PTFE Rod & Bar - CNC Machining Material

Standard diameter tolerance for stocked rod:

• Ø6 to Ø50: ±0.5 mm
• Ø60 to Ø200: ±1.0 mm
• Above Ø200: ±2.0 mm or tighter on request
• Out-of-roundness held below 0.3 mm for standard stock
• Tighter tolerance available on request (typically to ±0.1 mm via centreless grinding)

Cut-to-length service is provided for every diameter; standard length tolerance ±1 mm. End-facing and light centre-drilling are available when the part will be machined further. For a complete machining review and tolerance guidance, see our PTFE CNC machined parts page.

A filled compound is selected when the application involves any of the following:

• Sustained mechanical load (bearing surfaces, support rings, thrust washers)
• Dynamic sealing under pressure (rotary or reciprocating)
• Friction and wear are the governing design factors
• The part must hold tight tolerances at temperature

If you are unsure, share the application brief (temperature, pressure, media, load, motion type) and we will recommend the grade. For a deeper comparison of virgin vs filled grades, see our virgin vs filled PTFE guide.

• Tooling: sharp HSS or carbide, positive rake, large clearance angle; keep speeds moderate and tools polished to avoid built-up edge.
• Coolant: compressed air or water-soluble flood; do not use cutting oils for food, pharma, or lab service parts.
• Fixturing: support thin walls and long shafts to limit deflection; PTFE creeps over time, so avoid aggressive clamping forces.
• Tolerances: turning and milling typically hold ±0.05 mm; ±0.01 mm is achievable on critical features when the stock is stress-relieved before the finishing cut.
• Annealing: rough machine, anneal at 250 °C for 4 hours, then finish to tight tolerance.

For more detail on tolerances, see our PTFE CNC machining tolerance guide.