Specify Parts of Viton

Understand the Problem

As a specifier of fluoroelastomer (FKM) seals you expect that these products will perform well in your demanding environment. But even if seals or parts meet your current specification, you can greatly enhance their performance and dependability by selecting and specifying parts made with DuPont Performance Elastomers Viton® fluoroelastomer, a superior FKM material. Bear in mind that not all FKMs are equivalent.

Make Detailed Specifications

Specifications that are insufficient, inaccurate or that allow substitutions open the door to quality and performance problems. However, a well-written specification that identifies the type of material and quantifies the critical performance parameters of the desired seal will communicate to your supplier the most cost-effective FKM for your application. When you specify DuPont Performance Elastomers' Viton®, the most specified fluoroelastomer worldwide, you can enhance your products' performance by ordering the specific type of Viton® that has been tailored for your application needs.

These types or "families" of DuPont Performance Elastomers Viton® enable you to select the most cost-effective elastomer. Each family affords a tailored balance of mechanical properties, as well as specific resistance to various types of process fluids.

Insist On the Best

Viton® was introduced in 1958 and scientists and engineers have relied on DuPont and now DuPont Performance Elastomers Viton® for its superior performance and unique properties ever since. However, DuPont Performance Elastomers is not the only company that manufactures FKM products. Many people in the industry incorrectly refer to any and all FKM elastomers as Viton®. As a result, you could end up with sealing products that are not the type of Viton® you need, let alone made of 100% virgin DuPont Performance Elastomers Viton®. Products not made from DuPont Performance Elastomers Viton® may fall short of the expected performance levels afforded by the stringent quality standards DuPont Performance Elastomers has set for Viton®, which is manufactured at ISO 9002 registered facilities worldwide.

How Do You Know You're Getting Parts Made With Genuine Viton® fluoroelastomer?

Q. Are all fluoroelastomers "Viton®" fluoroelastomers?

A. In a word, no. Only DuPont Performance Elastomers manufactures Viton® fluoroelastomer. Because Viton® is an established industry standard, many people incorrectly refer to any and all fluoroelastomers as Viton®. To ensure you're getting the highest quality fluoroelastomer available, insist on products made only with DuPont Performance Elastomers virgin Viton®.

Q. What is FKM?

A. FKM is the ASTM designation for the fluoroelastomer category. It is not a mark of quality. Not all FKMs are equivalent, and some may fall short on desired performance.

Q. What does the "Made With Genuine Viton®" seal mean?

A. It means the part has been manufactured and distributed in accordance with DuPont Performance Elastomers' guidelines. Only parts made with 100% virgin Viton® as the sole elastomeric component are labeled with this seal.

Q. Why does the seal matter?

A. It is your guarantee of product integrity. When you use products that carry this emblem, compliance to OSHA Mechanical Integrity Section 1910.119 is assured. It means that the parts offer the superior performance that only DuPont Performance Elastomers Viton® fluoroelastomer provides. Other fluoroelastomer parts may include blends and other rubbers that deliver inferior heat and fluid resistance performance.

Q. How can I be sure I'm getting parts made with genuine Viton®?

A. Look and Ask! Be sure to make Viton® an element of your part specification. When parts are shipped, look for the Genuine Viton® seal. If the seal is missing, ask for a Certificate of Authenticity or Conformance.

Q. Who can use the label "Made With Genuine Viton®?"

A. Only manufacturers who have signed a formal agreement with DuPont Performance Elastomers can use this seal on their products. The manufacturers are selected carefully for their knowledge, their quality standards and for their ability to help you select the correct type of Viton® for your application. A well-written specification will communicate your needs to your supplier, who has up-to-date information about the variety of Viton® performance types and who can suggest the most cost-effective recommendation.

Q. Who can I call to find out who manufactures and distributes parts of genuine Viton®, or if I have questions about the authenticity of the part?

A. We have global help waiting to assist you. In the U.S., call us at 800 853-5515. In Europe, fax your request to 41-22-717-4001.

To ensure that you always receive the highest quality FKM products available, insist on 100% virgin DuPont Performance Elastomers Viton® and look for the "Made With Genuine Viton®" seal.