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- 1230 Fire Protection Fluid
- Aerosol Cleaners
- Insulating Gases
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- Engineered Fluids
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- Applications
- Aerosol Formulations
- Carrier Solvent and Lubricant Deposition
- Protective coating for electronic device components
- Fire Suppression
- Immersion Cooling
- Insulating Gases
- Solvent Cleaning and Vapour Degreasing
- Thermal Management
- Immersion Cooling for High Powered Electronics
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- Resources
- Resource Library
- Hot Topics
- 3M Novec Sustainable Chemisty
- 3M™ Novec™ Insulating Gas – Sustainable SF₆ alternative
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- Support
Carrier solvent and lubricant deposition
When creating coatings, cleaners and lubricants, your choice of carrier solvent makes a big difference. Whether it's a new formulation or a replacement for n-propyl bromide (nPB), trichloroethylene (TCEs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), the performance and quality of the fluid you choose can significantly impact the quality of your final product.
At 3M, we understand it can sometimes be a challenge to find an optimised solution for your formulations. You may think you have to sacrifice safety, sustainability or both for high performance. But with 3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids, a proprietary family of safe and sustainable solvents, there is no compromise.
Novec Engineered Fluids for key applications
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Coating formulation and dilutionDeliver the performance your customers demand, including the touch screen that connects them to their devices and the internal components that make the devices work. Our engineered fluids will help you develop screen coatings and electronic coatings that achieve the feel and performance your specifications call for.
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Industrial chemical cleaner formulationIndustrial cleaner customers have strict demands for performance, safety and regulatory compliance. By creating your cleaners with innovative 3M Novec Engineered Fluids, you can meet their precise specifications for materials compatibility, effectiveness and worker safety.
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Lubricant depositionToday’s complex mechanisms require the precise interaction of carefully engineered parts — and that means effective lubricant deposition. We’ve engineered the right mix of solubility, low surface tension and viscosity to help your products provide complete coverage and excellent penetration.
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Silicone depositionThe manufacturing process for medical products, which are designed to save and improve lives, must meet stringent standards. For the deposition of silicone for medical and other applications, you can trust the features of 3M Novec Engineered Fluids.
No trade-offs. Just results.
Novec fluids offer an outstanding combination of performance, safety and environmental properties, allowing you to provide your customers with unique new solutions that get the job done.
Smart
Novec fluids offer a wide range of boiling points, are non-flammable, and have low surface tension and low viscosity for uniform application and coverage. And with their excellent materials compatibility and solubility, you’ll have the formulating freedom you need to create the perfect mix.
Safe
3M Novec Engineered Fluids are a safer alternative to n-propyl bromide (nPB) and trichloroethylene (TCE). In addition to their low toxicity and overall wide margin of worker safety, Novec fluids are non-flammable and our neat fluid options are excellent for making formulations inert.
Sustainable
Novec fluids are not targeted for regulatory phase-down, unlike conventional solvents such as n-propyl bromide (nPB), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (such as HCFC-225) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are either being phased down or are already banned in Europe.
Why choose 3M Novec?
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Unique Chemistry
3M Novec Engineered Fluids are based on a proprietary 3M chemistry. These unique, low global warming potential (GWP) materials feature physical properties that make them an ideal solution for many of today’s most demanding solvent and lubricant applications.Global scale and experience
With operations and technical experts around the world, we have the reach to support you anywhere.Access to our experts
Our people help you develop the optimal product using our knowledge and experience to help you accelerate your business. We collaborate with you directly to help solve your unique challenges and realise your vision.Samples
Put our products to the test. With our materials, backed by extensive data, you can simplify your formulating and decision making.Manufacturing experience and quality standards
We apply our long history and experience to meet your highest standards for quality and consistency.
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SolubilityFreedom to formulate with a wide range of materials, including hydrocarbons and fluorocarbons.
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StabilityConsistent performance and reduced chance of formulation property changes in storage or transport. -
CompatibilityCompatible with metals and most plastics and elastomers.
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Low surface tension and viscosityImproved wetting and easy spraying for more uniform application and coverage. -
Wide selection of boiling pointsBetter control over drying times and dripping. -
InertingOur neat fluid options can help inert flammable fluids, improving safety for workers and customers.
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VersatilityExcellent balance of performance, materials compatibility, safety and environmental properties.
Featured resources and tools for coating, cleaning and lubricant formulations
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Product selection guideDownload guide (PDF, 79 KB)Coating, cleaning and lubricant formulation brochureDownload brochure (PDF, 1.00 MB)Resource libraryVisit resource libraryThe HFC Phase-down: what it Means to the Industry.
Let us answer your questions about Novec fluids
3M Novec is more than a line of products — there’s a whole team of people who share your passion for solving problems and improving lives. Are you interested in learning more about 3M Novec Engineered Fluids? We are here to answer questions and offer support. Want to see what our products can do before you decide? We’re ready to help with samples and testing, too.