PERFLUOROELASTOMER (FFKM)
FKM, FEPM and FFKM:
High-Performance Elastomers for Extreme Environments
Fluoro- and Perfluoroelastomers (known as FKM, FEPM and FFKM and by tradenames Viton, Viton ETP, Fluorel, Dyneon, Fluonox, Elaftor, DAI-EL, Technoflon, Aflas, Kalrez) are a class of synthetic rubber compounds engineered for exceptional performance in harsh conditions. These elastomers are characterized by their unique chemical structure of highly or fully fluorinated backbones which impart extreme resistance to heat and chemicals.
These materials are ideally suited for use in aerospace, semiconductor, oil and gas extraction, pharmaceutical and other critical industries where component exposure to extreme temperatures and aggressive chemical environments is required.
As a class, Fluorinated materials tend to be difficult to process, with specialized knowledge and experience required for quality results. Manville Rubber has extensive experience developing tooling and molding components and rubber bonded-to-metal assemblies using FKM, FEPM and FFKM materials. Our in-house formulating knowledge allows us to custom tailor material properties to your specific project requirements and deliver a truly custom solution for even niche volume demand.
Benefits & Advantages Include:
EXCEPTIONAL RESISTANCE: FKM/FEPM/FFKM offer outstanding resistance to extreme temperatures, strong bases, and aggressive fluids. Consult with Manville Rubber for assistance selecting proper grades
DURABILITY: FFKM provides excellent longevity and reliability, ensuring prolonged service life in demanding environments
CONTAMINATION PREVENTION: Their inert nature and resistance to chemicals ensure they do not react with processed fluids or degrade and introduce impurities
Uses & Applications of FFKM:
AEROSPACE: As seals and gaskets in critical systems to withstand high temperatures and aggressive fluids
RESEARCH AND SPACE: As gaskets and seals in vacuum environments requiring low outgassing
OIL AND GAS: For sealing applications in valves, pumps, and drilling tools exposed to high temperatures and aggressive chemical mixtures encountered in downhole environments
CHEMICAL PROCESSING: For use in pumps, reactors, and valves, handling corrosive chemicals and high temperatures in aggressive operating conditions
MODERN AUTOMOTIVE: As seals and gaskets in battery and other EV applications
PHARMACEUTICAL AND FOOD PROCESSING: In pumps, mixers, and valves, as seals and gaskets, providing resistance to high temperatures, sterilization, and chemical exposure
CASE STUDY: Meeting the challenge of a specialty pharmaceutical equipment manufacturer
Problem: End-user customers require a maker of specialty pharmaceutical processing equipment to fit the equipment with large FFKM seals that resist extreme cleanout procedures used in the pharmaceutical industry which prevent batch-to-batch contamination. The company was unable to obtain reasonable service, LT, and pricing from large molding suppliers, while smaller providers lacked the technical knowledge to process FFKM. For the answer, they turned to Manville Rubber.
Solution: Manville Rubber uniquely combines the technical sophistication of a large supplier with the responsiveness and efficiency of a smaller supplier. We designed and fabricated new tooling and specially formulated an FFKM material to meet the extreme high temperature, saturated steam environment, and efficiently process this customer's small quantity orders.
Trust Manville Rubber to deliver as promised.
We work closely with our customers to identify key requirements. Only then do we identify the best production method, material formulation and tooling design. If you would like help scoping out your next custom molded rubber project, please get in touch. We look forward to working with you.