Fluorocarbon Rubber
Fluorocarbon rubber, FKM, is a high-performance premium rubber used when an application requires resistance to heat, chemicals, oils, and solvents. It is highly resistant to UV light, ozone, and can be used with alcohol or aromatic fuels, making it a versatile elastomer for productions across markets.
REDCO is the USA’s top rubber engineering, development, and manufacturing company. You can count on us to produce the best custom rubber parts that match your specifications. From initial quote to final delivery, our USA-based team ensures no detail is missed through rigorous quality control protocols, in-house services, and much more.
Call 775-882-3100 or contact us to learn more about how we can support your unique fluorocarbon production.
FKM Properties
Fluorocarbon elastomers, sometimes called fluoro rubber or the brand name Viton®, are a relatively new type of rubber used in many applications. It is made from vinylidene monomers and features a high concentration of fluorine and carbon-based elastomers. By linking the monomers, fluorine, and carbon, FKM rubber provides reliable performances and is ideal for many productions.
Characteristics of Fluorocarbon Elastomers
First developed in the 1950s, fluorocarbon is an excellent choice for a variety of rubber manufacturing productions. The properties of FKM rubber include:
- Specific Gravity: 1.85
- Tensile Strength, PSI—Reinforced: 2500
- Practical Shore A Hardness Range: 60-95
The Benefits of Using FKM Rubber
The popularity of fluorocarbon rubber comes from the material’s vast range of benefits. Most notably, it has an excellent temperature resistance and operates between -26°C and 225°C. Other benefits include:
- Excellent atmosphere aging, oxidation, heat, flame, diluted acid, concentrated acid, and oil and gasoline resistance
- Excellent solvent resistance hydrocarbons
- Good to excellent permeability
- Good tear, abrasion, moisture, animal oil, and vegetable oil resistance
- Good dielectric properties
- Good to fair compression set
Fluorocarbon Limitations in Manufacturing Productions
The most significant limitation to FKM elastomers is the cost, making it an unideal or inaccessible solution to budget-conscious productions. It is also generally attacked by ketones, low molecular weight esters, and nitro-containing compounds. It exhibits poor resilience at room temperature, making FKM rubber a low-performing choice for applications requiring low temperature flexibility.
If FKM rubber does not fit your production goals, REDCO is qualified to work with other rubber materials. Download our Properties of Rubber chart to explore your options and find your best elastomer solution. For specialty productions, we offer custom compounding carried out by our in-house developmental laboratory and full-time chemist.
The Best FKM Elastomer Uses
Due to its excellent performance at extreme temperatures and resistance to several factors, fluorocarbon rubber is a high-performance and high-quality choice for industrial or commercial rubber parts:
- O-rings, seals, and gaskets
- Diaphragms
- Pump impellers
- Tubing
- High-vacuum equipment
- Radiation equipment
- And much more!
Additionally, FDA-approved food-grade FKM elastomers are available upon request.
REDCO is Ready to Handle Any Fluorocarbon Rubber Parts Production
For over 70 years, REDCO has worked hard to build a reputation for quality, delivery, and service, and we are ready to support the needs of your rubber production. We provide industry-leading turnaround times, fast and open communications, and manufacture the best rubber components. Each of our services is carried out under one roof at our USA facility to ensure your complete satisfaction.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can facilitate your FKM rubber manufacturing production. Request a quote to get started.
