PTFE Sheet: Skived vs Molded vs Expanded, and How to Choose

30 October, 2026 | Admin

Short answer: Molded PTFE sheet is pressed and
sintered as a thick slab. Skived sheet is peeled thin from a large
cylinder. Expanded PTFE (ePTFE) is stretched into a soft, porous sheet.
Molded suits thicker, machined parts, skived suits thin gaskets and
liners, and expanded suits sealing on uneven flanges.

Buyers often ask for “PTFE sheet” without saying which type. The
three types behave differently, so the choice matters.

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Table of Contents

Molded PTFE sheet

PTFE powder is compressed into a mould and sintered (heated and
fused). The result is a dense sheet that can be made in thicker
sections. It is easy to machine and suits washers, wear plates, gaskets,
spacers and electrical parts. It is the common choice when you need
strength in a thicker section.

Skived PTFE sheet

A large sintered cylinder is rotated against a knife that peels off a
continuous thin sheet, like unrolling a log. Skived sheet is available
in thin thicknesses and long lengths. It is used for gasket blanks, thin
liners, slide pads and insulation. The skived surface can show a fine
texture and the sheet may have more directional properties than
molded.

Expanded PTFE (ePTFE)

Expanded PTFE is stretched so it becomes a soft, microporous
material. It is much more conformable than solid PTFE, so it seals well
on uneven or fragile flanges (for example glass-lined or damaged
surfaces). It is common as gasket tape or sheet for chemical
service.

Comparison

	Molded	Skived	Expanded
Structure	Dense, pressed and sintered	Dense, peeled thin	Soft, porous
Typical use	Machined parts, thick gaskets	Thin gaskets, liners	Sealing uneven flanges
Thickness	Thicker sections	Thin to medium	Depends on the product
Strength under load	Good	Moderate	Conformable, more compressible

Choosing the right type

Is the part thick or machined? Choose molded.
Is it a thin gasket or liner? Choose skived.
Is the flange uneven, fragile or damaged? Consider
expanded.
Is there a heavy continuous load? Consider a filled
grade, because PTFE creeps.

Virgin or filled?

Virgin PTFE is best for chemical and food contact. Filled sheet
(glass, carbon, bronze) resists creep and wear better. Read filled PTFE guide to choose.

Gasket cautions

PTFE gaskets can cold-flow if over-tightened. Tighten bolts evenly
and use the torque recommended for the gasket type and flange. See PTFE gasket types.

What to send

Thickness, sheet size or cut size, grade, application, temperature,
chemical and quantity. Every order from Diode Trading EST ships with a
Material Test Certificate. request a quote

Storage and handling

Store PTFE sheet flat, clean and away from sharp edges, because
scratches and creases can show through on thin gasket sheet. Keep
protective paper or film on until cutting. Do not fold skived rolls
tightly, since a crease can leave a permanent mark. Dust and oil on the
surface can contaminate chemical or food service, so wipe the sheet
before cutting gasket blanks.

Common mistakes to avoid

ordering by thickness only, without saying whether the sheet is
molded, skived or expanded
using skived thin sheet where a thicker, load-bearing washer or wear
plate is needed
over-tightening a PTFE gasket, which makes it flow out of the
joint
choosing virgin PTFE for a sliding wear part that needs a filled
grade
forgetting thermal expansion when a PTFE liner is fixed to
metal

FAQ

What is the difference between skived and molded PTFE
sheet? Molded is pressed as a slab. Skived is peeled thinly
from a cylinder.

Which PTFE sheet is best for gaskets? Skived or
molded for standard flanges, expanded for uneven flanges.

Does PTFE sheet have a shelf life? PTFE does not
degrade significantly in storage if kept clean and flat.

Can PTFE sheet be cut to shape? Yes, by die cutting,
water jet or machining.

Related: PTFE Gasket Types · Filled PTFE Guide ·
What Is PTFE

Products related to this article

Diode Trading EST supplies these PTFE (Teflon) Products from stock in Dammam, with delivery across Saudi Arabia and the GCC.

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