What is Kalrez?

Kalrez is a high-performance elastomer material developed and manufactured by DuPont. It is a type of perfluoroelastomer, which means it is made up of a blend of fluorinated monomers that exhibit exceptional resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, and aggressive fluids.

Kalrez seals are widely used in various industrial applications where reliability, durability, and performance are critical, such as semiconductor manufacturing, oil and gas production, aerospace, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The material is known for its excellent thermal stability, chemical resistance, low outgassing, and long service life even in harsh environments.

Overall, Kalrez is a specialized type of elastomer that provides superior sealing performance under extreme conditions, making it a popular choice for the most demanding applications.

Applications of Kalrez

Here are some examples of applications where Kalrez is commonly used:

1. Semiconductor manufacturing: Kalrez is molded into seals that are used in critical equipment including wafer processing tools, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems, and etching equipment.
2. Aerospace: Kalrez seals are used in aircraft engines, hydraulic systems, and fuel systems.
3. Oil and gas production: Seals made of Kalrez are used in downhole drilling equipment and wellhead components.
4. Pharmaceutical manufacturing: Seals molded of Kalrez are used in critical process equipment such as pumps, valves, and mixers.
5. Food and beverage production: Kalrez seals are used in processing equipment including gaskets, seals, pumps, and valves.

Since Kalrez is a versatile material that can be used in a wide range of applications where reliability, durability, and performance are critical.

Compression Molding Kalrez

Kalrez parts are typically molded using a process called compression molding. Here are the general steps involved in the compression molding process:

1. Raw material preparation: The Kalrez material is first mixed with other ingredients to create a homogenous blend. The mixture is then cut into small pieces, which are called preforms.
2. Preheating: The preforms are placed in a preheating chamber, where they are heated to a specific temperature to soften the material and make it more pliable.
3. Molding: The preheated preform is then placed in a mold cavity within the compression mold tool, which is designed to produce the desired shape of the final part. The compression mold is then closed and pressure is applied to the material to force it to conform to the shape of the mold.
4. Curing: Once the material is in the mold, it is heated to a specific temperature and held under pressure for a specific amount of time. This process, called curing, allows the material to fully cross-link and create a strong, durable part.
5. Demolding: After the curing process is complete, the mold is opened, and the part is removed. The part is then inspected for quality and dimensional accuracy.

Overall, the compression molding process is a precise and controlled process that allows for the production of high-quality Kalrez parts with consistent performance and durability.

Cryogenic Deflashing Kalrez

Kalrez parts can be cryogenically deflashed if mold flashing exists after molding operations have been completed. Cryogenic deflashing is a process of removing flash or excess material from molded parts by immersing them in a gaseous nitrogen atmosphere while subjecting the parts to tumbling and media blasting mechanisms. This causes the flash to become brittle and break off when agitated.

Kalrez is a type of perfluoroelastomer that is highly resistant to heat and chemicals, and it is commonly used in high-temperature and high-pressure applications. Cryogenic deflashing is a gentle and effective method for removing flash from Kalrez parts without damaging their properties.

However, it is important to note that the specific cryogenic deflashing parameters, such as temperature and duration, must be carefully controlled to avoid any negative effects on the Kalrez material. It is recommended to consult with a cryogenic deflashing expert such as Nitrofreeze to ensure the parts are cryogenically deflashed correctly.

Want to send your molded Kalrez parts for a no-cost batch deflashing evaluation? Please contact us to learn more at info@nitrofreeze.com or call us at (508) 459-7447X105.