This is a notification regarding the planned substitution of the base polymers used in our FKM compounds that were previously sourced from 3M. This email is intended to meet the change notification requirements included in any quality or supply agreements we have in place with your company. If no agreement is in place, we are fulfilling our commitment to providing the highest levels of quality and service.

Due to 3M no longer supplying FKM base polymers, we have had to evaluate alternative materials and sources. This means that most Precision Associates, Inc. (PAI) compounds in the 9000 series will be replaced by a 10000 series compound. The replacement formulations are tested to ensure they have physical properties that match as closely as possible to the original.

Using the most commonly purchased FKM compound as an example, the datasheets for the original 9746 compound and the replacement 10746 compound are found here for reference and comparison.

I would be happy to quote any additional qualification requirements you may have. As has always been the case, PAI provides no assurances that our compounds are suitable for your application, or that they will meet your performance standards. You are responsible for those qualifications.

We understand that changes in compound formulations are not insignificant and present some level of risk to your application. The events that caused this disruption are both unfortunate and out of our control. However, we feel we have done everything possible to provide you with a solution to this issue as quickly and effectively as possible.

In order to prevent any undue delay, we ask that our customers:

  • Update prints with the new compounds, if applicable
  • Reference the new compound numbers on purchase orders

We expect all the new 10000 series compounds to be available by the end of 1Q2024. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or to discuss any additional qualification activity you may require.