What are FFKM Seals?
With fully fluorinated monomers, FFKM seals have a chemical structure that’s virtually unbreakable and impervious to attack by oxygen, ozone, UV light and harsh chemicals. The materials high level of fluorine also makes it more stable and less reactive, while its assured performance at high temperatures means it can be used in situations at least 50° above the operational limit of any other elastomer, with new grades offering similar capabilities at -40° C and below.
While the outstanding performance characteristics of FFKM seals have been widely recognised for some time there is a lingering perception among many that the inherent difficulties of moulding, and the consequent higher cost of production, mitigate against their use in all but the most exceptional of cases.
However, we’re demonstrating that with an innovative approach and imaginative solutions, such constraints can be overcome, and FFKM components can be designed to meet stringent criteria at optimum cost.
Common FFKM applications
We’ve now accumulated extensive expertise in the field and have pioneered the use of innovative production techniques to address the issues of complexity and cost. Specially designed tools, produced by our own in-house engineers, have enabled us to formulate FFKM for an increasingly diverse range of applications – a prime example of this being the unique vacuum system we’ve developed to draw material into tubes up to 300 mm in length for use in extreme environments. We have since expanded further on this process and 450mm lengths will be in production soon.
Our FFKM components are now used in petrochemicals, semiconductors, automotive, energy and aerospace – with the range of functions now spanning mechanical seals and pumps, process instrumentation, car engine gas sensors, fibre optical cable connectors and much more.
In essence, we’re ushering in a new era where FFKM is concerned – transforming production, reducing costs and delivering major benefits for blue-chip companies across the world.
If you’d like to find out more get in touch with our materials technologists and they’ll be happy to discuss your requirements.
FFKM properties
Why choose custom versus standard FFKM seals, gaskets or mouldings?
DP Seals manufacture custom parts only. If you are currently using standard parts, but have some level of dissatisfaction with results, read our article with nine great reasons to choose custom over standard solutions.
- Custom FFKM seals
- Custom FFKM gaskets
- Custom FFKM mouldings
- Micro FFKM moulding
- FFKM to rubber bonding
- FFKM to metal bonding
FFKM materials expertise
The information provided here is only a guide to the primary characteristics and uses of FFKM. The relationship between material, product performance and blend options is complex.
At DP Seals we pride ourselves on being able to provide specialist advice in selecting and developing exactly the right blend of materials to meet a vast range of performance requirements.
However we also maintain a large quantity and variety of quality raw materials in stock, enabling us to offer fast turnaround and provide for tight deadlines.
Below you’ll find many free resources to help you think about material selection and we are always on hand to discuss your requirements and provide expert advice.
Find out more about our most commonly used FFKM materials
Handy Product Development Resources
- Chemical Compatibility Database
- Rubber Compound Data Sheets
- Videos with Top Tips
- Guide to developing Custom Rubber Seals, Gaskets & Mouldings
- Rubber To Metal Bonding Guide
Customer testimonials
Through the products manufacturing process DP Seals has played a vital role in delivering technical excellence and a first class product in a timely manner. Such service levels and confidence makes managing New Product Introduction relatively stress free! Mark Limbert, Technical Director, Ridgemount Technologies
Find out more
- Speak to our Material Technologists on +44 (0)1202 674671