3M™ Novec™ 73DE Engineered Fluid

3M™ Novec™ 73DE Engineered Fluid

When it comes to cleaning electronic components or precision parts, a solvent that is effective, efficient, and safe for the environment is always in high demand. One such solvent is 3M™ Novec™ 73DE Engineered Fluid, a specialized fluid designed for vapor degreasing and immersion cleaning.

This non-flammable, odorless solvent is a clear liquid that boils at less than 50 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for use in vapor degreasing machines. Its low surface tension provides excellent wetting and cleaning properties, which means it can penetrate tight spaces and effectively remove contaminants.

Aside from its cleaning properties, 3M™ Novec™ 73DE is also known for its low global warming potential (GWP) and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP), making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional solvents that may have harsh effects on the planet.

With its powerful cleaning abilities and eco-friendly features, it’s no wonder that the 3M™ Novec™ 73DE is a popular choice for industries such as medical device and aerospace that prioritize safety and sustainability.

3M™ Novec™ 73 DE is also a highly effective solution as a carrier fluid for lubricant deposition applications that require increased solvency. Its solubility, low surface tension and viscosity help provide complete coverage even on complex geometries.

What is Novec™?

Novec™ is a brand of engineered fluid developed by 3M™ for use in vapor degreasing and precision cleaning. Novec™ fluids use hydrofluoroether (HFE) chemistry, and are non-flammable, low toxicity replacements for CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, n-propyl bromide (nPB) and chlorinated solvents.

What is Novec™ 73DE?

3M™ Novec™ 73DE is based on a blend of azeotropes designed for heavy-duty vapor degreasing or immersion cleaning of metallic parts. It is also suitable for dewaxing applications and cleaning solder flux residue. Novec™ 73DE features high solvency, low surface tension, non-flammability and fluid stability. This stable blend has essentially constant vapor and liquid composition at its boiling point, and can be used in a wide range of vapor degreaser types.

The chemical composition of 3M™ Novec™ 73DE is a hydrofluoroether (HFE) blend with 1,2 trans DCE. The HFE portion of the blend consists of pentane, 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-3-methoxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)- (C₇H₃F₁₃O), which is CAS 132182-92-4.

Novec™ 73DE Features and Benefits

Novec™ 73DE offers high-performance cleaning quality in a solvent with an excellent safety profile. Its benefits are particularly useful for cleaning medical device parts, electronics and aerospace parts during production.

• Effective in cleaning heavy greases, oils, waxes, silicones, non-polar flux residues
• Stable, azeotropic solvent blend
• Low global warming potential (GWP)
• Zero ozone depletion potential (ODP)
• Non-flammable
• Low toxicity makes it safe for workers and the environment
• Low surface tension allows it to penetrate tight spaces for thorough cleaning 

3M™ Novec™ 73DE Data Sheets

What is Novec™ 73DE Compatible With?

Novec™ 73DE engineered fluid is ideal for heavy-duty vapor degreasing operations and immersion cleaning. It is compatible with a wide range of metals, and some plastics and elastomers.

Learn more about materials compatibility on our Solvent Cleaning page.

3M™ Novec™ and 3M™ Fluorinert™ Voluntary Phase Out

With the final order deadline for 3M™ Novec™ and 3M™ Fluorinert™ now behind us, product availability is rapidly declining. We continue to receive 3M™ Novec™ and 3M™ Fluorinert™ fluids when available and will advocate for fulfillment of outstanding orders. However, it is now critical to transition. We strongly recommend beginning validation and testing of BestSolv® replacement fluids to ensure uninterrupted operations.

3M™ Novec™ 73DE Replacement Fluid – BestSolv® 73DE or BestSolv® Bravo

Realizing our customers must transition away from 3M™ Novec™ 73DE, Best Technology offers BestSolv® 73DE as a 3M™ Novec™ 73DE exact molecule replacement, or BestSolv® Bravo as a 3M™ Novec™ 73DE similar molecule, drop-in replacement, based on the 3M™ announcement of the Novec™ fluid phase out in 2022.

Learn more about the BestSolv® product line of 3M™ Novec™ replacements.