Coefficient of Friction Chart
Interactive friction coefficient lookup for PTFE, steel, aluminium, rubber, and other engineering materials
Last updated: April 2026
The coefficient of friction (COF) is a dimensionless value that describes the ratio of the force of friction between two surfaces to the normal force pressing them together. Engineers use friction coefficients to select materials for bearings, seals, conveyor belts, slides, and wear strips where controlling friction is critical to equipment performance and energy efficiency.
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) has one of the lowest coefficients of friction of any solid material, typically between 0.04 and 0.10 depending on the mating surface. This makes PTFE ideal for non-stick coatings, low-friction conveyor belts, heat sealer covers, and sliding wear strips used in packaging machinery and industrial equipment.
Use the interactive tool below to compare static and kinetic friction coefficients for common engineering material pairs. Select two surfaces to see how their friction compares to PTFE and other industrial materials.
Compare Material Friction
Select the first contact surface
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Complete Friction Coefficient Reference Table
The table below lists static and kinetic (dynamic) friction coefficients for common engineering material pairs. Click any column header to sort. Values are approximate and may vary depending on surface finish, temperature, lubrication, and load conditions.
| Material Pair ▲ | Static (μs) | Kinetic (μk) |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium on Aluminium | 1.05 | 1.40 |
| Aluminium on Steel | 0.61 | 0.47 |
| Copper on Steel | 0.53 | 0.36 |
| Glass on Glass | 0.94 | 0.40 |
| Nylon on Steel | 0.40 | 0.35 |
| PEEK on Steel | 0.30 | 0.25 |
| PTFE on Aluminium | 0.05 | 0.04 |
| PTFE on Glass | 0.04 | 0.04 |
| PTFE on PTFE | 0.04 | 0.04 |
| PTFE on Steel | 0.04 | 0.04 |
| Rubber on Concrete | 1.00 | 0.80 |
| Rubber on Steel | 0.70 | 0.60 |
| Steel on Steel (dry) | 0.74 | 0.57 |
| Steel on Steel (lubricated) | 0.16 | 0.06 |
| Wood on Wood | 0.25–0.50 | 0.20 |
Frequently Asked Questions
PTFE has one of the lowest coefficients of friction of any solid material. The static and kinetic friction coefficients for PTFE against steel are both approximately 0.04. Against other surfaces like aluminium and glass, PTFE maintains similarly low values between 0.04 and 0.05. This exceptionally low friction is why PTFE is widely used for conveyor belt coatings, heat sealer covers, and sliding wear strips.
Static friction is the force that must be overcome to start an object moving from rest. Kinetic (dynamic) friction is the force that opposes motion once the object is already sliding. Static friction is typically higher than kinetic friction for most material pairs, meaning it takes more force to start movement than to maintain it. PTFE is unusual in that its static and kinetic friction values are nearly identical.
The most effective way to reduce friction on slides, guides, and wear surfaces in packaging equipment is to apply PTFE tape or PTFE-coated fabric to the contact surfaces. PTFE reduces friction by up to 95% compared to bare metal-on-metal contact. GORTEF supplies self-adhesive PTFE tapes and PTFE fabrics specifically designed for heat sealers, flow wrappers, and conveyor systems used in food packaging.
Related Resources
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PTFE Tape for Low-Friction Wear Strips
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