When selecting special film-covered wires, we often encounter choices between different materials, such as ETFE and PTFE. Today, we will introduce their similarities and differences.

Both ETFE and PTFE wires are fluoroplastic wires, featuring excellent chemical resistance, electrical insulation, and thermal stability. However, due to differences in molecular structure and physical properties, they have distinct focuses in terms of application scenarios and characteristics.

Core Features of PTFE Wires

• Extremely high temperature resistance: Continuous operating temperature ranges from -200°C to 260°C, and can withstand over 300°C for short periods.
• Ultimate chemical inertness: Resistant to aqua regia, strong acids, strong alkalis, and organic solvents; nearly insoluble in any common solvents.
• Excellent electrical insulation: Low dielectric constant (approx. 2.1), suitable for high-frequency signal transmission such as 5G RF cables and coaxial cables.
• Non-stick, hydrophobic, and biologically inert: Used in medical devices, food-contact applications, and protective clothing.

Main Disadvantages

• Non-melt processable: Must be formed via cold pressing, sintering, or turning; complex process and high cost.
• Low mechanical strength: Prone to cold flow (deformation under long-term pressure) and poor wear resistance.
• Opaque: Usually milky white, limiting use in light-transmission scenarios.

Core Features of ETFE Wires

• Melt-processable: As a thermoplastic, it supports standard processes such as extrusion and injection molding, ideal for complex cable sheaths.
• High mechanical strength: Tensile strength approx. 50 MPa, about twice that of PTFE; superior creep resistance and impact resistance.
• High transparency: Light transmittance up to 95%, suitable for light-transmitting cables or transparent sheaths.
• Strong radiation resistance: Used in high-radiation environments such as nuclear industry and aerospace.
• Good bonding with metals: Thermal expansion coefficient close to carbon steel, suitable for metal composite structures.

Main Disadvantages

• Lower temperature resistance than PTFE: Continuous operating temperature generally -100°C to 150°C, melting point approx. 260–275°C.
• Slightly higher friction coefficient: About 0.3, with poorer self-lubrication than PTFE.

You may refer to their properties to select the most suitable product.