
VA179 consists of a breakthrough rubber technology increasing the FKM continuous high temperature limit an additional 20°C (68ºF) over standard FKM materials on the market today. This provides a new industry sealing solution to long-term compression set issues for customers using traditional fluorocarbons and silicones.
"In markets such as aerospace, automotive, and heavy-duty, we are frequently challenged to expand the temperature capabilities of our rubber compounds,” says Nathaniel Sowder, aerospace, military and chemical processing business development engineer, O-Ring & Engineered Seals Division, “With the launch of VA179, we now have a solution that will reach higher temperatures without sacrificing the low temperature and chemical resistance attributes that make standard FKM such a popular choice.”
VA179 provides a wide range of market and application potential with its competitive cost structure compared to more expensive sealing options. For decades, customers have used more expensive FFKM materials and metal seals for applications requiring temperatures greater than 200°C continuous.
"Semiconductor equipment engineers are constantly tasked to reduce the cost of running their tools. In high temperature processes, they often pay a premium for FFKM materials thinking it is the only option to reach the PM interval,” says Justin Byarski, life science, microelectronics, and general industrial business development engineer, O-Ring & Engineered Seals Division, “VA179 is a great new addition to our offering in those areas where FFKM is overkill."

VA179 Product Features
- -15 to 437ºF (-26 to 225ºC)
- 527ºF (275ºC) excursions
- Oil and hydraulic fluid resistant
- Compatible with diesel, biodiesel, and flex fuels
- Drastic improvement in compression set at 225ºC over traditional FKMs
- Use in applications such as turbochargers and jet turbines
- Available in o-rings and custom-molded shapes
Press release originally appeared on Parker's website on 9/25/18.

