Need a Kalrez Alternative? 4 Reasons to Use Markez

kalrez alternative

FFKM Compounds are In Demand

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®, Chemraz®, and Kalrez alternative Markez®, among others. FFKM compounds provide high reliability in both dynamic and static applications, provide excellent thermal resistance (from -46ºC to +325ºC), and strong chemical resistance.

Viewed as premium material to use in o-rings and gaskets, perfluoroelastomers are the elastomeric form of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) — 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.

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 — such as Kalrez — even higher. With increasing costs related to low supplies, it might be a great time to consider a Kalrez alternative. You’ll want an FFKM that can deliver the same kind of performance, but one that doesn’t come with the same price tag.

Why Markez is a Worthwhile Kalrez Alternative

If you’ve purchased or worked with perfluoroelastomer o-rings before, you’re 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’re also probably aware of their high costs.

At Marco Rubber & Plastics, our independent industry position has enabled us to develop Markez — 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.

Here are four reasons why Markez is the Kalrez alternative you should be investigating right now.

Availability

Markez isn’t 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.

Custom Geometry

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 — such as X-rings, gaskets, pads, and bumpers, or even a suction cup — to serve your application-specific needs.

High-Temperature Resistance

Despite better pricing, availability, and more customizable options, you won’t 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.

For instance, our Markez® Z1400 Perfluoroelastomer has best-in-class high heat resistance of up to 335ºC (635ºF) and can handle short exposures up to 350ºC, 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® 4079 (600ºF) and Kalrez® 7075 (620ºF).

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Chemical Compatibility

Markez also boasts the same broad chemical compatibility as its more high-priced alternative while potentially offering better steam and amine resistance as well.

Markez® Z2001 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® 6375 in applications across various industries where resistance to harsh solvents and steam resistance is required.

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Meanwhile, Markez® Z1352 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® 6380 due to its unique cross-linking processing that results in an enhanced chemical resistance to strong acids and hot amine (up to 200ºC or 392ºF).

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Why Marco Rubber is the Right Choice for Your Sealing Needs

Perfluoroelastomer o-rings and seals offer the performance that many industries need but often don’t find in other standard sealing materials. If long-lasting performance is essential for your application — whether it includes high temperatures, harsh chemicals and solvents, high pressures, high-temperature steam, or even subzero temperatures — the experts at Marco Rubber & Plastics can help you find or formulate the ideal solution to seal your success.

Our Markez line of perfluoroelastomer o-rings and seals 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 — 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.

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.

Our material and testing experts and engineers can guide you through our testing services to determine an application for the right solution and how Markez could be the right fit. We’re here to help you find a Kalrez alternative.

Seal Your Success with Markez O-Rings from Marco Rubber & Plastics

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