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FEP

Besides PTFE, the most common and best known fluoropolymer. Polyfluor is a FEP and PTFE specialist in the Benelux. With over 40 years of experience and an unending desire to meet the needs of the current, evolving market, we ensure that we have a solution for every need. FTPE and FEP are similar; however, main differences are the natural colour, FEP is clear transparent (except for FEP semi-finished parts), and the lower melting temperature. The clearness provides distinctive advantages in applications whereas the low melting temperature makes FEP a very good material for protective sleeves like heat shrinkable tubing and cable harnesses. Developments are ongoing with this fluorplastic, which is why we are continuously working on new solutions that match the current market even better. We have a specific solution for every need and we are passionate to take on the challenges of today ánd tomorrow. 

What is FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene)?

Due to the advantageous properties of this plastic, FEP is widely used in critical applications in various industries. The big advantages it has over PTFE is its lower melting temperature, greater flexibility, and its transparent colour, as tube and film, is also preferred in certain applications.

Advantageous Material Properties

Polyfluor offers products that have a very low dielectric constant. As a result, the material has a good insulating effect. Further, this plastic is chemically inert and has very low friction. FEP from Polyfluor also has the following properties:

  • Lower melting temperature than PTFE
  • More flexible than PTFE
  • Transparent/clear
  • Low dielectric constant (insulating)
  • Chemically inert
  • Very low co-efficient of friction
  • Zero attachment
  • Excellent resistance
  • UV resistant (resistant to sunlight and does not age)
  • Not hygroscopic (water absorption <0.01%)
  • FDA approved
  • Working temperature from -200°C to +205°C

FEP Applications

Polyfluor offers innovative materials for various solutions. We continue to develop our solutions because our goal is to solve your challenges to your specifications. 

For example, Polyfluor provides many FEP products, such as hoses, shrink hoses, odour sampling bags, bellows, welding wire, foil, and coating. We have devised a solution for all applications. In the unlikely event that we do not currently have a solution, we will immediately get to work to make it for you. 

Applied in Many Industries

Polyfluor's FEP is used in many industries, such as the medical, aviation, aerospace, petrochemical, semiconductor, packaging, and food industries. In these industries, progressive companies and organizations choose Polyfluor precisely because of its unparalleled product properties. Polyfluor is also known for making specific industry solutions because we understand that every industry requires special specifications, and our industry specialists commit to connecting your needs seamlessly with innovative solutions.

Sparring Partner

As a company with excellent plastics, incredible expertise, and a desire to support those we work with, we are exceptionally positioned to make the link between your needs and the solutions they require. You will notice the passion of our specialists in everything we do, which is a trait that is widely appreciated by our customers. We have been a leading name in the market for 40 years because transparency and honesty are the cornerstones of our work. Our no-nonsense approach ensures that expectations are always realistic, and you always know where you stand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is FEP and what is it used for?

FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) is a high-performance fluoropolymer known for its chemical inertness, thermal stability, and thermoplastic processability. It is used in chemical processing, the food industry, electronics, high-purity applications, and cable insulation.

What is the difference between FEP and PTFE?

The main difference lies in processability. PTFE is not melt-processable and must be formed by sintering, whereas FEP is thermoplastic and can be extruded, welded, and molded. PTFE withstands higher temperatures, while FEP offers greater design freedom and transparency (with exception of FEP semi-finished parts).

Is FEP a PFAS and is it permitted?

Yes, FEP falls under the collective category of PFAS, but it is a high-molecular-weight, stable fluoropolymer. It is non-volatile, insoluble, and not used in a bioaccumulative manner. As a result, FEP is often assessed differently from low-molecular-weight PFAS in regulations and remains permitted for many industrial applications.

Up to what temperature can FEP be used?

FEP is suitable for continuous use up to approximately 200–205 °C. It can tolerate slightly higher temperatures for short periods, depending on the application. For processes above roughly 220 °C, PTFE or PFA is typically considered.

When should you choose FEP instead of traditional plastics?

FEP is selected when standard plastics such as PE, PP, or PVC fall short due to chemical attack, temperature stress, fouling, or limited service life. In critical processes where reliability, hygiene, and low maintenance are essential, FEP is often the better choice.

Technical information

Need more information about the properties of FEP? You will find this in the technical data sheet below.

More information?

Please contact our sales engineers if you require more information, an inquiry or to evaluate samples. Or download our technical data sheets.

The best solution for these industries

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Aerospace

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Semi-conductor

Branches - Olie-Gas-Petrochemie - Polyfluor

Petrochemical

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Healthcare Industry

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Food & Packaging

Relevant articles

What is FEP?

In industrial environments where chemical resistance, temperature stability, and process reliability are critical, material selection plays a decisive role. FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) is a fluoropolymer that is increasingly used as an alternative or complement to PTFE. In this article, we clearly explain what FEP is, what the meaning of FEP entails, how FEP compares to Teflon, and what the relationship is between FEP and PFAS.

Future of FEP

Fluoropolymers are often regarded as mature materials: technically proven, reliable, and widely used. However, that perception is incomplete. FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) in particular is entering a phase where innovation, new application areas, and shifting market dynamics converge. For organizations looking ahead, FEP is not merely a material choice for today, but a strategic component for future processes, products, and regulatory environments.

FEP versus PTFE and PFA

Anyone working with fluoropolymers will quickly encounter three names: PTFE, FEP, and PFA. They are often mentioned together, but in practice the differences are significant and have a direct impact on design freedom, processing costs, and in-service performance. In this article, we compare FEP, PTFE, and PFA in a practical way—not based on marketing claims, but on technical performance, processability, and application suitability.

FEP in the Food Industry

In the food industry, hygiene, food safety, and production continuity are paramount. Materials that come into contact with ingredients, cleaning agents, and elevated temperatures must not only be technically reliable but also comply with strict laws and regulations. FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) is increasingly used in food-processing environments where traditional plastics or rubbers fall short. Not because FEP is the lowest-cost option, but because it contributes to process reliability, regulatory compliance, and predictable performance.

When should you choose FEP?

Many industrial installations and products have been designed for years around traditional plastics such as PE, PP, PVC, PA, or POM. These materials are familiar, affordable, and easy to process. However, in practice, situations increasingly arise where these plastics reach their limits. FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) is then often mentioned as an alternative, but the switch raises questions.