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Novec fluids: Smart, safe and sustainable solvent cleaners
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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 fluids are an excellent drop-in replacement because they are designed to offer:
- High margin of safety for workers
- Zero ozone depletion potential (ODP)
- Low global warming potential (GWP)
- Excellent cleaning performance
Explore how Novec fluids compare to nPB, TCE and HCFCs
See how Mustang Vacuum Systems used Novec fluids to replace nPB -
Water and oil don’t mix, but Novec fluids are designed to dissolve the toughest cutting oils without compromising sustainability or worker safety. Vapor degreasing with Novec fluids can help you achieve your sustainability goals while:
- Improving precision cleaning performance
- Decreasing energy usage
- Penetrating complex part geometries
- Cutting cycle times
Engineered for your need. Compatible with your process.
3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids are designed with a range of boiling points, cleaning strengths, drying times and vapor pressures to help you find the cleaning solution you need. View Product Selection Guide (PDF, 83 KB)
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What are Novec Engineered Fluids?
Novec fluids are versatile, non-flammable fluids with a wide range of boiling points, excellent materials compatibility and thermal stability. Used in a variety of industrial applications, including solvent cleaning and vapor degreasing, Novec fluids offer a wide margin of safety, low GWP and zero ODP so you don’t have to compromise safety and sustainability for excellent performance.
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Materials compatibilityAt 3M, we know how important it is to find the right cleaning solution. That's why our line of 3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids features a broad range of solvency, cleaning strengths and materials compatibilities. 3M Novec solutions are compatible with:
- Ceramics
- Circuit boards
- Metals
- Plastics
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Cleaning strengthWhether you’re cleaning electronic components, medical devices or precision machine parts, one solution does not fit all. 3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids come in a range of strengths to offer the right tool for the job, including products for:
- Light-duty cleaning
- Medium-duty cleaning
- Heavy-duty cleaning
See how the range of 3M Novec Engineered Fluids is designed with specific attributes and compatibilities that meet your needs. With a range of boiling points, cleaning strengths, drying times and vapor pressures, you will find the solution you need.
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Introducing 3M™ Novec™ 73DE Engineered Fluid for heavy-duty vapor degreasing
Designed to be a safer, effective replacement for toxic solvents like nPB and TCE, 3M Novec 73DE fluid has a wide margin of safety for heavy duty vapor degreasing and immersion cleaning. It features high solvency, low surface tension, non-flammability and fluid stability. Save time and money with faster cycles, lower energy use and improved performance, especially for complex parts with fine details. The newest member of the Novec family, Novec 73DE fluid demonstrates our commitment to ongoing innovation that meets your evolving needs.
Choose 3M Novec for safe, sustainable cleaning performance and collaboration
The demand for exceptional performance while lowering operating costs has never been greater. Add the commitment to providing a safer workplace and reducing environmental impact and the challenge is intensified. That’s where 3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids and our team of experts can help.
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High safety marginNovec fluids are a safer alternative to n-propyl bromide (nPB) and trichloroethylene (TCE) because of their high margin of safety. Typical vapor degreaser exposure is 10 ppm and all Novec fluids have a safety margin wide enough for workers to safely use them in this application. In contrast, in order to safely use nPB in vapor degreasing, worker exposure levels need to be reduced to 0.1 ppm, which is 100x lower than typical exposure levels.
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Low environmental impactUnlike many other cleaning and vapor degreasing solvents, Novec fluids are environmentally sustainable and are not scheduled for regulatory phasedown. Under the U.S. EPA’s SNAP program, they are acceptable substitutes in metals, electronics and precision cleaning applications based on their zero ODP, low GWP, low toxicity and non-flammability. Neat Novec fluids are also exempt from the EPA’s definitions for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
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Powerful cleaning performanceBecause of their low surface tension, Novec organic solvents can penetrate tight spaces and thoroughly clean hard-to-reach areas. Novec organic solvents have excellent drying properties and evaporate quickly without leaving residue, which means parts get clean faster and costly “drag out” solvent losses are reduced. Together, these properties make them a smart choice for a variety of cleaning processes, from light-duty to heavy-duty and everything in between.
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Where science and collaboration meetAt 3M, we develop breakthrough science that applies to your real-world cleaning needs – and our value goes far beyond sustainable chemistry. Our 3M Novec experts can help you work through the nuances of designing a new cleaning process or incorporating a replacement cleaning solution. We can help you achieve your goals while navigating complex government regulations, safety needs, business goals and technical precision.
Featured resources and tools
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Solvent cleaning and vapor degreasing brochureDownload brochure (PDF, 1.16 MB)3M Novec resource libraryVisit resource library3M Novec YouTube channel
Learn more about Novec solvent cleaners and request for samples
Our team of engineers, scientists and experts are here to answer your questions and offer you global support, including sample requests, application advice and technical support, and where to buy information.
