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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? – Features & Benefits
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.
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
| Data Sheets | Container Sizes Available (Gallons) |
| 3M™ Novec™ 73DE Technical Data Sheet (PDF) | 55 gal. lined drum 5 gal. container 1 gal. container |
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™ Voluntary Phase Out Announcement
On December 20, 2022, 3M™ announced plans to exit per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) manufacturing and work to discontinue the use of the PFAS in its product portfolio by the end of 2025.
As an authorized 3M™ Engineered Fluids distributor, Best Technology remains committed to our customers throughout this transition and continues to receive 3M™ Novec™ products. We will continue to advocate for our customers to fulfill current orders as well as secure products for future orders.
3M™ Novec™ 73DE Replacement Fluid – BestSolv™ Bravo
Realizing our customers must transition away from 3M™ Novec™ 73DE, Best Technology offers BestSolv™ Bravo as a Novec™ 73DE alternative. BestSolv™ Bravo solvent fluid is formulated as a drop-in 3M™ Novec™ 73DE replacement fluid based on the 3M™ announcement of the Novec™ fluid phase out in 2022.
Learn more about the BestSolv™ product line of 3M™ Novec™ replacements.
3M™ Novec 73DE vs. BestSolv™ Bravo
| Property | 3M™ Novec™ 73DE | BestSolv™ Bravo Engineered Fluid and Cleaning Solvent* |
| Composition | Hydrofluoroether (HFE) blend with 1,2 trans DCE | Hydrofluoroether (HFE) blend with 1,2 trans DCE |
| CAS # | #156-60-5 – trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene | #156-60-5 – trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene |
| Cleaning Performance | Heavy Duty | Heavy Duty |
| Boiling Point | 118 °F / 48 °C | 108 °F / 44 °C |
| Stability | Near Azeotrope | Near Azeotrope |
| Vapor Pressure | 263 mmHg | 368 mmHg |
| Liquid Density | 1.28 g/cm2 | 1.30 g/cm2 |
| Surface Tension | 19 dynes/cm | 19 dynes/cm |
| Kauri-Butanol Value | 52 Kb | 74 Kb |
| Global Warming Potential (GWP) | Low | Low |
| Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) | None | None |
| Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Designation | Yes – 1,2 trans DCE is a VOC. | Yes – 1,2 trans DCE is a VOC. |
| Flash Point | None | None |
| Exposure Guidelines (TLV/TWA) | 200 ppmv | 200 ppmv |
*Note: Information is provided by Best Technology, not 3M™. 3M™ does not endorse or recommend any alternative material. As such, the customer is responsible for evaluation of the material’s various properties when looking at alternatives.
3M™ Novec™ Price and Ordering
For purposes of product stewardship, 3M™ Novec™ fluids cannot be sold directly online and are available for customers in the United States only.
Please contact our chemical sales department for a quote by clicking the “Get a Quote” button, or call 612-392-2414, ext. 2.