Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) compounds have risen in popularity as the premier material for high-end sealing applications due to their well-performing properties in a host of demanding industries such as chemical processing, oil and gas exploration, aerospace, semiconductors, and food manufacturing and processing. Examples of such materials include Kalrez\u00ae, Chemraz\u00ae, and Kalrez alternative Markez\u00ae, among others. FFKM compounds provide high reliability in both dynamic and static applications, provide excellent thermal resistance (from -46\u00baC to +325\u00baC), and strong chemical resistance.<\/p>\n
Viewed as premium material to use in o-rings and gaskets, perfluoroelastomers are the elastomeric form of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) \u2014 itself a versatile and popular material for multiple applications. Both FFKM and PTFE, however, rely on chemicals produced domestically from a range of production facilities in Texas and along the Gulf Coast. That region was hit hard by a swift-moving winter storm in February that shut down plants, claimed lives, and has caused rippling effects still felt throughout multiple supply chains today<\/a>.<\/p>\n This interruption in the supply chain of the chemicals needed to manufacture FFKM materials has helped drive the cost of the already premium-priced brand options \u2014 such as Kalrez \u2014 even higher. With increasing costs related to low supplies, it might be a great time to consider a Kalrez alternative. You\u2019ll want an FFKM that can deliver the same kind of performance, but one that doesn\u2019t come with the same price tag.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve purchased or worked with perfluoroelastomer o-rings<\/a> before, you\u2019re likely familiar with the benefits (high temperature resistance, high temperature steam resistance, nearly universal chemical compatibility, high purity) and demanding applications associated with them. You\u2019re also probably aware of their high costs.<\/p>\n At Marco Rubber & Plastics, our independent industry position has enabled us to develop Markez<\/b> <\/a>\u2014 a more cost-effective alternative that maintains the same performance level in demanding applications. Produced from nearly identical ingredients as Kalrez and other higher-priced brands, Markez compounds are used for applications requiring high temperature, chemical resistance, and high-pressure o-rings that deliver comparable performance to other major FFKM bands.<\/p>\n Here are four reasons why Markez is the Kalrez alternative you should be investigating right now.<\/p>\n Markez isn\u2019t facing any of the supply shortages currently plaguing Kalrez. You can order it today, and in many cases, Marco Rubber & Plastics can deliver same-day shipping.<\/p>\n Our proprietary processing allows Marco Rubber to not only supply seals under an inch in size more efficiently, but also to use this compound in the continuously molded production method. This means we can create custom Markez solutions for infinitely sized o-rings or craft custom-shaped options using compression molding \u2014 such as X-rings<\/a>, gaskets<\/a>, pads, and bumpers, or even a suction cup \u2014 to serve your application-specific needs.<\/p>\n Despite better pricing, availability, and more customizable options, you won\u2019t sacrifice anything in performance if you opt for Markez over Kalrez in terms of high-temperature resistance. Our Markez products will match, and in some cases exceed, the prescribed limits for their Kalrez counterparts.<\/p>\n For instance, our Markez\u00ae Z1400 Perfluoroelastomer<\/b> has best-in-class high heat resistance of up to 335\u00baC (635\u00baF) and can handle short exposures up to 350\u00baC, while still providing a wide range of chemical, acid, and solvent resistance. It could serve as a replacement for and compares favorably to both Kalrez\u00ae 4079 (600\u00baF) and Kalrez\u00ae 7075 (620\u00baF).<\/p>\n View Data Sheet<\/a> | Get a Quote<\/a><\/p>\n Markez also boasts the same broad chemical compatibility as its more high-priced alternative while potentially offering better steam and amine resistance as well.<\/p>\n Markez\u00ae Z2001<\/b> has nearly universal compatibility, excels at higher temperature steam resistance, and also claims high-pressure anti-explosive decompression resistance that met the NACE TM0297-2002 standard test. It can be used as a substitute for Kalrez\u00ae 6375 in applications across various industries where resistance to harsh solvents and steam resistance is required.<\/p>\n View Data Sheet <\/a>| Get a Quote<\/a><\/p>\n Meanwhile, Markez\u00ae Z1352<\/b> has almost universal chemical compatibility for use in semiconductor, oil and gas, and general chemical applications. More readily available and less expensive, it makes for an ideal replacement for Kalrez\u00ae 6380 due to its unique cross-linking processing that results in an enhanced chemical resistance to strong acids and hot amine (up to 200\u00baC or 392\u00baF).<\/p>\n View Data Sheet<\/a> | Buy Online Now<\/a><\/p>\n Perfluoroelastomer o-rings and seals offer the performance that many industries need but often don\u2019t find in other standard sealing materials. If long-lasting performance is essential for your application \u2014 whether it includes high temperatures, harsh chemicals and solvents, high pressures, high-temperature steam, or even subzero temperatures \u2014 the experts at Marco Rubber & Plastics can help you find or formulate the ideal solution to seal your success.<\/p>\n Our Markez line of perfluoroelastomer o-rings and seals<\/a> is available in a wide variety of compound options. It can be modified according to your specific application, ensuring that you have the seal you need. And because we have millions of products in stock and ready to ship throughout our network, we can get you the right seal quickly thanks to our rapid fulfillment \u2014 in many instances, your order will ship same-day. And if a custom formulation is needed, our responsive team will get back to your request often in a matter of hours with pricing and next steps.<\/p>\n Due to material shortages, Kalrez prices will only increase. This offers you a great opportunity to explore an equivalent material that is readily available and provides the same levels of performance that you demand from your current sealing solutions.<\/p>\n Our material and testing experts and engineers can guide you through our testing services to determine an application<\/a> for the right solution and how Markez could be the right fit. We\u2019re here to help you find a Kalrez alternative.<\/p>\n Due to shortages are you looking for a Kalrez\u00aealternative? Here are four reasons why Markez\u00ae FFKM products from Marco Rubber & Plastics are the solution you need.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":99,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[7],"class_list":["post-98","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general","tag-markez"],"yoast_head":"\nWhy Markez is a Worthwhile Kalrez Alternative<\/h2>\n
Availability<\/h3>\n
Custom Geometry<\/h3>\n
High-Temperature Resistance<\/h3>\n
Chemical Compatibility<\/h3>\n
Why Marco Rubber is the Right Choice for Your Sealing Needs<\/h2>\n
Seal Your Success with Markez O-Rings from Marco Rubber & Plastics<\/h3>\n
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