3M Novec Engineered Fluids, Fluorinert Liquids, Solvents, & Chemicals

Best Technology is a U.S. nationwide authorized distributor of 3M^TM Novec^TM engineered heat transfer fluids, Fluorinert^TM chemicals, and engineered cleaning solvents. 3M^TM places a significant amount of trust in Best Technology’s extensive experience in precision cleaning chemistries and applications.

As a 3M^TM distributor, Best Technology sells the full line of 3M^TM  Novec^TM  Engineered Fluids, Performance Fluids and Fluorinert^TM fluids which are environmentally friendly and safe for operators and employees.

What are 3M^TM Novec^TM Fluids?

3M^TM Novec^TM Engineered Fluids are non-flammable fluids used in a wide variety of industrial applications, including vapor degreasing and solvent cleaning of industrial parts, and thermal management of electronics. Based on 3M^TM‘s proprietary segregated hydrofluoroether (HFE) chemistry, Novec^TM fluids combine proven performance with outstanding environmental and safety features.

What is HFE chemistry?

HFE stands for hydrofluoroether. Originally developed by 3M^TM, it is a complex organic cleaning solvent that does not occur naturally in the environment. HFE was developed as an alternative to ozone-depleting solvents such as CFCs, HFCs, HCFCs, and PFCs. At room temperature its visual appearance is identical to water. Like water, it is colorless, odorless and tasteless. The high molecular weight of HFE means that it remains in the atmosphere for less than two weeks, and has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) compared to alternative chemicals.

3M^TM Novec^TM Engineered Fluids are intended for use as process solvents in applications, such as cleaning and coating, that historically used CFCs and HCFCs. Novec fluids offer a wide margin of safety, including low GDP (global warming potential), so there is no need to compromise sustainability and safety for excellent performance.

3M^TM Novec^TM Engineered Fluids are available from authorized distributor Best Technology in a variety of formulations, for light-duty to heavy-duty cleaning performance. “Neat” Novec formulations are 100% HFEs. Examples of neat Novec products include Novec 7100, Novec 7200 or Novec 7300.

Other formulations include additives to the HFE chemistry for better cleaning performance. The most common additive to Novec^TM formulations is trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (t-DCE). Examples of Novec^TM products with t-DCE include Novec^TM 73DE and Novec^TM 72DA. The Novec^TM 72DA also includes 2% isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol).

Typical Uses of 3M^TM Novec^TM Engineered Fluids: Precision Cleaning and Vapor Degreasing

Novec^TM fluids are ideal for many precision cleaning applications where high purity and low contamination levels on finished parts are critical, particularly in medical devices, aerospace materials, optical components and electronics. Novec^TM fluids demonstrate excellent materials compatibility in a wide variety of substrates, and can clean a wide range of soils.

Cleaning with 3M^TM Novec^TM Engineered Fluids

Note that not all Novec^TM fluids are appropriate for cleaning parts containing certain plastics and elastomeric materials. See product information or contact us for details on materials compatibility.

Benefits of 3M^TM Novec^TM Engineered Fluids in Precision Cleaning and Vapor Degreasing

Safer and environmentally friendly

The primary benefit of using Novec^TM fluids is that they are safer and more environmentally friendly than the solvents that they replaced. With significant toxicity concerns on the use of the vapor degreasing solvents n-propyl bromide (nPB) and trichloroethylene (TCE), and a global phase-out of ozone-depleting substances like hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), many engineers are seeking a safer, more sustainable alternative. Novec^TM fluids are an excellent drop-in replacement because they are engineered for:

• High margin of safety for workers
• Zero ozone depletion potential (ODP)
• Low global warming potential (GWP)
• Excellent cleaning performance

Unlike many other cleaning and vapor degreasing solvents, Novec^TM fluids are environmentally sustainable and are not scheduled for regulatory phase-out. Under the EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP), they are acceptable substitutes in metals, electronics and precision cleaning applications. Both Novec^TM 7100 and Novec^TM 7200 are approved by the EPA’s SNAP program for “use without restriction.” Unlike many solvents, Novec^TM fluids are not hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). Neat Novec^TM fluids are also exempt from the EPA’s definitions for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

More effective cleaning

Because of their low surface tension, 3M^TM Novec^TM Engineered Fluids can penetrate tight spaces on complex parts. After thoroughly cleaning hard-to-reach areas, the fluids then drain off easily so they don’t become trapped in small spaces. They evaporate quickly without leaving residue or water spotting associated with aqueous systems. This means that parts get clean faster and costly “drag-out” solvent losses are reduced. Vapor degreasing with Novec fluids offers:

• Improved cleaning of parts with complex geometries
• Faster dry times for improved cycle times
• Better solvency for organic soils
• Freedom from chemistry that supports biological growth
• Spot-free results with less chance of corrosion

Efficient use of resources

Use of Novec^TM fluids with a vapor degreaser is less equipment- and energy-intensive compared to that of aqueous systems. Because a solvent system recycles the solvent through distillation, most of the solvent is reused. Other advantages of solvent cleaning with Novec^TM Fluids vs. aqueous systems include:

• Easier to use with cellular manufacturing
• Significantly lower electricity costs
• Conservation of water
• Smaller equipment “footprint”
• No drying equipment needed
• Lower long-term cost of ownership

For more information, see our article Why Use a Parts Cleaning Solvent?

Here are a few examples of the 3M^TM Novec^TM fluids that Best Technology stocks for precision cleaning and vapor degreasing:

For more details, please see 3M^TM Novec^TM Cleaners for Cleaning and Vapor Degreasing.

Other Uses of 3M^TM Novec^TM Engineered Fluids: Coatings and Lubricants

When creating new coatings, cleaners and lubricants, 3M^TM Novec^TM Engineered Fluids offer an outstanding combination of performance, safety and environmental properties. With its excellent materials compatibility, Novec^TM fluids provide formulating freedom for creating the perfect mix.

For medical uses, Novec^TM fluids can disperse a wide variety of coatings, including silicone, PTFE and heparin. Specific deposition applications include hypodermic needles, surgical and cutting blades, blood bags, filters and PVC tubing. Novec^TM fluids have low surface tension for uniform coating, and evaporate rapidly to potentially speed the drying process.

Advantages of 3M^TM Novec^TM fluids for meeting formulating challenges

• Solubility – Formulates with range of materials including hydrocarbons and fluorocarbons
• Stability – Consistent performance and reduced chance of formulation property changes during storage or transport
• Compatibility – Compatible with metals, ceramics, and most plastics and elastomers
• Wide selection of boiling points – Better control over dry times and dripping
• Inerting – May help inert flammable fluids to help improve safety for workers and customers

3M^TM Novec^TM  Engineered Fluids / Cleaners for Cleaning and Vapor Degreasing

• 3M^TM Novec^TM 7100 Engineered Fluid
• 3M^TM Novec^TM 7200 Engineered Fluid
• 3M^TM Novec^TM 71IPA Engineered Fluid
• 3M^TM Novec^TM 71DE Engineered Fluid
• 3M^TM Novec^TM 71DA Engineered Fluid
• 3M^TM Novec^TM 72DA Engineered Fluid
• 3M^TM Novec^TM 72DE Engineered Fluid
• 3M^TM Novec^TM 73DE Engineered Fluid

3M^TM Heat Transfer and Cooling Fluids

• 3M^TM Novec^TM 7000 Engineered Fluid
• 3M^TM Novec^TM 7100 Engineered Fluid
• 3M^TM Novec^TM 7200 Engineered Fluid
• 3M^TM Novec^TM 7300 Engineered Fluid
• 3M^TM Novec^TM 7500 Engineered Fluid
• 3M^TM Novec^TM 7600 Engineered Fluid
• 3M^TM Novec^TM 7700 Engineered Fluid
• 3M^TM Novec^TM 649 Engineered Fluid
• 3M^TM Novec^TM 774 Engineered Fluid

3M^TM Fluorinert^TM Electronic Liquids and Performance Fluids

• 3M^TM Fluorinert^TM Electronic Liquid FC-40
• 3M^TM Fluorinert^TM Electronic Liquid FC-43
• 3M^TM Fluorinert^TM Electronic Liquid FC-70
• 3M^TM Fluorinert^TM Electronic Liquid FC-72
• 3M ^TM Fluorinert ^TM Electronic Liquid FC-770
• 3M^TM Fluorinert^TM Electronic Liquid FC-3283
• 3M^TM Fluorinert^TM Electronic Liquid FC-3284
• 3M^TM Performance Fluid PF-5056
• 3M^TM Performance Fluid PF-5060
• 3M^TM Performance Fluid PF-5058