Its friction is remarkably low. Resistance to seizure is superior to soft metals. But what about wear? It is just plastic, after all.

For polytetrafluoroethyelene (PTFE), sliding against metal, the results may surprise you. Here's a little secret to going the distance in your next design.

It starts with "break-in". That's the initial period when, ideally, a thin lubricating layer of film is transferred to the opposing metal surface.

Does the polymer adhere? What is the rate of accumulation? Will the lubricant continue to deplete from the bulk coating?

Many factors can assist with break-in, or contribute to early wear. Nevertheless, dry sliding surfaces can be managed. And, heat aside, in a closed system, the answer is the opposing metal surface. Its finish should follow the direction of sliding.

Follow this guideline and your Teflon® will carry you quickly and safely into "steady-state". Subsequent wear will be normal and minimized, a predictable linear behavior measured by contact pressure "P" and sliding velocity "V".