Fluorocarbon (FKM) O-Rings

Fluorocarbon (FKM) O-Rings Material Description:

Fluorocarbon (FKM) o-rings offer excellent resistance to chemicals, oil, ozone and sunlight with a higher temperature range than nitrile, AFLAS, EPDM and some of the common industrial materials with an operating range up to 400° F. Can be used in petroleum oils and fuel, non flammable hydraulic fuels, acids, aircraft engine applications, synthetic hydraulic fluids, organic solvents, mineral and vegetable oil and grease, aliphatic hydrocarbons (butane, propane, natural gas), hard vacuum applications, silicone oils and greases, solvents and water or steam (up to 400°F). It cannot be used in amines, glycol based brake fluids, methanol, ammonia gas, amines, alkalis, hydrocarbons, ketones, low molecular weight esters and ethers, fireproof hydraulic fluids, formic and acetic acids.

Fluorocarbon (FKM) o-rings is generally composed of vinylidene fluoride (VF2), hexafluoropropylene (HFP), containing 66% - 70% fluorine. And other components are added to improve different properties, like tetrafluoroethylene, which offers better chemical resistance and perfluoromethylvinyl ether (PMVE) which improves FKM's low temperature properties.

What's The Difference Between Fluorocarbon (FKM) & Perfluorocarbon (FFKM) O-Rings?

While some characteristics can be common in FKM and FFKM materials, there are significant differences in chemistry and use of the materials. Fluorocarbon material (FKM) in general is used in higher temperature applications up to 400° F or when compatibility with chemicals and fluids are concerned. Incompatible material usage can lead to premature, or in some cases, catastrophic failure. Refer to published compatibility tables for proper material selection.

Perfluoranted materials (FFKM) are significantly more costly than standard FKM material and are used in extreme cases and environments. Temperature ranges can reach 625° F and offer wide chemical and harsh environment capability. Contact Engineered Seal Products for more information on Perfluoronated materials.

Engineered Seal Products has the expertise and inventory for your fluorocarbon (FKM) o-ring applications. For over 50 years, ESP has been the leading engineering, quality, and supply chain choice for both standard and custom sealing applications. A seal, no matter the application, has to do just that.

Also Know As:

Viton®, Dai-el®, Fluorel®, Tecnoflon®

Fluorocarbon (FKM) Advantages:
  • Excellent resistance to chemicals, oil, ozone and sunlight.

Can be used with:

  • Petroleum oils and fuel
  • Mineral and vegetable oil and grease
  • Silicone oils and greases
  • Hard vacuum applications
  • Solvents
  • Water or steam (up to 400°F)
  • Operating temperatures to 400°F
Fluorocarbon (FKM) Disadvantages:

Incompatible for applications that come in contact with:

  • Amines
  • Glycol based brake fluids
  • Alkalis
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Ketones
  • Low molecular weight esters and ethers
  • Formic and acetic acids
  • Operating low temperature limit of -15°F

While most common formulations of FKM materials operate to -15F, special formulations and compounds can work to lower temperatures. Operating temperatures will vary based on your specific application.

ESP Fluorocarbon (FKM) Compounds:

ESP Compound Number Datasheet Hardness (Shore A) Low Temp High Temp Color Recommended For
ESP-5001-V75 PDF 75 +- 5 -15 400 Black General purpose
ESP-5002-V75 PDF 75 +- 5 -15 400 Black General Purpose
ESP-5004-V90 PDF 90 +- 5 -15 400 Black General purpose
ESP-V8028 PDF 75 +- 5 -- -- Brown FDA CFR 21 177.2600, 3A Sanitary Standard 18 Class I
ESP-V8090 PDF 70 +- 5 -60 200 Black UL Recognized
ESP-V8091 PDF 75 +- 5 -40 200 Black UL Recognized

Fluorocarbon (FKM) Material Properties


Fluorocarbon (FKM) Material Temperature Range:

Heat Resistance: Up to approximately 400°F (204°C)

Cold Flexibility: Down to approximatley -15°F (-26°C).

Normal Recommended Temperature Range Normal recommended temperature range

Extended Temperature Range Extended Temperature Range for short term only


PDF O-Ring Temperature Range Chart

Abrasion Resistance Good
Chemical Resistance Excellent
Cold Resistance Poor/Fair
Heat Resistance Excellent
Oil Resistance Excellent
Ozone Resistance Excellent
Tensile Strength Good/Excellent
Water/Steam Resistance Fair

Material properties & Temp ranges based on Parker o-Ring Handbook (ORD 5700) recommendations.


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ASTM Designation
FKM
Shelf Life
25 Years
Hardness (Shore A) Range
55 - 90

Temperature ranges will apply to the majority of media for which the material is potentially recommended. With some media however, the service temperature range may be significantly different. ALWAYS TEST UNDER ACUTAL SERVICE CONDITIONS.

ESP’s shelf life recommendation is based on the ARP 5316 standard and intended to be utilized by those organizations who do not already have specific recommendations for the control of elastomeric seals. It should be noted that the packaging of the elastomeric seals prior to assembly into a product is an integral part of the controlled storage procedure. It provides a positive means of product identity from the time of manufacture, to the time of assembly.