FAQ's
What is Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)?
PTFE is a synthetic, high molecular weight fluoropolymer with fluorine atoms directly attached to the carbon only backbone.
The exceptionally strong Fluorine-Carbon bond is what gives PTFE a range of unique and valuable properties, including:
- Virtually total chemical resistance.
- Effective use over a wide range of temperature.
- Excellent electrical and dielectric (insulation) properties.
- Non-stick and non-wetting surface.
- Flexural strength.
These properties make PTFE an incredibly versatile material which can be used across many industries and sectors.
Cowie® manufacture using well known tradenames such as Teflon™ (Chemours™) and Inoflon® (GFL™).
For more information on PTFE visit our Why Choose PTFE page.
What chemicals are compatible with PTFE?
Pure PTFE has excellent compatibility with most acids, bases, solvents, alcohols and detergents. In fact, over it’s working temperature range PTFE is almost totally chemically inert which is why PTFE products can be used with many of the most corrosive and aggressive chemicals.
PTFE is NOT compatible with Alkali metals (molten or dissolved), Fluorine and Fluorinated compounds at high temperature and/or pressure. If you would like further guidance about compatibility with your specific application, please contact our Technical Team via the Contact Us page.
Note: Coloured and filled PTFE material is not as inert as pure virgin PTFE.
What regulations are Cowie® PTFE Products compliant with?
Virgin grade PTFE used in the manufacture of Cowie® PTFE Products is FDA (21 CFR 177.1550) and USP Class VI approved. And it is compliant with many other regulations, such as REACH / RoHS / POPs / Conflict Minerals.
The Certificate of Conformance (COC) for each item and also General Regulation Statements are available on request.
Please Contact Us if you require any specific regulation information.
Can PTFE products be sterilised?
PTFE stirrer bars can be sterilised by chemical or thermal (autoclave) means, but NOT by gamma radiation.
Do PTFE products have a shelf life?
No. The shelf life of Cowie® PTFE Products is considered indefinite within the confines of normal use and storage conditions.
What magnets are used in Cowie® stir bars?
Alnico V magnet cores are used for all standard stirrer bars.
Samarium Cobalt (SmCo) magnet cores are used for all Turbo / Rare Earth stirrer bars.
Does Cowie® have a certified Quality Management System?
Yes. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified in the design and manufacture of high performance PTFE products and components. This is approved by LRQA Limited. For a copy of our certificate please visit our Documents page.
How do you verify the quality of your products?
Quality is ensured through stringent process control plus regular inspections both in-process and post-production. We conduct various QC checks to verify the dimensional accuracy and overall quality/finish of each part.
Can you manufacture with any other high performance engineered plastics?
Yes. We regularly manufacture using filled PTFE, modified PTFE, PEEK, Polypropylene, Acetal, HDPE, UHMWPE, LDPE.
For more information, please visit our Custom Manufacture page.
Can products be modified / customised?
Yes. We offer a full bespoke service where products are designed, developed and manufactured in accordance with your precise specification.
Additionally, if you require a standard laboratory item with, for example, different dimensions/volumes we can custom manufacture them to your exact requirements.
For more information, please visit our Custom Manufacture page or Contact Us directly with any questions or custom manufacture requests.
Where is your manufacturing site?
We are proud to manufacture all our products in the UK. Our purpose built factory is located in Middlesbrough, UK.
We also have a Sales, Marketing and Distribution centre in New Castle, Delaware, USA.
How do I order items?
Please contact our Customer Services Team via the Contact Us page and a member of the team will be in touch with you.
How can I request further information?
We are very happy to help with all questions and queries. Please contact our Customer Services Team via the Contact Us page and a member of the team will be in touch with you.