In the ever-changing times we all face, there are new challenges and opportunities that arise. The latest in that regard has been the announcement of the planned exit of 3M from fluoropolymer business by the end of 2025.
This announcement caught some off guard, but manufacturers have seen the writing on the wall with rationing of raw polymers, ingredients, etc. over the past couple of years. To the credit of manufacturers like Parker, they have tried to be as proactive as possible.
As many have seen over the last several months, Parker has released new compounds VA075-75, VW076-75, VA090-90, VG130-75 as recommended replacements, due to extended lead times and obsolescence for legacy compounds V1164-75, V0884-75, V0709-90, and the obsoleted V1289-75. With 3M’s announcement, Parker is tasked with managing the polymer poundage needed to fulfill orders in house. To do that, there were some drastic and immediate compound changes that were necessary. Please see the information below on changes regarding both FKM and FFKM compounds.
Parker’s Official letter states the following changes are effective immediately for FKM materials.
Black 75 Durometer Fluorocarbon Materials
|
Material
|
Status
|
Datasheet
|
|---|---|---|
|
VA075-75
|
available for standard O-rings
|
|
|
VM330-75
|
available for AMS7276
|
|
|
VA151-75
|
available for standard O-rings, PPAP, Molded Shapes, Lathe cuts, Custom products
|
|
|
VG130-75
|
available for standard O-rings
|
|
|
VM100-75
|
end of life for O-rings effective immediately
|
|
|
V1164-75
|
end of life for O-rings effective immediately
|
|
|
V1289-75
|
end of life for O-rings effective immediately
|
Brown 75 Durometer Fluorocarbon Materials
Black 90 Durometer Fluorocarbon Materials
Black 90 Durometer Fluorocarbon Materials
|
Material
|
Status
|
Datasheet
|
|---|---|---|
|
V0894-90
|
end of life effectively immediately; replacement planned July 2023
|
The following is Parker’s official letter regarding FFKM materials.
We regret to share that Parker ULTRA™ FF102, FF202, FF302, FF308, FF350, FF500 and FF550 compounds will no longer be available for purchase, effective immediately. All current open orders will be fulfilled, but any new orders will be required to move to suitable alternative.
FF102, FF500, and FF550 compounds are 75 Shore A hardness, Black, Chemically Resistant perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) offerings. The best alternative replacement currently for all these compounds is the FF580.
FF202 is a 90 Shore A hardness, Black, High Temperature capable perfluoroelastomer (FFKM). The best alternative replacement currently is the FF582.
FF302 is a 75 Shore A hardness, Brown, Etch Resistant perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) compound with low metal ion content. At present there is not a straightforward replacement, but alternatives may become available in the coming months.
FF308 is a 75 Shore A hardness, High Purity, Plasma Resistant perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) compound targeted towards the semiconductor industry. At present there is not a straightforward replacement, but alternatives may become available in the coming months.
FF350 is a 75 Shore A hardness, White, High Purity perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) compound with FDA and USP Class VI approval. The best alternative compound offering currently is V8562.
|
Original Material
|
Original Datasheet
|
Alternate Material
|
Alternate Datasheet
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
FF102-75
|
FF580-75
|
||
|
FF202-90
|
FF582-90
|
||
|
FF302-75
|
TBD
|
|
|
|
FF308-75
|
TBD
|
|
|
|
FF350-75
|
V8562-75
|
||
|
FF500-75
|
FF580-75
|
||
|
FF550-75
|
Not Available
|
FF580-75
|
End of life indicates no new orders will be accepted and Parker OES will work to fulfill all open orders.
