Why Opteon™ SF80 is the Ideal 3M® Novec 72 DE Solvent Replacement
When considering a suitable 3M® Novec 72DE solvent replacement our customer, a leading supplier in the aerospace industry, who design and manufacture a range of critical components such as flight recorders, data computers, video management systems, mission displays, and more, engaged with us to provide a solution. Their clientele includes all major aerospace companies, making them a prestigious global player in the sector.
*Global warming is a gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth’s atmosphere, generally attributed to the greenhouse effect, caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, CFCs, and other pollutants. GWP is used to represent the equivalent of C02 being released into the atmosphere. So 1kg of C02 = a GWP of 1.
Opteon™ SF80 is an environmentally friendly solvent with no ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a low global warming potential* (GWP) (<2.5).
Like many other companies in the industry, they faced a significant challenge when 3M® announced its decision to withdraw its Novec materials from the market by 2025. The customer needed a reliable alternative to 3M® Novec 72DE, which they had been using for multiple applications—such as the removal of flux from electronic components and the cleaning of chassis assemblies.
These two different processes required a solvent that could perform efficiently across both applications. The goal was clear: to find a comparable drop-in replacement for 3M® Novec 72DE.
The Solution for a 3M® Novec Solvent Replacement
While there are other competitive products available, none offer the pedigree or proven reliability of Opteon™ SF80. This made the entire process smoother for the customer.
Opteon™ SF80 and a Proven Process
Our approach to solving the issue of a suitable 3M® Novec solvent replacement is grounded in a streamlined, well-established process. Starting from initial discussions, we guide the customer through each step, benefiting from our extensive experience with Chemours’ Opteon™ SF80 products. These products are widely recognised and trusted in the industry, which makes the transition seamless for clients.
A key advantage in this case was that the customer had a well-defined cleaning specification, validated by an external laboratory. This clear direction allowed us to avoid reinventing the wheel—a common challenge when clients are uncertain about their exact cleaning requirements. By leveraging our detailed compatibility information, particularly for electronics that contain a variety of plastics, coatings, and metals, we were able to provide a high level of confidence early in the process.
The Process in Action
The initial phase involved open-ended discussions, followed by compatibility testing at our facility. The customer shipped a selection of components, and we processed them based on their cleaning specifications. The results of these first-pass trials were promising, leading to a site visit where we assessed the equipment and current processes.
At this stage, the customer felt confident that Opteon™ SF80 was a good candidate for their needs. However, because they supply multiple aerospace companies, each of these companies had to individually approve the alternative material. We provided extensive technical data, including environmental profiles and solvent quality information, to support this approval process.
Fortunately, many of these end customers had already approved Opteon™ SF80 for various applications, which expedited the process.
After the desktop exercise, we moved on to on-site evaluations. We worked with the customer to clean their system, fill it with the new material, and ensure everything functioned as expected.
Over several weeks, the customer ran extensive tests, and external labs verified that the new system met—and in some cases exceeded—their original benchmarks with 3M® Novec 72DE.
Key Benefits and Cost Savings of our 3M® Novec Solvent Replacement
One of the standout benefits of switching to Opteon™ SF80 is that it is a pure azeotropic solvent. Unlike the previous material, which would alter during recovery, the Opteon™ SF80 material remained consistent after distillation. This allowed the customer to recover and reuse waste products efficiently, resulting in significant cost savings. Additionally, Opteon™ SF80 was less expensive than the 3M® Novec material, further reducing overall costs while simultaneously improving the process.
Ensuring Compliance and Long-Term Viability
Compliance, particularly with REACH regulations, is critical in the aerospace industry. The customer holds the final responsibility for compliance, but with the support of Chemours™—a global leader in the field—we provided all necessary standards documents. This ensured that compliance was built into the process from the very beginning. The outcome of this project is a robust, long-term solution that not only meets the customer’s cleaning requirements but also reduces costs and enhances process security. They now have a technically competent process that complies with all relevant regulations, ensuring their operations are future-proof.
Ongoing Support and Preventative Maintenance
We believe in long-term partnerships with our customers. Regular site visits are part of our Service Level Agreement (SLA) process. During these visits, we audit their systems, speak with operators and maintenance teams, and review recorded data to spot any trends or issues before they escalate. Our standardised audit process enables us to provide regular reports and recommendations, ensuring the customer’s operations remain efficient and trouble-free.
If we identify potential issues, our service engineers are available to perform preventative maintenance, preventing costly breakdowns and ensuring smooth, uninterrupted operations. This value-added service is what sets us apart, helping our customers maintain optimal performance and long-term viability.
The Results
By replacing 3M® Novec with Opteon™ SF80, our customer has gained a reliable, cost-effective alternative that meets all their stringent requirements. The process, which started with open-ended discussions, moved through testing, and concluded with full implementation, has delivered significant benefits. With ongoing support and a commitment to excellence, we ensure that their operations continue to thrive in the competitive aerospace industry.
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As experts in the field, Fraser Technologies have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our clients’ industries and sectors. Our insights and independent recommendations are based on over 55 years experience, and rigorous analysis of the options available to you.
