PTFE Skived Film Tape

Last updated: February 2026

PTFE skived film tape is a pure polytetrafluoroethylene film with a pressure-sensitive silicone adhesive backing, used wherever a thin, ultra-smooth, low-friction surface is needed. Unlike PTFE coated glass fabric tapes (which have a woven fiberglass core), skived film tapes are made entirely from solid PTFE — giving them the lowest possible coefficient of friction (0.04–0.10), excellent conformability to irregular surfaces, and high dielectric strength for electrical insulation.

GORTEF supplies PTFE skived film tapes in four thickness options: TFT003AD (0.085 mm), TFT005AD (0.13 mm), TFT010AD (0.22 mm), and TFT020AD (0.50 mm). Available with corrugated yellow or flat transparent liner. Custom slit widths from 3 mm to 1,000 mm.

GORTEF PTFE Skived Film Tapes

TFT003AD

TFT005AD

TFT010AD

TFT020AD

Where Is PTFE Film Tape Used?

PTFE skived film tape is one of the most versatile industrial tapes available. Its combination of near-zero friction, chemical inertness, temperature resistance (-54°C to +260°C), and electrical insulation properties makes it useful across seven broad application categories.

1. Low-Friction Wear Strips & Slide Plates

Self-adhesive PTFE film tape applied to metal or plastic surfaces creates an instant low-friction bearing surface. Common applications include:

• CNC machine slideways — reduces stick-slip at low traverse speeds for smoother axis motion. Replaces bonded Turcite strips in retrofit applications.
• Drawer slides & cabinet rails — eliminates metal-on-metal friction in industrial toolboxes, workbenches, and equipment housings.
• Paper & carton handling — lines guide rails, pressure pads, and sheet feeders to prevent jams and scuffing.
• Packaging automation — conveyor guide rails, transfer stations, and chute liners for smooth product flow.
• Part feeders & vibratory bowls — reduces friction on bowl tracks and escapement channels.

Why film tape? Pure PTFE film has a smoother surface than glass fabric tape (no woven texture), which gives it a lower friction coefficient. It also adds minimal thickness — critical in precision machinery with tight clearances. For more on this application, see our guide to PTFE wear strips.

Recommended thickness: TFT005AD (5 thou) for general use; TFT010AD or TFT020AD for high-load slideways and heavy-wear applications.

2. Heat Sealing & Release Surfaces

PTFE film tape covers heated sealing elements to prevent plastic film from sticking during bag sealing, tray sealing, and shrink wrapping. While coated glass fabric tapes are the standard choice for heavy-duty heat sealers, PTFE film tape is preferred for:

• Impulse sealers — thin film conforms closely to the impulse wire, providing reliable release without excessive thickness.
• Form-fill-seal machines — seal jaws, forming dies, and pressure pads on vertical (VFFS) and horizontal (HFFS) packaging lines.
• Blister pack machines — prevents heated plastic from adhering to the forming platen.
• Light-duty flow wrappers — a cost-effective option where seal bar temperatures remain moderate.

Recommended thickness: TFT003AD (3 thou) for impulse sealers; TFT005AD for general seal bars.

3. Chemical & Industrial Protection

PTFE is inert to virtually all industrial chemicals. Self-adhesive film tape provides a quick-to-apply barrier for protecting equipment surfaces exposed to corrosive substances:

• Chute & hopper liners — lines steel chutes handling corrosive powders or granules, combining chemical resistance with improved material flow.
• Pipe wrapping — spiral-wrapped PTFE tape protects exposed pipe sections from acid splash, alkali contact, or solvent exposure.
• Tank & vessel surfaces — temporary or semi-permanent chemical barrier for small process tanks and spray booths.
• Guide rails in chemical plants — protects conveyor guides from corrosion while maintaining low friction.

For detailed chemical compatibility data, see our PTFE chemical resistance guide.

Recommended thickness: TFT010AD or TFT020AD for maximum chemical barrier thickness.

4. Electrical Insulation

PTFE skived film tape provides high dielectric strength (up to 500 V/mil) combined with temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and flexibility — properties that make it the preferred insulation wrap for demanding electrical applications:

• Wire harness wrapping — bundles and insulates wiring in automotive engine compartments, aerospace systems, and industrial machinery.
• Transformer & motor coil insulation — coil wraps, slot liners, and phase separators in high-temperature motors and transformers.
• Battery pack insulation — cell separation and thermal barriers in lithium-ion battery assemblies.
• Capacitor wrapping — separates conductive plates in power electronics and motor drives.
• RF & microwave cabling — low dissipation factor minimises signal loss in high-frequency applications.

For a deeper dive into this application, see our PTFE electrical insulation guide.

Recommended thickness: TFT003AD for fine wire and capacitors; TFT005AD for general harnesses and transformers.

5. Packaging & Converting Machinery

Beyond heat sealing, PTFE film tape protects rollers, pressure pads, and guide surfaces on converting and packaging equipment:

• Laminating roller wrap — prevents adhesive and hot-melt buildup on heated laminating rollers. See our laminating industry guide.
• Label applicator pressure pads — reduces adhesive transfer where products rotate between belt and pressure pad.
• Printing press rollers — prevents ink buildup on impression rollers and guide systems in offset and flexographic presses.
• Web handling systems — lines guide bars and rollers to improve web tracking and reduce friction.

Recommended thickness: TFT005AD for roller wrap; TFT010AD for pressure pads and guide rails.

6. Mould Release

PTFE film tape applied to mould surfaces provides a cost-effective release layer that eliminates the need for liquid release agents:

• Composite moulding — release liner for carbon fibre, fibreglass, and marine composite layup. Conforms to mould contours for clean part separation.
• Rubber & plastics moulding — covers press platens and caul sheets to prevent resin adhesion without contaminating parts.
• Fibreglass hand layup — reusable for 3–5 pulls from mould before replacement.

Recommended thickness: TFT005AD for general mould release; TFT010AD for high-volume production moulds.

7. Anti-Squeak, Vibration Dampening & General Mechanical

PTFE film tape eliminates noise and reduces wear at any metal-to-metal or metal-to-plastic contact point:

• Anti-squeak strips — automotive dashboard trim, appliance panels, HVAC ducting, and equipment housings.
• Vibration dampening — machine panel interfaces, equipment mounting brackets, and control panel enclosures.
• Low-load bearing surfaces — skid pads, pipe supports, and slide bearings where full bearing components are unnecessary.

Recommended thickness: TFT003AD or TFT005AD for anti-squeak; TFT010AD–TFT020AD for bearing surfaces and vibration dampening.

PTFE Film Tape vs PTFE Coated Glass Fabric Tape

Both are self-adhesive PTFE tapes with silicone adhesive, but they are built for different jobs. Here’s when to choose which:

Rule of thumb: If the primary need is lowest possible friction, electrical insulation, or smooth surface finish, choose film tape. If the primary need is strength, tear resistance, or heavy-duty heat sealing, choose coated glass fabric tape.

Which Thickness Do You Need?

Start with TFT005AD if you are unsure. It covers most applications and offers the best balance of flexibility, durability, and handling ease. Move thinner for electrical work or thicker for heavy mechanical loads.

How to Apply PTFE Film Tape

1. Clean the surface — remove all grease, oil, dust, and contaminants with isopropyl alcohol. Surface must be completely clean and dry.
2. Measure and cut — cut tape slightly oversize and trim after application.
3. Peel liner gradually — peel back the release liner as you apply. Do not remove the entire liner at once.
4. Apply with firm pressure — use a roller or squeegee to press the tape down, working from centre outward to eliminate air bubbles.
5. Trim excess — use a sharp blade for a clean edge.
6. Allow cure time — for maximum bond strength, allow 24 hours before putting the surface into service.