What Are PFAs?

What Are PFAs?

Pure fluid assemblies (PFAs) are essentially piping systems that transfer fluid from one area to another. They consist of tubing, connectors, and other fluid transfer components configured to safely transport substances where they are needed, without introducing any contaminants. Many pure fluid assemblies are designed to handle a single, pure substance that must remain chemically consistent.

PFAs are used in many industries, such as pharmaceuticals, life sciences, manufacturing, and automotive. Whether they are incorporated into a machine or installed independently, each application requires a bespoke design that addresses diverse process requirements. At Plastic Design, Inc., we use advanced plastic materials to develop reliable custom products. Our high-purity fluoro-plastic assemblies are designed to maintain purity levels, prevent contamination, and transfer fluids efficiently.

Pure Fluid Assembly Techniques

Pure fluid assemblies are used throughout incredibly diverse applications. Each project requires a unique design configuration that can be further customized to your needs. Our team uses advanced manufacturing techniques to craft each assembly according to your specifications. Some of the most essential processes we perform include:

IR Welding

IR Welding

Infrared welding creates strong, reliable bonds suitable for high-purity applications. Our plastic welding capabilities allow us to join dissimilar materials to meet your unique needs. Finished welds provide a hermetic seal to prevent fluid leakage.

Flaring

Flaring

Flaring is used to widen the end of a pipe or tube, creating a flared opening. This is typically done to allow the pipe or tube to connect to another component, such as a fitting, valve, or other pipe, to ensure a secure, leak-proof connection.

Bending

Bending

Bending involves various processes to form tubes or pipes into specific curves or angles without the need for cutting, welding, or fittings.

While all PFAs are unique, they all begin with fluoropolymer tubing. Fluid transfer assemblies are made with custom tubing profiles and fittings that are joined by collars, flanges, or flares. Since the tubing is made from fluoropolymer materials, it retains the properties of both polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, or Teflon) and fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP).

Teflon fluid transfer tubing features many beneficial characteristics. For example, it offers less melt viscosity than other tubing materials and accommodates high working temperatures of over 260 °C. The tubing is even rigid enough to be a suitable alternative to stainless steel tubes for certain applications.

Our PFA tubing is compatible with chemically active applications, such as within laboratory settings, as well as heat exchanging applications, electric insulation procedures, and much more. Some of the most important characteristics of PFA tubing include:

  • Suitable for use within a wide temperature range
  • High purity
  • Resistant to many chemicals
  • Non-flammable
  • Chemically stable
  • Anti-stick properties
  • Excellent dielectric strength

Diverse Applications of PFAs

Due to the impressive performance capabilities of fluoro-plastic materials, PFAs are used throughout an extensive variety of applications. They are most valuable in settings that require a higher-than-average purity grade, or those that involve chemical exposure or high working temperatures. PFA tubing can also undergo thermoforming to create closed end covers, which can be shrunk over temperature-sensitive components without damaging them.

At Plastic Design, Inc. some of the most common PFA projects we work on include:

  • Biomedical and Pharmaceutical

    Biomedical and Pharmaceutical

    High-purity fluoro-plastic assemblies serve as biocompatible, sterile devices for the medical industry. Not only are they suitable for applications that require miniaturization, but they also serve as effective drug delivery systems, catheters, and implants.

    Biomedical and Pharmaceutical
  • Microelectronics

    Microelectronics

    We can create precision PFAs to meet the needs of microelectronic applications, such as sensors, microchips, and MEMS devices.

    Microelectronics
  • Photonics

    Photonics

    Precision PFAs are essential for work with optical fibers, laser components, and lenses.

    Photonics
  • Plastic Piping Kits

    Plastic Piping Kits

    Plastic Design, Inc. offers custom-designed kits tailored to the needs of any industry, complete with bending, welding, and cutting services.

    Plastic Piping Kits

In addition to the above, we can also develop PFAs to support the following applications:

  • Bioreactors
  • Chromatography
  • And more
  • Buffer and media prep
  • Concentration
  • Bulk formulation and filling
  • Virus filtration

Why PFAs Are the Optimal Choice

PFAs are versatile enough to match even the most demanding project requirements. Since the tubing involved is flexible, it can be bent instead of welded, eliminating the need to install multiple fittings. This not only simplifies the design of complex assemblies but also saves valuable space. The bending process itself reduces the tubing’s overall length, resulting in smaller assemblies that are more convenient to install and use.

In addition, fluoro-plastic materials are naturally lightweight and much faster to process than metal materials. Since they have a low melting point and high malleability, plastics are quickly transformed into virtually any shape. The plastics we work with offer exceptional chemical resistance and allow you to avoid challenges like oxidation and rust that are associated with other materials.

Plastic Design, Inc. offers custom plastic piping kits according to your specifications. These kits feature everything your project needs, including plastic tube bending, plastic pipe welding, and precision tube cutting. Ordering an entire plastic piping kit with one part number allows you to greatly reduce the risk of error and ensure your project’s success.

In addition to the unique properties of fluoropolymers, pure fluid assemblies also have other benefits, including:

  • A continuous working temperature of +260°C, the highest working temperature of any fluoroplastic material
  • Welding and re-molding capabilities
  • Reliable protection against harsh environmental conditions
  • Insulation from chemicals, solvents, electricity, and heat
  • Good permeability resistance
  • High-purity grades available
  • High clarity

Pure Fluid Assembly Solutions From Plastic Design, Inc.

With its total chemical compatibility and low media permeation, PFA tubing is suitable for an extensive number of applications. No matter what materials you’re working with, our fluid transfer assemblies will ensure their purity, with no leachables or extractables. If maintaining substance integrity is essential to your work, we can help you safeguard your project’s success.

Plastic Design, Inc. has delivered expertly engineered solutions since 1976. Our pure fluid assemblies are created in-house using the most advanced automated fabrication technology to eliminate lead times and ensure cost-effectiveness. We handle everything from rapid prototyping to high production runs, all delivered promptly.

Contact us to learn more about our PFA capabilities, or request a quote to get your project started.