FKM (Viton®-type) (fluoroelastomer, typically 75 Shore A) is specified where temperature or chemical exposure exceeds nitrile. When usit rings (self-centring bonded seals) are specified in this grade, the dimensions remain per Trade series (self-centring bonded washers, USIT type); the material determines corrosion behavior (excellent resistance to heat, fuels, and most chemicals; poor with ketones and hot water/steam) and the service temperature range (approx. -20 °C to +200 °C). Both are covered below with the size table.
Why Choose FKM (Viton®-type) for USIT Rings (Self-Centring Bonded Seals)
Specified where temperature or chemical exposure exceeds nitrile. For usit rings (self-centring bonded seals), this matters when excellent resistance to heat, fuels, and most chemicals; poor with ketones and hot water/steam is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | fluoroelastomer, typically 75 Shore A |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Non-magnetic |
| Service temperature | approx. -20 °C to +200 °C |
| Corrosion characteristic | Excellent resistance to heat, fuels, and most chemicals; poor with ketones and hot water/steam |
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
Galvanic and galling behavior do not apply to usit rings (self-centring bonded seals) in FKM (Viton®-type) — the relevant compatibility questions are chemical: confirm the elastomer against the fluid, the temperature and any cleaning agents in service, and check the gland or groove dimensions give the intended compression on the section.
Comparable Grades
For usit rings (self-centring bonded seals), consider NBR where the service is ordinary mineral oil and the cost matters, or EPDM for hot water and steam, which attacks FKM. Elastomer selection is decided by the medium, the temperature range and whether the seal is static or dynamic — not by strength.
Sizes of USIT Rings (Self-Centring Bonded Seals) Available in FKM (Viton®-type)
| Thread | Seal element | Metal carrier | Typical service |
|---|---|---|---|
| M6 | NBR inner lip | zinc-plated steel | hydraulic ports and plugs |
| M8 | NBR inner lip | zinc-plated steel | hydraulic ports and plugs |
| M10 | NBR inner lip | zinc-plated steel | hydraulic ports and plugs |
| M12 | NBR inner lip | zinc-plated steel | hydraulic ports and plugs |
| M14 | NBR or FKM inner lip | zinc-plated or stainless | hydraulic and fuel |
| M16 | NBR or FKM inner lip | zinc-plated or stainless | hydraulic and fuel |
| M18 | NBR or FKM inner lip | zinc-plated or stainless | hydraulic |
| M20 | NBR or FKM inner lip | zinc-plated or stainless | hydraulic |
| M22 | NBR inner lip | zinc-plated steel | hydraulic |
| M27 | NBR inner lip | zinc-plated steel | hydraulic |

