Insulation Tubing

FEP tubing: Characteristics, Properties and applications

Characterized as being particularly flexible, GREMCO FEP tubing is available among the various types of fluoroplastic-based insulating tubing. The abbreviation FEP represents fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP), also known as a tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer or perfluoro(ethylene-propylene), composed of the monomers tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene. By virtue of its exceptional material properties, GREMCO manufactures a variety of specialized FEP tubing made from 100% certified PFOA hyperlink-free resin for diverse application contexts.

Properties of FEP tubing

Several outstanding properties of our FEP hoses allow them to be used in a wide variety of applications. For example, they are virtually universally chemically inert and UV-resistant. Furthermore, the insulating tubing is characterized by comparatively high flexibility with simultaneous dimensional stability, as well as excellent transparency. Moreover, the fluorine-based tubing has a temperature resistance of up to 200°C (392°F) and can also be classified as flame-retardant and self-extinguishing. The smooth surface of the FEP tubing continues to be gas-tight, radiation- and weather-resistant, and non-porous. Particularly noteworthy are the exceptional biocompatibility as well as the exceptional dielectric properties of the insulating tubing. In addition, FEP, unlike PTFE, is meltable and consequently heat formable, enabling melt extrusion.

FEP vs. PTFE. Similarities and differences

With regard to material properties, FEP is similar to the most common fluoroplastic PTFE for the most part. However, one of the main differences lies in its heat resistance. For example, PTFE tubing has a higher continuous operating temperature and a lower coefficient of friction compared to FEP tubing. Conversely, FEP is more transparent and flexible than PTFE. In addition, the production of FEP hoses by means of melt extrusion enables more precise tolerances to be maintained and longer continuous hose lengths to be achieved.

Applications of FEP tubing

The high degree of purity, chemical inertness, flexibility and clarity of FEP tubing makes it ideal for medical applications such as catheters. If processed under cleanroom conditions, the insulating tubing can also be used in in-vitro applications, for example as cardiac catheters. To ensure guaranteed quality assurance, our FEP tubing is available with various approvals.  Thanks to their chemical inertness and surface quality, fluorine-based tubing remains widely used as a coating for printing rollers in printing plants. Likewise, these tubes are used as UV spirals for UV disinfection of water contaminated with pollutants and for groundwater analysis.