3M™ Novec™ 72DA Production Ending – Final Order Deadline
March 31, 2025 is the last day that orders for 3M™ Novec™ products will be accepted due to the phaseout.
Take control of your future by switching to BestSolv™ 72DA or BestSolv™ Alpha today. Don’t wait and risk production delays!
3M™ Novec™ 72DA Engineered Fluid
In today’s manufacturing world, vapor degreasing and precision cleaning are crucial for achieving high-quality product output. Using the right solvent is key to ensuring that these processes are carried out effectively. One such solvent that has been engineered to provide optimal results is 3M™ Novec™ 72DA Engineered Fluid.
This advanced engineered fluid is designed specifically for vapor degreasing and precision cleaning applications. Its low surface tension allows it to carry out thorough cleaning of even the most intricate and delicate components without causing any damage to the surface. With low toxicity and low global warming potential, 3M™ Novec™ 72DA is a reliable and sustainable solvent that guarantees performance and environmental compliance.
3M™ Novec™ 72 DA is also a highly effective solution for flux removal during PCB manufacturing. Its precision cleaning capabilities make it a crucial component in the production of high-quality medical device and electronic products.
What is Novec™?
Novec™ is a brand of engineered fluid developed by 3M™ for use in vapor degreasing and precision cleaning. Novec™ fluids use hydrofluoroether (HFE) chemistry, and are non-flammable, low toxicity replacements for CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, n-propyl bromide (nPB) and chlorinated solvents.
What is 3M™ Novec™ 72DA? – Features & Benefits
3M™ Novec™ 72DA is based on a blend of azeotropes designed for medium to heavy-duty precision cleaning of metallic parts and solder flux residue. This stable blend is especially effective for medium- to heavy-duty degreasing and defluxing operations. Novec™ 72DA has essentially constant vapor and liquid composition at its boiling point, and can be used in a variety of vapor degreasing systems.
The chemical composition of 3M™ Novec™ 72DA is a hydrofluoroether (HFE) blend of Novec™ 7100 and Novec™ 7200 with 1,2 trans DCE and ethanol. The Novec™ 7100 portion of the HFE blend consists of two inseparable isomers of methyl nonafluorobutyl ether (C4F9OCH3) with essentially identical properties. These are (CF3)2CFCF2OCH3 (CAS 163702-08-7) and CF3CF2CF2CF2OCH3 (CAS 163702-07-6). The Novec™ 7200 portion of the HFE blend consists of two inseparable isomers of ethyl nonafluorobutyl ether with essentially identical properties. These are (CF3)2CFCF2OC2H5 (CAS 163702-06-5) and CF3CF2CF2CF2OC2H5 (CAS 163702-05-4).
Novec™ 72DA offers a range of benefits for various manufacturing applications and is particularly useful for cleaning medical device parts, electronics and aerospace parts during production.
- Stable, azeotropic solvent blend
- Low global warming potential (GWP)
- Zero ozone depletion potential (ODP)
- Non-flammable
- Low toxicity makes it safe for workers and the environment
- Low surface tension allows it to penetrate tight spaces for thorough cleaning
3M™ Novec™ 72DA Data Sheets
| Data Sheets | Container Sizes Available (Gallons) |
| 3M™ Novec™ 72DA Technical Data Sheet (PDF) | 55 gal. drum 5 gal. container 1 gal. glass container |
What is Novec™ 72DA Compatible With?
Novec™ 72DA engineered fluid is ideal for flux removal and vapor degreasing operations. It is compatible with a wide range of metals, some plastics and elastomers.
Learn more about materials compatibility on our Solvent Cleaning page.
3M™ Novec™ Voluntary Phase Out Announcement
On December 20, 2022, 3M™ announced plans to exit per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) manufacturing and work to discontinue the use of the PFAS in its product portfolio by the end of 2025.
As an authorized 3M™ Engineered Fluids distributor, Best Technology remains committed to our customers throughout this transition and continues to receive 3M™ Novec™ products. We will continue to advocate for our customers to fulfill current orders as well as secure products for future orders. We highly recommend preparing for the phaseout by testing BestSolv™ replacement fluids.
3M™ Novec™ 72DA Replacement Fluid – BestSolv™ 72DA or BestSolv™ Alpha
Realizing our customers must transition away from 3M™ Novec™ 72DA, Best Technology offers BestSolv™ 72DA as a Novec™ 72DA exact molecule replacement, or BestSolv™ Alpha as a Novec™ 72DA similar molecule, drop-in replacement, based on the 3M™ announcement of the Novec™ fluid phase out in 2022.
Learn more about the BestSolv™ product line of 3M™ Novec™ replacements.
Properties of 3M™ Novec™ 72DA vs BestSolv™ 72DA and BestSolv™ Alpha and BestSolv™ Omega
| Property | 3M™ Novec™ 72DA | BestSolv™ 72DA* | BestSolv™ Alpha* | BestSolv™ Omega* |
| Cost Comparison | $$$$ | $$ | $ | $$$$ |
| Composition |
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| Replacement Type | Exact Molecule | Similar Molecule, Drop-In Replacement | PFAS-Free Drop-In Replacement | |
| Cleaning Performance | Heavy Duty | Heavy Duty | Heavy Duty | Heavy Duty |
| Boiling Point | 111 °F / 44 °C | 111 °F / 44 °C | 107 °F / 42 °C | 114 °F / 46 °C |
| Stability | Near Azeotrope | Near Azeotrope | Near Azeotrope | Near Azeotrope |
| Vapor Pressure | 360 mmHg | 360 mmHg | 343 mmHg | 341 mmHg |
| Liquid Density | 1.27 g/cm2 | 1.27 g/cm2 | 1.32 g/cm2 | 1.27 g/cm2 |
| Surface Tension | 18 dynes/cm | 18 dynes/cm | 18 dynes/cm | 22 dynes/cm |
| Kauri-Butanol Value | 58 Kb | 58 Kb | 80 Kb | 118 Kb |
| Global Warming Potential (GWP) | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) | None | None | None | None |
| Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Designation | Yes – 1,2 trans DCE is a VOC. | Yes – 1,2 trans DCE is a VOC. | Yes – 1,2 trans DCE is a VOC. | Yes – 1,2 trans DCE is a VOC. |
| Flash Point | None | None | None | None |
*Note: Information is provided by Best Technology, not 3M™. 3M™ does not endorse or recommend any alternative material. As such, the customer is responsible for evaluation of the material’s various properties when looking at alternatives.
3M™ Novec™ Price and Ordering
For purposes of product stewardship, 3M™ Novec™ fluids cannot be sold directly online and are available for customers in the United States only.
Please contact our chemical sales department for a quote by clicking the “Get a Quote” button, or call 612-392-2414, ext. 2.