FKM / FPM O-Rings

Trusted High-Quality FKM O-Ring Manufacturer and Supplier in China

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Description

FKM O-ring (also known as FPM O-ring) is an O-shaped sealing ring made of fluoroelastomer, which is a synthetic polymer elastomer whose main chain or side chain contains fluorine atoms attached to carbon atoms. For this reason, FKM O-rings are also called fluoroelastomer or fluorocarbon O-rings. The term FKM is primarily used in the USA per ASTM D1418, while FPM is commonly used in Europe per ISO 1629.

The most common type of fluoroelastomer is based on a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) and hexafluoropropylene (HFP). This standard FKM does not include other fluorinated elastomers such as fluorosilicone (FVMQ), tetrafluoroethylene/propylene rubber (FEPM), or perfluoroelastomer (FFKM).

FKM was initially developed by DuPont in 1957 and marketed under the Viton® trademark (now a Chemours trademark). As a result, FKM O-rings are commonly referred to as Viton® O-rings in the United States.

Specifications

  • Material: FKM / FPM / fluoroelastomer / fluorocarbon
  • Temperature Range / Rating: -20 °C (-4 °F) to 200°C (392 °F)
  • Low Operating Temperature Limits: -20 °C (-4 °F)
  • Maximum Operating Temperature: 200°C (392 °F)
  • Durometer Hardness Range: Shore A 60-90
  • Standard Durometer Hardness: Shore A 75
  • Less Used Duro Hardness: Shore A 60, 70, 80, 90
  • Color: Brown (standard), black, green, custom color code is available
  • Outline: Round, square, rectangular, custom
  • Cross Section Shape: Round
  • Cross Section Width (CS): 0.5 to 20 mm (0.020 to 0.787 inch)
  • Inside Diameter (ID): 0.7 to 2965 mm (0.028 to 116.732 inch)
  • Standard Size: AS 568, BS 1806, ISO 3601, DIN 3771, JIS B 2401
  • Shelf Life: About 10 years
  • Cost Level: High

Resistance Characteristics

The chart below summarizes the typical resistance characteristics of standard FKM/FPM (fluoroelastomer, fluorocarbon) rubber to common media and environmental factors. Ratings are based on industry-standard evaluations: Excellent (recommended), Good (suitable with limitations), Fair (limited use), and Poor (not recommended).

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Material Data Sheet

The following table presents the physical properties and fluid resistance performance of our standard FKM O-ring material, formulated to meet ASTM D2000 M2HK810 specifications. All test results are based on cured compounds tested per the indicated ASTM methods, including heat aging, compression set, and exposure to Ozone, Fuel C and #101 Oil.

This is the Material Data Sheet (MDS) for our standard 75 Shore A FKM compound. Savvy Rubber also offers and routinely tests 50, 60, 80, and 90 Shore A FKM formulations. If you require data for other hardness grades, please contact our sales team.

FKM Shore A 75 Material Data Sheet
Test Standard: ASTM D2000 M2HK810 A1-10 B38 C12 EF31 EO78 F16
ORIGINAL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES TEST METHOD REQUIREMENTS TEST RESULTS
Hardness Shore A D2240 75±5 73
Tensile Strength, MPa (psi) D412 10 (1450) min. 14.5 (2103)
Ultimate Elongation, % 150 min. 235
Specific Gravity (g/cm³) 1.85
HEAT RESISTANCE 70H AT 250℃ (A1‐10) TEST METHOD REQUIREMENTS TEST RESULTS
Hardness Change, Points D573 +10 max. +5
Tensile Strength Change, % -25 max. -10
Ultimate Elongation Change, % -25 max. -13
COMPRESSION SET, 22H AT 200℃ (B38) TEST METHOD REQUIREMENTS TEST RESULTS
Permanent Set % D395 50 max. 13
RESISTANCE TO OZONE (C12) TEST METHOD REQUIREMENTS TEST RESULTS
Quality Retention Rating, % min. D1171 No Cracks PASS
FLUID RESISTANCE, FUEL C, 70H AT 23℃ (EF31) TEST METHOD REQUIREMENTS TEST RESULTS
Hardness Change, Points D471 -5 to +5 -4
Tensile Strength Change, % -25 max. -20
Ultimate Elongation Change, % -20 max. -10
Volume Change, % 0 to +10 +6
FLUID RESISTANCE #101 OIL, 70H AT 200℃ (EO78) TEST METHOD REQUIREMENTS TEST RESULTS
Hardness Change, Points D471 -15 to +5 +2
Tensile Strength Change, % -40 max. -35
Ultimate Elongation Change, % -20 max. -6
Volume Change, % 0 to +15 +10
LOW TEMPERATURE RESISTANCE (F16) TEST METHOD REQUIREMENTS TEST RESULTS
Non-brittle after 3 Min at -25°C D2137 No Cracks PASS

Test results are typical values for Savvy Rubber standard Shore A 75 FKM compound. Actual performance may vary based on operating conditions, fluid concentration, and exposure time. For critical applications, we recommend sample testing.

Advantages

  1. FKM/FPM O-rings provide excellent high-temperature resistance. They perform reliably at continuous service temperatures up to 200°C and can handle short-term peaks of 240°C without losing sealing effectiveness.
  2. They also offer outstanding chemical resistance. FKM/FPM O-rings are compatible with a wide range of oils, fuels, and hydrocarbons, and resist oxidation, ozone, weathering, and flame spread. Higher fluorine content further enhances their resistance to aggressive media.

Disadvantages

  1. FKM (fluoroelastomer) O-rings have a higher material cost compared to NBR, resulting in a higher overall price. However, by sourcing directly from Savvy Rubber, you can significantly reduce your procurement costs. Contact our sales team for the most competitive pricing on FKM O-rings.
  2. Standard FKM compounds also exhibit limited low-temperature performance, with a typical lower service limit of around -20°C. For applications requiring flexibility down to -40°C, alternative materials such as low-temperature FKM grades or fluorosilicone O-rings (for non-fuel applications) may be considered.

Applications

FKM (fluoroelastomer or fluorocarbon) O-rings are widely used in demanding environments that require resistance to high temperatures, aggressive chemicals, and oils. They serve critical sealing functions across automotive, aerospace, chemical processing, power generation, and semiconductor manufacturing industries.

In automotive and aerospace systems, FKM/FPM O-rings ensure reliable performance under extreme heat and vacuum conditions where standard elastomers fail. They are commonly used in engine seals, fuel systems, and transmission components. In chemical and semiconductor applications, specially formulated FKM compounds provide excellent resistance to strong acids, solvents, and reactive process media, making them a trusted choice for harsh industrial environments.

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