PTFE Slide Plates
PTFE slide plates (also called PTFE expansion bearings) allow structural connections to expand and contract due to dynamic loads or changes in temperature.
PTFE slide plates, which are also commonly known as TeflonR slide plates, are typically used in buildings, pedestrian bridges, vessels, tanks and under pipe supports to accommodate movement. They are often manufactured by bonding the PTFE sliding surface to steel. The steel plates can then be welded to sole plates, masonry plates, trusses and beams. The PTFE slide plates are usually paired in a PTFE slide plate assembly with one upper and one lower unit. The PTFE surfaces slide against each other to provide a much lower coefficient of friction than that of steel to steel or steel to concrete. The upper unit can be supplied with polished stainless steel to improve the coefficient of friction.
In certain applications, there is a rotational load applied at the PTFE slide plate assembly. This occurs at the ends of long support beams or trusses. While the PTFE can safely support compressive loads up to 2,000 psi, the rotational load creates an edge stress on the connection. To accommodate this rotation, a bearing pad is used which allows for the deflection created by the rotation. The pad must also maintain a low friction surface so PTFE is applied to the pad, creating a PTFE bearing pad. This type of PTFE slide plate assembly is referred to as a PTFE expansion bearing. The thickness and type of bearing pad is determined by the rotational and compressive load requirements.
