How FFKM ‘O’ rings are made

Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) is a high-grade polymer material boasting a highly fluorinated chemical makeup that enables us to design and manufacture FFKM ‘O’ rings that are extremely resistant to high temperatures, chemicals and oxygen-plasma. In this article, TRP Polymer Solutions explains the benefits of FFKM ‘O’ rings and the manufacturing process that goes into making them.

Benefits of FFKM ‘O’ rings

Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) combines the elasticity and flexibility of FKM with the advanced chemical resistance of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Its exceptional chemical resistance is entirely due to its chemical structure, which is heavily comprised of super-strong carbon-fluorine bonds that give our FFKM elastomer products their high chemical, thermal and oxidation-resistant properties.

FFKM is made up of 72.5% fluorine with a fully fluorinated backbone chain, which is the absolute maximum level of fluorination possible whilst still retaining the elastomeric properties needed for the development of high performance ‘O’ rings. As such, we can manufacture FFKM ‘O’ rings that deliver the following features:

• Best in class chemical resistance
• Excellent gas and liquid permeation resistance
• Excellent weather and ozone resistance
• Good mechanical properties
• Exceptional sealing performance
• Self-extinguishing and non-flammable in air

For more information about the wider benefits of FFKM, check out this blog.

FFKM ‘O’ ring manufacturing process

TRP Polymer Solutions designs and manufactures high quality ‘O’ rings in a range of high-grade polymeric materials, including Fluoroelastomer (FKM) and Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM). We begin with the concept stage, whereby we will design and formulate innovative new polymer materials, using component design CAD, polymer FEA and feasibility DFMEA, before carrying out Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis (PFMEA) to test the integrity of our conceptual design.

Once we’ve formulated the optimal polymer material for your application, our technical experts will take the conceptual idea through to a fully working prototype sample. We will then undertake component design and validation testing under laboratory conditions. Once our prototypes have been approved, we will then produce multi-cavity mould tools and undertake the finalised production process.

FFKM ‘O’ ring types from TRP Polymer Solutions

FFKM ‘O’ rings are perfect for demanding environments, such as chemical processing, pharmaceutical, oil and gas recovery, and aerospace applications. Our expert polymer technologists will collaborate with you to develop high performance ‘O’ rings that are perfectly suited to your specific application requirements.

Available in a range of industry standard sizes, our durable and low-maintenance FFKM ‘O’ rings resist more than 1,800 different chemicals. Our comprehensive range of FFKM ‘O’ rings includes:

• FDA and USP Class VI certified ‘O’ rings
• Norsok M-710 Rapid Gas Decompression Resistant (RGD) ‘O’ rings
• TRPlast FFKM ‘O’ rings
• Radiation resistance EPDM 30H, Nitrile 18L
• PFA/FEP Encapsulated ‘O’ rings

Why choose TRP Polymer Solutions for FFKM ‘O’ rings?

At TRP Polymer Solutions, we have more than 35 years’ of market-leading experience in developing innovative FFKM ‘O’ ring specifications that fulfil our customers’ distinctive requirements. Our technical experts will work closely with you to assess your individual application requirements and then develop a conceptual design, before rigorously testing prototypes and then manufacturing your unique FFKM ‘O’ ring product.

Furthermore, TRP Polymer Solutions is fully committed to providing the best possible customer service. As such, we offer rapid delivery, supporting customers where lead times are critical. For existing tooling, we can deliver your FFKM ‘O’ rings within 2-3 working days. Wherever new tooling is required, we can still normally deliver within 7 days, depending on the size of the product.

Our FFKM ‘O’ ring manufacturing process is geared up to support all volumes. Whether you require a single ‘O’ ring, through to high volumes supported by consignment stock and Kanban deliveries – TRP Polymer Solutions can support your requirements. For more information about our high-performance FFKM ‘O’ rings, or to receive a quote, please contact us today on 01432 268899 or email sales@trp.co.uk.