Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE for short) is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene. PTFE is a fluorocarbon solid…
…in fact, to save you even more brain-ache, we’ll simplify it a bit!
PTFE coating has one of the lowest coefficients of friction against any solid. It is very non-reactive, partly because of the strength of the carbon-fluoride bonds within its compound. PTFE, therefore, is the perfect coating for pipes and containers where corrosive substances can be found.
A benefit of PTFE coat is that it reduces friction, wear, and energy consumption of machinery. According to DuPont, its melting point is 327 °C (621 °F), but its mechanical properties degrade above 260 °C (500 °F).
“So, where does all this scientific jargon make its way in to my MINI,” you might ask?
Well, some of the more recent R53 MINI Cooper S’s were supplied with PTFE coated lobes within the supercharger. The benefits of this means that the life of the supercharger lobes (which, if unreliable, can lead to catastrophic engine failure) is extended, and also there is less friction between the two lobes – meaning the supercharger can spin more efficiently causing less mechanical drag on the engine components; which would otherwise start to wear down.
Here are a couple of benefits of using the KAVS Motorsport PTFE Supercharger Coating Service for existing and new (to you) superchargers:
- If your existing supercharger does not have the PTFE coating, using our special service could increase the life of your existing supercharger as the blades will have more resilience and, as such, work more efficiently and for longer.
- If you are upgrading or changing your supercharger to another unit that still doesn’t have PTFE coating, send us the unit before you fit it and let us cover it with PTFE coat. This provides all the benefits listed throughout this article that show how much more efficiently a supercharger with PTFE coated blades will run.
If you are modifying your engine, it is always worth upgrading your supercharger. Older supercharger units often wear over years of use, and will often begin to compromise your boost levels.
Upgrade your supercharger while you can, and don’t miss the chance to coat your new one with KAVS Motorsport’s PTFE Supercharger Coating service.
In addition to providing PTFE coating services for motorsport applications we also prepare and refurbish PTFE pans and utilities for the food industry. You can be sure that our production facilities and our coating techniques meet and exceed all strict government regulations and standards.
When it comes to PTFE coating, we’re the specialist. So contact us at info@kavsmotorsport.com for more information!