New Fluoropolymer Etched Tubing Increases Shelf Life

Parker-TexLoc now offers etched Fluoropolymer tubing with 50% more shelf life than conventional etched products and a 20% higher dyne rating. The added strength that lengthens the shelf life also strengthens the intensity of the etch, thus creating a stronger bond when fused to other objects. Typically, the improved Fluoropolymer Etched Tubing, made to Parker TexLoc standards, has a 10% to 30% deeper etch than products etched with a similar medium and in a similar fashion. Etch depth is measured in angstroms.

Because the lubricity of the Fluoropolymer tubing surface hampers its bondability/wettability, etching is required to alter the molecular structure of the surface. The chemical reaction between the etch medium and the tubing strips the fluorine molecules exposing the carbon molecules. Once the surface lubricity has been altered, the tubing can be bonded to almost any surface. Although etching alters the color of the tubing, with colors ranging from light bronze to a dark burnish brown, the color of the etch does not necessarily determine the strength of the etch.

When etched tubing is exposed to UV light or elevated temperatures, the etch quality deteriorates exponentially. With Parker TexLoc etched products, the deterioration factor is retarded, thus creating the longer shelf life and the measurements showing a higher dyne and lower contact angle. A lower contact angle gives a higher dyne which is more desirable because it increases the tube's ability to bond with other objects.

Parker-TexLoc provides etching services for their products on the I.D., O.D. or both and the process is available on most product lines. Sizes range from .060” up to 4” I.D. Samples are available upon request.

For more information, contact Janine Kruit, Parker/ TexLoc, Parker Hannifin Corp., Parflex Division, 4700 Lone Star Blvd., Ft. Worth, Texas 76106, 800-423-6551, Fax: 800-438-9562, E-mail: texloc@texloc.com, Web: www.texloc.com.