Everything You Need to Know about FEP
What is FEP?
Fluorinated ethylene propylene, commonly known as FEP, is a fluoropolymer that shares similarities with other fluoropolymers like PTFE, PFA, and ETFE. Like PFA, FEP is melt-processable, accommodating for a broader range of application processes and maintaining a better level of flexibility.
Properties
FEP shares most of its properties with other fluoropolymers, including being thermal and chemical resistant, electrically insulating, and low-friction. With that said, this coating has a lower maximum service temperature, a higher coefficient of friction, and is more difficult to mould than PFA.
So, why opt for FEP? This fluoropolymer is a far cheaper option than PFA, and is still capable of operating under temperatures of up to 200°C. As a melt-processable fluoropolymer is still a much more flexible coating in terms of methods of application.
Industrial applications
Whilst fluorinated ethylene propylene exhibits similar properties to other materials in the fluoropolymer family, it’s lower operating temperature means it is used primarily for its chemical resistance:
- Chemical processing: Resistant to the corrosive chemicals, acids, and bases used in chemical processing.
- Food processing: Non-toxic and non-reactive properties help to maintain quality within food processing.
- Medical component: Used in components like tubing and catheters due to biocompatibility.
Coating FEP process at Marcote
The most commonly used method – and the one we elect to use at Marcote – for applying FEP is spraying. We specialise in compressed air applications, and so take care of the entire process in-house, which includes a pre-treatment of the surface with sand-blasting, before applying the coat by hand, and curing/baking.
In addition to our commitment to quality and care, at Marcote, we prioritise open and reliable communication with our customers. We invite you to reach out to us to explore how we can assist you and meet your specific needs.
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