Calculate PTFE (Teflon) rod weight from diameter and length using a typical PTFE density, or find the rod length or diameter for a target weight.
Related Calculators
PTFE Rod Weight Formula
The mass (commonly called weight) of a uniform, solid circular PTFE rod is estimated using the cylinder mass formula:
Where W is mass, D is rod diameter, L is rod length, and ฯ (rho) is the density of the PTFE grade. Use consistent units: meters and kg/mยณ give kilograms. A nominal density of 2,200 kg/mยณ (2.20 g/cmยณ; about 0.07948 lb/inยณ or 137.34 lb/ftยณ) is one unfilled-PTFE assumption, not a universal value. Polyfluor lists 2.14โ2.20 g/cmยณ for its PTFE rod. The calculator also offers 2.16 g/cmยณ and a custom supplier density. Use measured dimensions when possible; nominal stock dimensions, roundness and machining allowances can change the actual mass.
PTFE Rod Weight Per Foot Reference Table
The following table estimates mass for ideal solid circular rods at exactly 2,200 kg/mยณ (2.20 g/cmยณ), using the stated diameter and length. Values are rounded to three decimals per foot and two decimals per 6 ft. The calculatorโs 2.16 g/cmยณ option gives lower values. These are geometric estimates rather than guaranteed stock weights; use the supplierโs actual dimensions, tolerances and density for procurement.
| Rod Diameter (in) | Weight Per Foot (lb) | Weight Per 6 ft Length (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 (0.250) | 0.047 | 0.28 |
| 3/8 (0.375) | 0.105 | 0.63 |
| 1/2 (0.500) | 0.187 | 1.12 |
| 3/4 (0.750) | 0.421 | 2.53 |
| 1 (1.000) | 0.749 | 4.49 |
| 1-1/2 (1.500) | 1.685 | 10.11 |
| 2 (2.000) | 2.996 | 17.98 |
| 3 (3.000) | 6.742 | 40.45 |
| 4 (4.000) | 11.985 | 71.91 |
| 6 (6.000) | 26.967 | 161.80 |
| 8 (8.000) | 47.941 | 287.65 |
| 10 (10.000) | 74.908 | 449.45 |
| 12 (12.000) | 107.868 | 647.21 |
PTFE Grades and Density Variations
Not all PTFE rods weigh the same for a given size. Density depends on the compound and processing. Fillers can change density, wear, friction, deformation under load and other properties. The table gives selected published supplier examples rather than universal ranges or performance guarantees. PTFE Compoundsโ technical table distinguishes specific gravity/density of the material from loose-powder bulk density; use the finished materialโs density in this calculator.
| PTFE Grade | Supplier Grade / Example | Density (g/cmยณ) | Density (lb/inยณ) | Selection Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin (unfilled) | Polyfluor PTFE rod | 2.14 to 2.20 | 0.0773 to 0.0795 | Unfilled reference; supplier range |
| Glass-filled | PCI 25 FG LF | 2.24 | 0.0809 | Use grade-specific wear and deformation data |
| Carbon-filled | PCI 25 C LF | 2.05 | 0.0741 | Electrical and friction properties depend on grade |
| Bronze-filled | PCI 40 BZ LF / PCI 60 BZ LF | 3.10 / 3.95 | 0.1120 / 0.1427 | Two named grades, not a class-wide range |
| MoS2-filled | PCI 5 M LF | 2.22 | 0.0802 | Use grade-specific friction data |
| Stainless steel-filled | PCI 50 SS FF | 3.30 | 0.1192 | Use grade-specific compatibility and load data |
For equal dimensions, mass changes directly with density. The two bronze-filled examples above have greater density than the unfilled reference, while the named carbon-filled example has lower density. Enter the density of the exact supplied grade rather than inferring it from filler type alone.
PTFE Material Properties Relevant to Rod Applications
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), commonly known by the trade name Teflon, is a fluoropolymer with a unique combination of properties that make it one of the most widely used engineering plastics for machined components. The following properties directly affect how PTFE rods are selected and used in practice.
Operating Temperature: Service limits depend on the grade, loading and application. Polyfluor lists a working range of -190ยฐC to +260ยฐC for its PTFE rod and requires suitability testing for the intended use. A temperature rating does not guarantee unchanged strength, stiffness or dimensions throughout that range; consult the product datasheet.
Chemical Resistance: Virgin PTFE is widely used for its excellent chemical resistance. Select the grade using the supplierโs compatibility data and the actual application conditions. Fillers can change chemical compatibility, so unfilled and filled PTFE are not automatically interchangeable.
Coefficient of Friction: PTFE is a low-friction material used for bushings, bearing surfaces and slide pads. Friction values depend on the compound and test conditions. Use grade-specific data rather than assuming one coefficient or a lowest-of-all-materials ranking.
Mechanical Limitations: PTFE can deform over time under sustained load (creep). Selected fillers can reduce deformation, but the improvement depends on the grade, stress, temperature and test duration. The supplierโs grade-specific deformation and mechanical data should guide load-bearing applications; a universal percentage reduction is not justified.
Where PTFE Rod Weight Matters
Estimating the mass of a PTFE rod is important in several engineering and procurement contexts. In rotating equipment design, the mass of PTFE components affects dynamic balance calculations and bearing load analysis. For aerospace and defense applications, PTFE parts must meet strict weight budgets, and the difference between a virgin and bronze-filled grade can be significant at scale. In shipping and procurement, PTFE rod is typically sold by the pound or kilogram, so calculating mass from dimensions supports cost estimation. For example, an ideal 4-inch-diameter, 6-foot solid rod has an estimated mass of 71.91 lb at 2.20 g/cmยณ, or 129.11 lb at the 3.95 g/cmยณ density of the named bronze-filled example. Actual stock dimensions and grade density can change these values.
PTFE rods are commonly machined into seals, gaskets, valve seats, piston rings, electrical insulators, and wear strips. In semiconductor applications, grade and purity requirements should follow the application specification; fillers may affect contamination requirements. Glass-filled and carbon-filled grades are used in some hydraulic and pneumatic seals, with selection based on the gradeโs wear, deformation and compatibility data.
PTFE Density Compared to Other Engineering Plastics
PTFE is denser than the unfilled engineering plastics listed below. The comparison uses nominal density values; relative values use 2.20 g/cmยณ as the PTFE reference. The bronze entries are the two named supplier examples above rather than a universal range for bronze-filled PTFE.
| Material | Density (g/cmยณ) | Relative to PTFE |
|---|---|---|
| HDPE | 0.94 to 0.97 | ~44% of PTFE |
| Nylon 6/6 | 1.13 to 1.15 | ~52% of PTFE |
| Acetal (Delrin) | 1.41 to 1.43 | ~65% of PTFE |
| PEEK | 1.30 to 1.32 | ~60% of PTFE |
| UHMWPE | 0.93 to 0.94 | ~43% of PTFE |
| Virgin PTFE | 2.14 to 2.20 | ~97% to 100% (2.20 reference) |
| Selected bronze-filled PTFE grades | 3.10 / 3.95 | ~141% / 180% of reference |
A PTFE rod weighs roughly twice as much as a nylon rod of the same dimensions and more than double a UHMWPE rod. This density difference is a direct consequence of the fluorine atoms in the PTFE polymer chain, which are significantly heavier than the hydrogen and carbon atoms that make up most other thermoplastics.
