Stories & Features

Characteristics and Benefits of PFA Tubing

Mar 4, 2025 by IDEX Health & Science

pfa tubing characteristics

History of PFA Tubing

PFA (perfluoroalkoxy) tubing was introduced in 1972 as part of the Teflon fluoropolymer family. PFA tubing is a transparent, chemically inert, and melt-processable fluoropolymer. It is used in many industries, including biotechnology and fluid management.

Why Choose PFA Tubes?

PFA tubing is a good replacement for PTFE. It combines the best characteristics of PTFE and FEP tubing. While PFA tubes can be more costly than FEP, they offer a higher maximum recommended use temperature for more demanding temperature applications. It also offers fewer impurities for sensitive fluidics applications including pharmaceutical, laboratory, and sampling applications. Ultra-high purity grades of FEP tubing are suitable for life sciences, semiconductor, environmental, and medical device applications.

PFA tubes also have a smoother finish than PTFE and FEP, and greater tensile strength than PTFE. It is resistant to almost all solvents and chemicals, has a low friction coefficient, is flexible, resistant to stress cracking, and is available in multiple colors.

Key Properties of PFA Tubing:

Properties
Temperature Range	Up to 80° C
Thread Strength	Good
Oxygen Permeability	881 cc / 100 in² * 24 h * atm / mil @ 25° C
pH Range	0 - 14
Sterilization Techniques	Ethylene oxide, thermal
Autoclavable?	Yes

View our Complete Materials Guide

Published Pressure Limits of PFA Tubing

PFA tubes—when used with the correct combination of receiving ports and fittings tightened to sufficient torque levels—is capable of a continuous working pressure of up to 3000 psi (~ 207 bar) depending upon OD/ID combination. (Please Note: This assumes the use of water at room temperature for the testing conditions; if different conditions are used, the expected pressure threshold will be different.)

1/16” OD 2000 psi (138 bar)
1/8” OD 500 psi (34 bar)

Temperature Limits of PFA Tubing

PFA tubes can be used in applications up to 80° C, depending upon connection parameters. (Please Note: Higher operating temperatures will reduce the pressure rating for this tubing.)