of change - and we are here to guide you through it:

• Materials knowledge and test procedures that take into account the specific requirements of your applications.
• Direct testing of new PTFE alternatives [e.g. GFL, Daikin, Chemours] for processability, performance and safety.
• Long-term supply stability by minimizing dependence on individual suppliers.
• Tailored transition concepts that allow you to continue using TFM while we work together to implement alternatives.

We also carry out extensive testing of PTFE materials from leading raw material suppliers. We test not only the processability, but also the performance and safety of these materials. Our aim is to define clear material criteria to reduce dependence on individual suppliers and to offer our customers reliable alternatives.

For the GFL material M295, we have already tested the sealing properties according to DIN EN 13555, which are essential for the calculation of a flange connection according to TA Luft [2021]. The results are comparable with TFM 1600. This gives our customers the opportunity to continue using TFM while alternatives are tested in a production environment and gradually integrated.

Taking the next step with you#

The world of PTFE is changing but with the right strategy you can remain flexible and safe. Our experts can guide you through the entire transition process, from material selection and comprehensive testing to step-by-step implementation in your applications.

Let us work together to find the best way forward for your business. Contact us for an in-depth assessment – we are here to help.

Adalbert Jell Sales Manager Aschheim near Munich

+49 89 9918830 muenchen@idt-dichtungen.de

Dirk Richter Sales Manager Annaberg-Buchholz

+49 3733 505-0 annaberg@idt-dichtungen.de

Philipp Leiding Sales Manager Essen

+49 201 855110 essen@idt-dichtungen.de