3M™ Is Leaving Novec™ Behind. What Replaces It?

If your vapor degreasing line runs on Novec, you’re facing a decision you didn’t ask for. BestSolv® Engineered Fluids are formulated to match Novec’s performance, with exact molecule, similar molecule, and next-generation PFAS-free replacement options designed around your application, so you can make the switch with as little process disruption as possible.

Built to Match, Not to Guess

BestSolv isn’t a generic Novec substitute pulled off a shelf. It’s an engineered fluid family developed to support cleaning performance, material compatibility, and process continuity so your existing equipment can keep doing its job.

• Exact molecule replacements – chemically identical options for manufacturers looking to stay as close as possible to their existing Novec chemistry and simplify validation.
• Similar molecule alternatives – different chemistry designed to deliver comparable performance while giving manufacturers another replacement path.
• PFAS-free options – next-generation alternatives for operations looking beyond the immediate Novec transition and preparing for evolving PFAS requirements.
• Application-specific formulations – options for solvent cleaning, vapor degreasing, and thermal management rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

One Fluid Family, Multiple Applications

BestSolv fluids are formulated for the specific jobs Novec fluids have historically handled:

• Solvent and precision cleaning – removing oils, flux residue, machining contaminants, and other soils from precision components.
• Vapor degreasing – replacement fluid options designed around cleaning performance, material compatibility, and the requirements of existing vapor degreasing processes.
• Thermal management – engineered fluids for heat transfer and specialized cooling applications where dielectric properties, stability, and reliable performance matter.

Whatever your Novec-dependent process looks like, Best Technology can help identify the BestSolv formulation that fits the application.

Formulated by People Who’ve Solved This Before

BestSolv comes from more than 30 years of precision cleaning and surface finishing experience at Best Technology, not a rushed reaction to 3M’s exit.

Our chemical team helps manufacturers evaluate the factors that matter when transitioning away from discontinued Novec fluids, including cleaning performance, material compatibility, process requirements, validation needs, and long-term fluid strategy.

BestSolv includes exact molecule, similar molecule, and next-generation PFAS-free replacement paths, along with application-specific options for manufacturers that cannot afford to guess when changing a critical process fluid.

For a deeper look at the Novec transition and available replacement approaches, review our 3M™ Novec™ and Fluorinert™ phaseout guide.

See It Work Before You Commit to Anything

The only way to know whether a fluid fits your process is to evaluate it against your actual application.

Request a sample and test it against your contamination, materials, equipment, and process requirements. Our chemical team can also help you determine which BestSolv option makes the most sense before you begin testing.