PTFE hose is the answer when rubber cannot cope: aggressive chemicals, steam, high temperatures, or a product that must not be contaminated by its hose. It is also more expensive and less forgiving to handle than rubber — so the decision to use it should be deliberate.
What PTFE Brings
Polytetrafluoroethylene is chemically inert to almost everything. It resists acids, bases, solvents and oxidisers across nearly the entire pH range, runs from cryogenic temperatures to 260°C continuous, and its non-stick bore means nothing adheres — the hose drains clean and stays clean.
Construction Basics
Bare PTFE is limp, so every hose reinforces it. The standard construction: an extruded PTFE tube, one or two stainless steel braids, and optional rubber or steel cover. Terminations need specially designed fittings — the PTFE is too slick for a standard crimp to hold by friction alone, so fittings swage, clamp or use a collared design.
Smooth Bore vs Convoluted
- Smooth bore: continuous tube, low pressure drop, easy to clean, best for hygienic and high-purity duties. More rigid.
- Convoluted (corrugated): shaped tube that flexes with a tighter bend radius. Slightly rougher bore — fine for chemicals, not for hygienic duties.
SAE 100R14
SAE 100R14 defines PTFE hose with stainless steel braid: bore sizes, pressure ratings and bend radii, so different makers’ hoses interchange. Specify R14-compliant hose unless you have a reason not to.
When PTFE Is the Right Call
- Saturated steam to 200°C+
- Concentrated acids and oxidisers
- Solvents that attack rubber
- Food and pharma lines needing steam-cleanable, non-reactive bores
- Hot-melt adhesives (non-stick bore)
- Fuel lines (conductive PTFE drains static)
Selection Questions
Fluid, concentration, temperature, pressure, bore, end fittings, and whether you need conductive bore or abrasion cover. Answer those and the spec writes itself. Browse our PTFE hose range or send the duty to us.