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Home / Materials / FEP/PFA Encapsulated
Material

FEP/PFA-Encapsulated O-Rings — A Bridge Between Elastomers and FFKM

FEP/PFA-encapsulated O-rings use a seamless fluoropolymer jacket bonded over a conventional elastomer core, combining PTFE-family chemical inertness at the sealing surface with the elastomer core's compression characteristics. FITCO positions this construction as a bridge between conventional elastomers and FFKM.

When to Select

When FEP/PFA Encapsulated Should Be Selected

Select encapsulated O-rings for static or very slow sealing applications involving solvents and aggressive chemicals where elastic recovery requirements are limited — encapsulated seals generally have lower elastic recovery than conventional rubber O-rings.

Advantages

Main Advantages

  • Near-universal chemical resistance at the sealing surface via the fluoropolymer jacket
  • Cost-effective alternative to solid FFKM for many static chemical-exposure applications
  • Suited to solvents, paints, inks and coating-machinery service
Limitations

Important Limitations

  • Lower elastic recovery than conventional elastomer O-rings — static or very slow applications only
  • Not suited to dynamic or high-cycle sealing service
  • Jacket integrity is critical — damage exposes the elastomer core to the process fluid
Applications

Typical Industries

Chemical ProcessingPharmaceutical & BiotechSemiconductor / Vacuum / High Purity
Media Compatibility

Suitable & Unsuitable Media

SUITABLE:
SolventsAggressive chemicals beyond standard elastomer resistancePaint, ink and coating-machinery fluidsStatic vacuum sealing
UNSUITABLE / REQUIRES VERIFICATION:
Dynamic or high-cycle sealing applicationsApplications requiring high elastic recovery
Technical Data

Hardness, Temperature & Standards

HardnessCore-dependent — typically 70–90 Shore A jacketed hardness
Temperature Range-20°C to 200°C continuous (core-material dependent)
Relevant Standards / CertificationsAS568, ISO 3601-1 sizing; jacket material typically FEP or PFA per FDA-listed resins
Comparison

FEP/PFA Encapsulated vs. Alternative Materials

Encapsulated O-rings offer a lower-cost alternative to solid FFKM for static chemical-exposure sealing, at the cost of dynamic performance and elastic recovery. For dynamic seals in aggressive chemical service, solid FFKM remains the appropriate choice.

Available As

FEP/PFA Encapsulated Product Types

FEP/PFA Encapsulated O-Rings

Precision-molded circular seals available across FITCO's full specialty material range.

View O-Rings →
FAQ

FEP/PFA Encapsulated Frequently Asked Questions

Generally not recommended — the construction is primarily suited to static or very slow applications due to lower elastic recovery.

Send Your Application Details

Share your fluid, temperature, pressure and certification requirement — FITCO will review and propose a suitable FEP/PFA Encapsulated compound.

Send Your Application Details
Material information is provided for preliminary guidance. Final material selection must consider the complete application, including fluid composition and concentration, temperature, pressure, movement, operating cycle, groove design and applicable regulatory requirements. FITCO helps customers identify suitable sealing materials based on application details; this does not constitute a compatibility guarantee.