Over the last year, the market has experienced more challenges than I have seen within my three decades experience. In the past I have seen sharp price increases, and I have witnessed several shortages, and delivery problems stemming from plastic resin allocations through plastic resin companies. This is definitely the very first instance I have seen all these issues at the same time.

PTFE Rod (TFE) and Kynar both are on allocation.

This pair of resins are in short supply. The  PTFE Sheeting product PTFE (TFE) and also PVDF  manufacturing requires a mineral called Fluorspar that’s mined in Mongolia and China. The world need for this mineral has increased significantly, as well as supply has tightened. PTFE materials have high heat resistance, excellent chemical resistance and really low co-efficient of friction (slippery) and is utilised in dozens of purposes from non-stick fry cookware to ptfe tape for use at home. This particular mineral is actually the essential raw materials in the manufacturing of fluoropolymers, fluorolubricants and several refrigerants.This surge in demand joined together with shortage of raw materials is mainly responsible for a dramatic price increase (almost double over the last year), shortages, and we expect both these factors to stay in affect in the near future.

Kynar PVDF Sheet