When NOT to Use FFKM
FFKM (perfluoroelastomer) O-rings, gaskets, custom parts, and tubes are among the highest-performing sealing materials available, offering exceptional resistance to chemicals, heat, and aggressive environments. However, FFKM is not always the best choice. In many applications, alternative materials such as FKM (Viton™), EPDM, NBR, PTFE, or engineered plastics can provide sufficient performance at a significantly lower cost or with better mechanical properties.
At Canyon Components, we pride ourselves on recommending the right material, not just the most expensive one. While Canrez® FFKM offers excellent performance, availability, and cost efficiency compared to Kalrez® and Chemraz®, there are situations where FFKM may be over-specified or not the optimal solution. Understanding when not to use FFKM can help reduce costs, simplify designs, and improve overall system performance.
Common names include: FFKM, Perfluoroelastomer, Perfluorinated Rubber. Trade names: Canrez®, Kalrez®, Chemraz®, Simriz®, Parofluor®.
Materials Available
This table shows many of our standard materials and links out to our O-ring store. Get in touch with us if you need a custom gasket, custom molded part, or non-standard geometry!
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When FFKM O-Rings, Gaskets, & Custom Parts May NOT Be the Best Choice
- Cost-sensitive applications with moderate conditions: FFKM O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts have a higher upfront cost. If the application involves moderate temperatures and non-aggressive chemicals, materials like FKM (Viton™), EPDM, or NBR are often more cost-effective
- Applications without aggressive chemicals or extreme temperatures: If the environment does not involve harsh chemicals or elevated temperatures, FFKM performance may not be necessary
- Low temperature or cryogenic environments beyond FFKM limits: While specialty FFKM compounds can handle lower temperatures, materials such as silicone, fluorosilicone, or PTFE-based seals may perform better in extreme cold
- Applications requiring very low friction or non-stick properties: PTFE (Teflon™) is often a better choice for applications requiring low friction, sliding contact, or non-stick surfaces
- High load or structural applications: FFKM is an elastomer and may not provide sufficient rigidity or load-bearing capability. Engineered plastics such as PEEK or PTFE are often more suitable
- Extreme high-pressure environments without proper support: FFKM O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts may require backup rings and precise gland design to prevent extrusion. In some cases, PTFE seals or metal seals may be more appropriate
- Simple static sealing applications with minimal risk: For basic sealing applications with stable conditions, lower-cost elastomers can provide adequate performance
- Applications requiring ultra-low outgassing beyond elastomer capabilities: While FFKM performs well in vacuum environments, metal seals or specialized PTFE-based solutions may be required for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems
When FFKM IS the Right Choice
- While there are cases where FFKM is not necessary, it becomes the preferred solution when applications involve extreme chemical exposure, high temperatures, aggressive cleaning processes, plasma environments, or long service intervals. In these situations, Canrez® FFKM O-rings, gaskets, custom parts, and tubes provide unmatched durability and reliability, often reducing total cost of ownership despite higher upfront pricing.
- Canyon Components works closely with customers to evaluate application conditions and recommend the most appropriate material, whether that is Canrez® FFKM or a more cost-effective alternative. Our goal is to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and value for every sealing application.
Please consult a Canyon Components Engineer about your specific application and we will use our decades of experience to formulate a solution that fits your need.
Industrial Considerations for Material Selection
Selecting the right sealing material involves balancing temperature, chemical exposure, pressure, motion, regulatory requirements, and cost. FFKM O-rings, gaskets, custom parts, and tubes are widely used in industries such as semiconductor, oil & gas, chemical processing, pharmaceutical, and aerospace, but not every application in these industries requires FFKM-level performance.
Not sure if FFKM is the right material for your application? Canyon Components can help you evaluate your requirements and determine whether Canrez® FFKM O-rings, gaskets, custom parts, and tubes are the best solution, or if a more cost-effective alternative will meet your needs.
Chemical Processing
FFKM is used for extreme chemicals, but FKM or EPDM may be sufficient for less aggressive environments
Oil & Gas Industry
FFKM is ideal for sour gas and AED environments, but HNBR or FKM may be suitable for standard oil and fuel systems
Semiconductor Industry
FFKM is critical for plasma and high-purity applications, but not all components require FFKM
Food & Pharmaceutical
FFKM is used for SIP/CIP and aggressive cleaning, but EPDM or silicone may be used in less demanding applications
General Industrial Applications
FFKM is often unnecessary for standard sealing applications, where lower-cost materials provide adequate performance
Please consult a Canyon Components Engineer about your specific application and we will use our decades of experience to formulate a solution that fits your need.
All Other FFKM Types Available
Canrez® FFKM O-Rings & Custom Parts
Canyon Components supplies Canrez® FFKM O-rings, equivalent to Kalrez®, Chemraz®, and Parker® O-rings, in AS568, JIS, and Metric sizes. These perfluoroelastomer O-rings provide exceptional chemical resistance, high-temperature stability, and long-term sealing performance for semiconductor, pharmaceutical, and chemical processing applications. Custom molded Canrez® parts available.
Kalrez® vs Canrez®: Comparing FFKM Sealing Solutions"
Compare Kalrez® vs Canrez® FFKM for O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts. Learn the differences in performance, availability, and cost to choose the best perfluoroelastomer for your application.
Kalrez FFKM O-Rings, Gaskets & Custom Parts
Canyon Components supplies genuine Kalrez® FFKM O-rings, gaskets, and custom molded parts with exceptional chemical resistance and high-temperature performance. Available in AS568, Metric, and custom sizes, with Canrez®, Chemraz®, and Parker® O-ring equivalents for semiconductor, pharmaceutical, aerospace, and chemical processing applications.
Parker Hannifin Parofluor FFKM O-Rings, Gaskets & Custom Parts
Canyon Components supplies genuine Parker Hannifin Parofluor FFKM materials for extreme chemical resistance and high temperature sealing. Compare Parofluor with Canrez® FFKM for O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts in demanding applications.
Chemraz FFKM O-Rings, Gaskets & Custom Parts
Canyon Components supplies Chemraz® FFKM O-rings engineered for the most demanding sealing applications. Known for extreme chemical resistance and high-temperature stability, Chemraz® O-rings provide reliable sealing in semiconductor, pharmaceutical, aerospace, and chemical processing environments. Alternatives include Kalrez®, Canrez®, and Parker® FFKM O-rings in AS568, Metric, and custom sizes.
Simriz® FFKM from Freudenberg: O-Rings, Gaskets, and Custom Parts
Canyon Components is a distributor of Simriz® FFKM O-rings designed for extreme chemical resistance and high temperature applications. Compare Simriz® with Canrez® FFKM for O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts in demanding sealing environments.
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