FKM vs Viton vs FPM: What’s the Difference & How to Choose in 2026

If you’ve been confused by “FKM vs Viton vs FPM,” you’re not alone. This is one of the most commonly misunderstood topics in industrial sealing. Let’s set the record straight.

The Short Answer

FKM and FPM are the SAME material — they just use different naming standards. Viton® is a premium brand of FKM made by Chemours (formerly DuPont).

FKM vs Viton®: What You Need to Know

Not all FKM is created equal. Viton® is the original and most trusted brand, but there are quality competitors:

• Viton® (Chemours) — Original inventor, consistently high quality, premium price
• Daikin (Dai-El) — Japanese brand, excellent quality
• AGC (Fluorel) — Japanese, strong in the Asia-Pacific market
• Solvay (Tecnoflon) — European brand, strong chemical resistance
• Generic Chinese FKM — Varies widely; request third-party test reports

When to Choose Premium Viton® vs Standard FKM

• Choose Viton® or branded FKM for aerospace, medical, or safety-critical applications
• Standard quality FKM is sufficient for most automotive, industrial, and oil & gas sealing
• Always request SGS or material test reports regardless of brand

Temperature & Chemical Resistance

FKM is renowned for two key capabilities:

• Temperature: −26°C to +205°C (some specialty grades to +230°C)
• Chemical resistance: Excellent against oils, fuels, lubricants, mineral acids, and many organic solvents
• Limitations: Poor resistance to ketones, esters, and some brake fluids (DOT 5)

Buying FKM Seals from China: Key Checklist

• Request material data sheets (TDS) and SGS test reports
• Verify fluorine content — quality FKM should be 66%+ fluorine
• Confirm hardness (typically 75 Shore A for O-rings)
• Request samples for temperature/chemical testing before bulk orders
• Minimize order: start with 100–500 pieces for testing

Anlintech supplies FKM/Viton® seals and O-rings with optional third-party test reports. Contact us for a free material recommendation.