Is FPM the Same as PTFE?

FPM and PTFE are often confused because they both appear in industrial sealing applications—but they’re not the same material.

No, FPM and PTFE are completely different polymers. FPM is a fluoroelastomer rubber, while PTFE is a non-elastomeric fluoropolymer plastic.

Each has unique properties and use cases. Knowing the differences helps you choose the right sealing solution for temperature, chemical resistance, and flexibility.

Contents hide

1 What does FPM stand for?

2 What Is PTFE?

3 FPM vs PTFE – What’s the Difference?

4 When to Choose FPM or PTFE?

5 Common Use Cases

6 Conclusion

What does FPM stand for?

FPM stands for fluoroelastomer rubber¹, used under ISO/DIN standards. It’s the same material as FKM in ASTM standards and Viton® in branded form.

Material Type: Synthetic rubber (elastomer)
Properties: High flexibility, chemical resistance², temperature resistance
Temperature Range: -20°C to +200°C (some grades up to 300°C)
Applications: O-rings, gaskets, seals in fuel, oil, and chemical systems

FPM is valued for its sealing performance in dynamic applications³ like pumps, valves, compressors, and automotive parts.

What Is PTFE?

PTFE stands for Polytetrafluoroethylene⁴, a fluoropolymer plastic⁵ best known by its brand name Teflon®.

Material Type: Thermoplastic (non-rubber)
Properties: Chemically inert, extremely low friction, non-stick⁶
Temperature Range: -200°C to +260°C
Applications: Gaskets, bushings, slide bearings, chemical linings, cookware

PTFE is stiff and doesn’t stretch. It’s not compressible like rubber, so it’s mostly used in static sealing or where chemical resistance is critical.

FPM vs PTFE – What’s the Difference?

Feature/Property	FPM (Fluoroelastomer)	PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
Material Type	Rubber elastomer ✅	Fluoropolymer plastic
Flexibility	High ✅	Very low (rigid)
Chemical Resistance⁷	Excellent	Outstanding (even stronger) ✅
Temperature Range⁸	-20°C to +200~300°C	-200°C to +260°C ✅
Compression Recovery	Good (returns to shape) ✅	None (creeps under load)
Dynamic Sealing	Ideal ✅	Poor (not elastic)
Friction Coefficient	Moderate	Very low (slippery) ✅
Typical Forms	O-rings, molded gaskets	Sheet, machined parts, rings
Cost	Moderate	High

When to Choose FPM or PTFE?

Use FPM when you need:
- A flexible rubber seal
- Good resistance to fuel, oil, and chemicals
- Elastic sealing under compression
- Dynamic sealing performance
Use PTFE when you need:
- Maximum chemical inertness⁹
- Operation in extreme cold or heat
- A rigid, non-stick material
- Food-safe or electrical insulation applications

In short, FPM seals¹⁰ and PTFE seals¹¹ are used in very different contexts.

Common Use Cases

Application Area	Recommended Material
Automotive fuel seals¹²	FPM ✅
Food processing gaskets¹³	PTFE ✅
Refrigeration seals	FPM
Chemical tank linings¹⁴	PTFE ✅
Pumps and valves	FPM (dynamic), PTFE (static)
Heat exchangers	Both, depending on design

Conclusion

FPM and PTFE are not the same—one is a rubber, the other a plastic.
FPM is flexible and used for dynamic seals.
PTFE is rigid, chemically inert, and great for extreme environments.

Need help selecting the right gasket material for your system?
Contact Julong Rubber or Request a Quote for FPM, PTFE, or hybrid solutions.

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Explore this link to understand the diverse applications and advantages of fluoroelastomer rubber in various industries. ↩
Discover materials with high chemical resistance and their applications, crucial for industries dealing with harsh chemicals. ↩
Learn about dynamic applications to see how they impact engineering and manufacturing processes, enhancing performance and efficiency. ↩
Explore this link to understand the unique properties and diverse applications of Polytetrafluoroethylene in various industries. ↩
Discover the significance of fluoropolymer plastics and how they are utilized in modern technology and manufacturing. ↩
Learn about the science behind non-stick technology and its benefits in cookware, enhancing your cooking experience. ↩
Understanding the chemical resistance of these materials is crucial for selecting the right one for your application. ↩
Exploring the temperature range helps in determining the suitability of these materials for extreme conditions. ↩
Learn why chemical inertness is crucial for safety and performance in various applications. ↩
Explore this link to understand the unique advantages and applications of FPM seals in various industries. ↩
Discover the benefits of PTFE seals and how they can enhance performance in extreme conditions. ↩
Explore this link to understand the best materials for automotive fuel seals, ensuring safety and efficiency in your vehicle. ↩
Discover why PTFE is the preferred choice for food processing gaskets, ensuring hygiene and durability in food applications. ↩
Learn about the benefits of PTFE in chemical tank linings, crucial for safety and chemical resistance in storage solutions. ↩