Metric (mm, meters, kg)
Imperial (inches, feet, lbs)
Outer diameter of the PTFE rod.
Please enter a valid positive diameter.
Total length of the rod.
Please enter a valid positive length.
Number of rods required.
Quantity must be at least 1.
Standard PTFE density is approx 2.15 – 2.20 g/cm³.
Estimated market price per unit of weight.
Total Weight
0.00kg
Total Volume
0.00
Total Cost
$0.00
Surface Area
0.00
Formula Used: Weight = π × (Diameter/2)² × Length × Density
Material Weight Comparison (Same Dimensions)
Comparison of PTFE vs. other common engineering plastics.
Length Variation Table (For Selected Diameter)
Length
Weight (kg)
Est. Cost
What is a PTFE Rod Weight Calculator?
A PTFE rod weight calculator is an essential engineering tool designed to estimate the mass of cylindrical rods made from Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known by the brand name Teflon™. This tool is widely used by supply chain managers, machinists, and engineers to determine shipping weights, material costs, and structural load requirements.
Unlike generic plastic calculators, a dedicated PTFE rod weight calculator accounts for the uniquely high density of PTFE (approximately 2.15 to 2.20 g/cm³), which is significantly heavier than standard plastics like Nylon or Polypropylene. Accurate weight calculation prevents costly shipping errors and ensures precise inventory management in industrial settings.
PTFE Rod Weight Calculator Formula
To calculate the weight of a PTFE rod, we first determine the volume of the cylinder and then multiply it by the material's specific gravity (density). The mathematical formula is derived as follows:
Step 1: Calculate Volume (V) V = π × r² × L
Where r is the radius (Diameter / 2) and L is length.
Step 2: Calculate Weight (W) W = V × Density
Variables Explanation
Variable
Meaning
Metric Unit
Imperial Unit
π (Pi)
Mathematical constant
~3.14159
~3.14159
D (Diameter)
Width of the rod cross-section
Millimeters (mm)
Inches (in)
L (Length)
Total length of the rod
Meters (m)
Feet (ft)
ρ (Density)
Mass per unit volume
~2.17 g/cm³
~0.078 lbs/in³
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Machining a Bushing
An engineer needs to machine 50 bushings from a solid PTFE rod. The raw stock required is a rod with a 50mm diameter and 2 meters length.
Financial Impact: At $15/kg, this single rod costs approximately $127.80.
Example 2: Shipping Logistics
A supplier receives an order for 100 rods of 1-inch diameter PTFE, each 4 feet long.
Diameter: 1 inch
Length: 48 inches
Volume per rod: π × 0.5² × 48 ≈ 37.7 cu in
Weight per rod: 37.7 × 0.078 lbs/in³ ≈ 2.94 lbs
Total Shipment Weight: 294 lbs (excluding packaging). This accurate figure allows the supplier to quote precise freight charges.
How to Use This PTFE Rod Weight Calculator
Select Unit System: Choose between Metric (mm/kg) or Imperial (inches/lbs) based on your supplier's specs.
Input Dimensions: Enter the diameter of the rod and the total length required. Ensure units match the selected system.
Verify Density: The calculator defaults to 2.17 g/cm³, the industry standard for Virgin PTFE. Adjust this if using filled PTFE (e.g., Glass-filled or Carbon-filled) as they have different densities.
Enter Quantity & Price: Input the number of pieces and price per unit weight to get a total project cost estimate.
Review Results: The tool instantly displays total weight, volume, and estimated cost. Use the "Copy Results" button to paste data into your purchase orders.
Key Factors That Affect PTFE Rod Weight Results
When using a ptfe rod weight calculator, consider these critical factors that can influence the final calculation:
Material Tolerance: Extruded PTFE rods often have oversized tolerances (+0.00″ / +0.010″) to allow for machining. The actual weight may be slightly higher than the nominal calculation.
Fillers: "Virgin" PTFE has a density of ~2.17 g/cm³. However, Glass-filled PTFE (stronger) has a density around 2.25 g/cm³, while Carbon-filled PTFE might be slightly lower (~2.10 g/cm³).
Temperature Expansion: PTFE has a high coefficient of thermal expansion. While mass doesn't change with temperature, the volume does, which can affect density measurements in extreme conditions.
Moisture Absorption: Unlike Nylon, PTFE has near-zero moisture absorption (<0.01%). This means humidity does not significantly alter the weight, making calculations highly stable.
Manufacturing Method: Molded rods vs. extruded rods can have slight density variations due to the compression process used during manufacturing.
Scrap Rate: If calculating weight for purchasing, always add a margin (typically 10-15%) for saw cuts, facing ends, and machining waste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the standard density of PTFE?
The standard density for Virgin PTFE is typically between 2.15 and 2.20 g/cm³ (grams per cubic centimeter). In imperial units, this is approximately 0.078 lbs/in³.
Does PTFE float in water?
No. With a specific gravity of ~2.17, PTFE is more than twice as dense as water (1.00 g/cm³) and will sink immediately.
How accurate is this calculator for Glass-filled PTFE?
If you are using Glass-filled PTFE (usually 15% or 25% glass), the density is higher (approx 2.20 – 2.25 g/cm³). You should manually adjust the density field in the calculator for precise results.
Why is PTFE so heavy compared to other plastics?
PTFE contains fluorine atoms which are very heavy. This high atomic mass creates a dense molecular structure, making PTFE significantly heavier than Nylon (1.15 g/cm³) or UHMW (0.94 g/cm³).
Can I use this for PTFE tubes?
This calculator is specifically for solid PTFE rods. For tubes, you would need to subtract the volume of the inner hole from the total volume.
Is the calculated weight the shipping weight?
The calculated result is the net material weight. Shipping weight will be higher due to packaging materials (pallets, boxes, wrapping) and should be estimated separately.
What is the price of PTFE per kg?
PTFE is a premium engineering plastic. Prices fluctuate based on raw material costs but typically range from $10 to $25 USD per kilogram, depending on quantity and quality (virgin vs. mechanical grade).
Does diameter tolerance affect weight significantly?
Yes. Since weight is a function of the square of the radius, a small increase in diameter (oversize tolerance) can lead to a noticeable increase in total weight over long lengths.
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