assortment of viton® gaskets
Viton®(FKM) fluoroelastomer is a well known material that is used across industries for its fuel, and chemical resistance. NEDC manufactures custom Viton® Gaskets out of Viton® fluoroelastomer material. What many people do not know is that there are a few different types of Viton® provided by DuPont. Viton® A is the most popular type/family among all manufacturers. Each type has slightly different characteristics and different fluorine contents for each one. In this article we thought we would detail out the different Viton® materials available.
General Properties of Viton® Fluoroelastomer/Fluorocarbon for Gaskets/Gasketing
-Viton® has high heat resistance, great resistance to a large variety of chemicals, and is fuel resistant. Many times Viton® can reach up to 500°F. This time, and temperature depend heavily on the grade of Viton®/FKM chosen.
-Great Fuel Resistance/Other Fluids/Chemicals such as hydrocarbons
-It has great electrical properties, and low burning characteristics.
-Resists attack by fungus/mold microbes
-Resists oxidations, also sun, ozone, and weathering
-Viton® largely struggles with low temperature resistance, although some types such as GLT-S have better flexibility at low temperatures.
The different levels/content of fluorine content are a good indicator of how chemically resistant these materials are. So the higher the fluorine content, the more resistant the material is. It is good to keep in mind as well some Viton® elastomers in their precompound form are compliant to FDA 21 CFR 177.2600- see below.
The below types are the general types of Viton® available. However, there are other types as well not listed here within those families listed below.
The Distiniction of FKM Fluoroelastomer and Viton® Material
Viton® Fluoroelastomer materials are made by DuPont Chemours. This is the widely accepted brand name for Viton®. This material is very specific to them. As you can see below, DuPont Chemours has many different types of Viton®. Many customers will confuse VIton® and Fluoroelastomer, this is why you see many customers/OEMs specifically refer to Viton® as GENUINE VITON®.
General Use Types:
Viton® A-66% fluorine content
Viton® B-68% fluorine content
Viton® F- 70% fluorine content
Specialty Use Types:
Viton® GLT-S- 64% fluorine content
Viton® GFLT-S- 67% fluorine content
Viton® ETP-S- 67% fluorine content
viton flange gasket, pipeline, oil
Specifications Available for Viton®/Fluoroelastomer Gaskets
There are a dozen mil/aero specifications available when selecting a Viton/FKM gasketing material. In addition, there is custom compounding that exceeds many of these specifications.
AMS-3216G
MIL-R-83248 TYPE II, CLASS 2
MIL-R-83248 TYPE II, CLASS 1
ASTM D2000 M1HK
Viton is typically provided in two different durometers, 75A, and Shore 55A.
Cost of Viton® Material
Viton gasketing is extremely expensive. It is not uncommon for certain grades of Viton to cost $1,000 a yard. However, Viton® can be less costly depending on the grade. only reason it is expensive is because it has such great performance.
Industries/Sectors that Utilize Fluoroelastomer FKM & Viton®
-Oil/Gas Industries
-Aircraft/Commercial Aviation
-Chemical Proccessing Equipment
VITON FDA Complaint
As mentioned in our blog on FDA Gaskets, when meeting the requirements of 21 CFR 177.2600, Ingredients that are complaint to the spec make up the forumulary of this material. As a reminder, these materials may see contact with food, or drink- or even see pharmaceutical applications.
In this case, There is Viton that is available that is FDA Complaint in 75 durometer. Thicknesses range from .016” to .250” thick in various widths. The color is a standard white that is normal with most FDA complaint type gaskets.
What if I don’t need Genuine Viton® in my Gasketing Application?
There are many other manufacturers that make Viton® gasketing materials. You are not limited to Viton®, although many customers have spec’ed out Viton® as the identification even for fluoroelastomer.
Are there other Brand Name FKM Fluoroelastomer Compounds?
Of course, there are several other manufacturers for fluoroelastomer materials that are not Viton:
Dai-El- Daikin Industries
Solvay Industries -Tenoflon.
Dyneon(manufacturer) -Dyneon (product name)
Why do I see so many Viton Gaskets in Flange Configurations?
Viton® Gaskets are used in so many oil, and gas applications. Typically they are used in the flanges sealing off oil pipelines from leaking. For this reason, you will see many Viton® in full faced flange applications.
Thicknesses of Viton/FKM Available
NEDC uses a lot of Viton® for different customers. We wanted to outline the different nominal thicknesses that are available for FKM/Viton® products:
.015”, (1/64”)
.032” , (1/32”)
.045”, (3/64”)
.062”, (1/16”)
.093” (17/64”)
.125” (1/8”)
.187” (3/16”)
For Information on Viton® Gaskets
NEDC procures sheet/rolled goods of Viton® elastomers to cut into custom shapes. In addition, Viton® Sponge is available for cutting as well. NEDC uses CNC waterjet cutting and die cutting to cut custom gaskets. Typically Fluoroelastomer gaskets, or Viton® gaskets are available in a typical black, or brown color depending on the Viton® compound. As always adhesive backing is available with these type seals. For more information on Viton® fluoroelastomer or you feel you have an application that could utilize it please contact sales@nedc.com.
Note: Viton® is a trademark of DuPont Chemours.