---
title: How to choose between stainless steel and fluoropolymer pressure gauges
description: Learn how to choose between stainless steel and fluoropolymer pressure gauges by assessing material compatibility, contamination risks, and operating conditions.
image: https://blog.ashcroft.com/hubfs/Stainless%20Steal%20vs%20Fluoropolymer_BLOG.png
---

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**By:** [Eric Deoliveira](https://blog.ashcroft.com/author/eric-deoliveira)   
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**Published on:**   
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[pressure gauge](https://blog.ashcroft.com/topic/pressure-gauge) [stainless steel pressure gauge](https://blog.ashcroft.com/topic/stainless-steel-pressure-gauge) [Fluoropolymer pressure gauge](https://blog.ashcroft.com/topic/fluoropolymer-pressure-gauge)

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# How to choose between stainless steel and fluoropolymer pressure gauges

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**By:** [Eric Deoliveira](https://blog.ashcroft.com/author/eric-deoliveira)   
 Business Development Leader

**Published on:**   
 November 9th, 2026

**Topics:**

[pressure gauge](https://blog.ashcroft.com/topic/pressure-gauge) [stainless steel pressure gauge](https://blog.ashcroft.com/topic/stainless-steel-pressure-gauge) [Fluoropolymer pressure gauge](https://blog.ashcroft.com/topic/fluoropolymer-pressure-gauge)

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Choosing between stainless steel and fluoropolymer pressure gauges starts with understanding the chemicals or gases being measured, the risk of contamination and the operating conditions. Stainless steel provides mechanical strength and corrosion resistance for many industrial applications, while fluoropolymers such as PTFE and PFA offer resistance to many aggressive chemicals and can help reduce metal ion contamination.

These differences are particularly important in semiconductor manufacturing, where high-purity gas delivery, corrosive chemical processing and ultrapure water systems can have different material requirements. Similar considerations apply in pharmaceutical production, chemical processing and other industries where material compatibility and contamination control affect process reliability.

**Read this article to learn:**

- Why wetted materials matter when selecting a pressure gauge
- How stainless steel and fluoropolymer wetted parts compare
- When fluoropolymer pressure gauges are appropriate
- When stainless steel pressure gauges are appropriate
- Which operating conditions and specifications affect your selection

## Why do wetted materials matter in pressure gauge selection?

Wetted materials are the components of a pressure gauge that come into direct contact with the process media. Selecting compatible materials helps prevent corrosion, reduce contamination risks and support reliable pressure measurement.

The wrong material can create several problems:

- **Corrosion and instrument damage:** Incompatible chemicals can attack wetted components, potentially causing leaks, premature failure or unreliable measurements.
- **Process contamination:** Materials that release unwanted particles or metal ions can affect sensitive manufacturing processes and product quality.
- **Reduced instrument life:** Exposure to incompatible media or operating conditions can degrade components and increase maintenance or replacement requirements.

For example, a pressure gauge measuring a corrosive liquid may require fluoropolymer wetted parts, while a gauge used for high-purity gas delivery may require specially cleaned stainless steel components.

The appropriate choice depends on both the material's properties and the requirements of the process.

## What are the differences between stainless steel and fluoropolymer wetted parts?

Stainless steel and fluoropolymer wetted parts offer different advantages in pressure gauge applications. Stainless steel is commonly selected for its mechanical strength and compatibility with many industrial media, while fluoropolymers are often preferred for their resistance to aggressive chemicals and reduced risk of metal ion contamination.

Two common material choices include:

- **316L stainless steel:** Provides mechanical strength and corrosion resistance in many compatible applications. Stainless steel gauges can also be manufactured, cleaned and tested for high-purity service when contamination control is required. Stainless steel options are also more budget friendly than *fluoropolymer.*
- **Fluoropolymers such as PTFE and PFA:** Resist many aggressive chemicals and help limit contact between process media and metallic components. However, chemical compatibility, permeation and operating limits must still be evaluated.

The following chart compares these two wetted-material approaches.

*Figure 1. Comparison of fluoropolymer and stainless steel wetted materials used in pressure gauges*

| Selection factor | Fluoropolymer wetted parts | Stainless steel wetted parts |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Common applications | Corrosive liquids and ultrapure water | Industrial processes and high-purity gas delivery |
| Material benefits | Resistance to many aggressive chemicals and reduced risk of metal ion contamination | Mechanical strength, corrosion resistance and suitability for specialized high-purity construction |
| Key considerations | Chemical compatibility, permeation and temperature limits | Media compatibility, cleanliness, surface finish and leak integrity |
| Typical sensing design | Fluoropolymer bellows | Stainless steel diaphragm or Bourdon tube |
| Ashcroft example | HPT pressure gauge | HPX pressure gauge |
| Cost considerations | Typically higher cost | More budget friendly |

These are representative applications rather than universal limitations. Neither material is appropriate for every chemical or operating condition. The final selection should account for the specific process chemistry, purity requirements, pressure and temperature.

## When should you use a pressure gauge with fluoropolymer wetted parts?

Pressure gauges with fluoropolymer wetted parts are often appropriate for corrosive liquids and ultrapure water applications where chemical resistance and contamination control are important.

Materials such as PTFE and PFA resist many aggressive chemicals, making them useful in compatible liquid chemical delivery and processing systems. Because the process media contact fluoropolymer rather than metallic wetted components, these designs can also help reduce the risk of metal ion contamination.

For example, the Ashcroft® HPT Anti-Corrosion Pressure Gauge uses PTFE and PFA wetted components and is designed for applications such as chemical delivery, wafer manufacturing, ultrapure water systems and plating processes.

Before selecting a fluoropolymer pressure gauge, consider:

- **Chemical compatibility:** Confirm that the wetted materials are suitable for the specific chemical, concentration and operating conditions.
- **Metal ion contamination:** Determine whether contact with metallic components could affect process purity or product quality.
- **Chemical permeation:** Evaluate whether the process media could permeate the fluoropolymer materials, even if they are generally considered chemically resistant.
- **Operating temperature:** Verify that both the process and ambient temperatures are within the gauge's specified limits.
- **Pressure requirements:** Confirm that the gauge's available pressure range and mechanical design are appropriate for the application.

The HPT is not recommended for gas or high-temperature applications. Compatibility should also be carefully evaluated for aggressive chemicals such as hydrofluoric acid (HF) and hydrochloric acid (HCl), where permeation may be a concern.

## When should you use a stainless steel pressure gauge?

Stainless steel pressure gauges are commonly used in industrial applications where the process media are compatible with the material and mechanical strength is important. They can also be used in high-purity systems when the gauge's construction, cleaning and testing meet the application's contamination-control requirements.

For example, a standard stainless steel industrial pressure gauge may be suitable for compatible plant utility applications. However, high-purity gas delivery systems may require additional manufacturing controls to minimize particles, moisture and other contaminants.

The Ashcroft® HPX High Purity Pressure Gauge is one example. It uses 316L stainless steel wetted components and is designed for applications such as gas sticks, process gas analyzers and bulk gas systems. The HPX is cleaned in a Class 100 environment and helium leak-tested.

When selecting a stainless steel pressure gauge, evaluate:

- **Media compatibility:** Confirm that the stainless steel grade is suitable for the chemicals or gases being measured.
- **Cleanliness requirements:** Determine whether standard industrial construction is sufficient or specialized high-purity cleaning is necessary.
- **Surface finish:** Consider whether internal surface characteristics meet the contamination-control requirements of the system.
- **Leak integrity:** Verify whether specialized leak testing is required for the application.
- **Process connections:** Confirm compatibility with the system's fittings, tubing and installation requirements.

An important distinction is that stainless steel construction alone does not make a gauge suitable for high-purity service. The instrument's cleaning, construction and testing must also meet the system's requirements.

## What operating conditions affect pressure gauge material selection?

Material compatibility is only one part of selecting a pressure gauge. Pressure range, temperature, accuracy and installation requirements must also be considered to ensure the instrument is suitable for the application.

The following chart summarizes five important selection factors.

| Selection factor | What to evaluate |
| --- | --- |
| Pressure range | Normal operating pressure, pressure fluctuations and maximum expected pressure |
| Temperature | Process and ambient temperature limits, including their effects on wetted materials |
| Accuracy | Measurement accuracy required by the application |
| Process connections | Compatibility with tubing, piping, fittings and system cleanliness requirements |
| Mounting configuration | Available space, dial visibility and connection location |

*Figure 2. Operating and installation factors to consider when selecting a pressure gauge*

For example, the Ashcroft HPT is available with a 63 mm dial and pressure ranges extending to approximately 145 psi. The HPX family offers multiple dial sizes from 28 mm to 63 mm, with available pressure ranges extending to 3,000 psi, depending on the model.

Connection options also differ. The HPX offers VCR-compatible connections for semiconductor gas delivery systems, while the HPT offers threaded and tube stub connections for compatible liquid applications.

These examples illustrate why material selection should be evaluated alongside the gauge's operating specifications and installation requirements.

## What should you consider before choosing a pressure gauge?

Choosing between stainless steel and fluoropolymer wetted materials requires evaluating the process media, contamination risks and operating requirements together.

Use these questions to help narrow your selection:

- **What media will the gauge contact?** Identify the chemicals, gases or liquids being measured, including their concentrations.
- **Are the wetted materials compatible?** Consider corrosion resistance, chemical permeation and the effects of temperature.
- **What contamination risks must be controlled?** Determine whether metal ions, particles, moisture or other contaminants could affect the process.
- **Are specialized cleaning or testing procedures required?** Confirm whether the application calls for high-purity cleaning, leak testing or protective packaging.
- **Will the gauge meet the operating and installation requirements?** Review the pressure range, accuracy, temperature limits, connections and mounting configuration.

For semiconductor manufacturing and other contamination-sensitive applications, these considerations help determine whether stainless steel or fluoropolymer wetted parts are the better choice.

## Ready to learn more?

Choosing the right wetted materials can help protect your process from corrosion, contamination and premature instrument failure. Understanding how stainless steel and fluoropolymer designs differ is an important step toward selecting a reliable pressure gauge.

Ashcroft offers pressure measurement solutions for high-purity gas delivery, corrosive chemical processing and ultrapure water applications. If you have questions about material compatibility or instrument selection, [contact an Ashcroft product expert](https://www.ashcroft.com/contact/) for assistance.

<https://blog.ashcroft.com/author/eric-deoliveira>

[Eric Deoliveira, Business Development Leader](https://blog.ashcroft.com/author/eric-deoliveira)

Eric Deoliveira is a Business Development Leader at Ashcroft, Inc. He is responsible for developing industrial and digital instruments, including those designed for sanitary and high-purity applications. Eric has been with Ashcroft since 2015 and spent 3 years as a Product Support Engineer for Mechanical Temperature and 7 years as a Product Manager before transitioning into his current leadership role. Eric enjoys coming up with solutions for customer problems and introducing new products to satisfy the needs of the market. When not working on his products, he is out golfing in the summer and skiing in the winter.

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<https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-deoliveira-mba-2493b158/> [mailto:eric.deoliveira@ashcroft.com](mailto:eric.deoliveira@ashcroft.com)

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[stainless steel pressure gauge](https://blog.ashcroft.com/topic/stainless-steel-pressure-gauge)

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