PTFE Tape as Low-Friction Wear Strips
How to use PTFE film tape on slide plates, guide rails, drawer tracks, and part feeders to reduce friction and wear
Last updated: February 2026
PTFE tape is widely used as a low-friction wear strip on slide plates, guide rails, drawer tracks, part feeders, and any surface where metal-on-metal or plastic-on-metal contact causes friction, noise, or wear. With a coefficient of friction as low as 0.04–0.10, PTFE has the lowest friction of almost any solid material, making adhesive-backed PTFE film tape a simple retrofit solution for reducing friction without redesigning parts.
GORTEF supplies PTFE skived film tapes from 0.085 mm to 0.50 mm thickness with silicone adhesive backing for wear strip applications across Australia and New Zealand.
What Are PTFE Wear Strips?
A wear strip is a sacrificial low-friction surface applied to a contact area to reduce sliding resistance and protect the underlying material from wear. PTFE film tape functions as a self-adhesive wear strip that can be cut to size and applied directly to any clean, smooth surface.
Unlike traditional wear materials (bronze bushings, nylon strips, UHMWPE pads), PTFE tape requires no machining, no fasteners, and no disassembly to install. You peel the release liner, press the tape onto the worn or friction-prone surface, and the machine is back in operation within minutes. For more on the material, see our guide on what is PTFE.
Where Are PTFE Wear Strips Used?
Slide Plates and Guide Rails
Machine tool slides, linear guides, and jig fixtures use PTFE tape on contact surfaces to reduce sliding friction. This is especially useful on older machines where guide ways have worn and replacement is not cost-effective.
Drawer Tracks and Sliding Mechanisms
Industrial drawer systems, server rack slides, and heavy-duty shelving use PTFE tape to reduce the force needed to open and close loaded drawers. The tape also eliminates metal-on-metal squeaking.
Plastic Part Feeders and Hoppers
Vibratory bowl feeders, gravity chutes, and hopper walls are lined with PTFE tape to prevent parts from sticking and to ensure consistent feed rates. The non-stick surface is particularly effective with powder-coated or oily parts.
Anti-Squeak Layers Between Metal Parts
PTFE tape placed between clamped or bolted metal panels eliminates friction-induced noise (squeaking, creaking) in vehicle bodies, machine enclosures, and structural assemblies.
Conveyor and Transfer Systems
Dead plates, transfer rails, and accumulation zones on conveyor systems use PTFE tape to reduce friction where products slide across stationary surfaces. This reduces product damage and energy consumption.
Printing and Paper Handling
Paper guides, folder rails, and sheet separators in printing presses and finishing equipment use PTFE tape to prevent paper jams and reduce static buildup from friction.
What Thickness of PTFE Tape Should You Use for Wear Strips?
Thicker tape provides more material to wear through and lasts longer, but adds more to the overall dimension of the assembly. Choose based on your clearance tolerance and expected wear rate:
| GORTEF Product | Backing Thickness | Total Thickness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| TFT003AD | 0.085 mm | 0.125 mm | Tight-clearance applications, paper guides, anti-squeak layers |
| TFT005AD | 0.13 mm | 0.18 mm | General-purpose wear strips, drawer tracks, guide rails |
| TFT010AD | 0.22 mm | 0.28 mm | Medium-duty slide plates, part feeders, conveyor dead plates |
| TFT020AD | 0.50 mm | 0.56 mm | Heavy-duty wear applications, chute linings, maximum service life |
Why Use PTFE Tape Instead of Other Wear Materials?
- Lowest friction — static coefficient of friction approximately 0.04, the lowest of any solid material. Lower than nylon (~0.20–0.40) or UHMWPE (~0.10–0.20).
- Self-adhesive installation — no machining, fasteners, or disassembly required. Cut to size and apply in minutes.
- Chemical resistance — PTFE is inert to oils, solvents, cleaning agents, and process chemicals. See our chemical resistance guide for detail.
- Temperature range — operates from -73°C to +260°C. Can be used on heated surfaces where nylon or UHMWPE would melt or deform.
- No lubrication needed — PTFE is inherently slippery and does not require grease or oil. This is critical in food processing and clean-room environments where lubricants are not permitted.
- Replaceable — when worn, peel off and apply fresh tape. No need to machine replacement parts or take equipment out of service for extended periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
PTFE has a static coefficient of friction of approximately 0.04 and a dynamic coefficient of 0.04–0.10 depending on load, speed, and surface finish. This is the lowest of any common solid material.
Service life depends on contact pressure, sliding speed, and the abrasiveness of the mating surface. Under light loads (paper handling, drawer slides), PTFE tape can last 6–12 months or longer. Under heavy sliding loads (machine tool guides, loaded conveyors), expect 1–3 months. The 0.50 mm TFT020AD provides the longest life.
In many applications, yes. PTFE has lower friction than both nylon and UHMWPE. However, PTFE has lower abrasion resistance and load-bearing capacity than UHMWPE under heavy loads. For light to medium loads where low friction is the priority, PTFE tape is an excellent replacement.
No. PTFE is inherently low-friction and does not require grease, oil, or any lubricant. This is a key advantage in food processing, clean rooms, and pharmaceutical environments where external lubricants are not permitted.
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GORTEF PTFE Film Tapes for Wear Strip Applications
TFT003AD
TFT005AD
TFT010AD
TFT020AD
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