If you rely on 3M Novec engineered fluids or Fluorinert electronic liquids in your manufacturing processes, finding a reliable Novec alternative is now essential. You have likely heard the news: 3M has discontinued its entire PFAS product line, including all Novec and Fluorinert fluids. 3M completed its exit from PFAS manufacturing at the end of 2025. Availability of remaining stock must be checked with the supplier.
For manufacturers across Australia and New Zealand who depend on these fluids for vapour degreasing, heat transfer, thermal testing, and immersion cooling, this creates an urgent need to identify reliable alternatives before existing supplies run out.
This guide explains what has changed and how to evaluate a Novec alternative for your specific cleaning or thermal management process. A replacement must be selected by fluid grade and validated in the equipment.
In December 2022, 3M announced it would exit all PFAS manufacturing by the end of 2025. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have come under increasing regulatory scrutiny globally due to environmental persistence concerns. Both Novec and Fluorinert product lines fall within this category.
This decision affects every industry that uses these fluids, from electronics manufacturing and semiconductor fabrication through to data centre cooling and aerospace testing. Check current manufacturer information and plan the transition around your exact fluid grade, process and equipment requirements.
Novec and Fluorinert fluids have been used extensively in precision manufacturing and testing environments. The key applications impacted include:
Techspray offers Precision-V products for selected cleaning and heat transfer applications. The range is not a universal replacement for every Novec or Fluorinert grade: compare the current technical data sheet and safety data sheet for the specific candidate.
The Precision-V range includes formulations for both vapour degreasing and heat transfer applications, with each variant offering a specific combination of boiling point, dielectric strength, solvency power, and chemical compatibility.
Techspray Precision-V vapour degreasing solvents (developed by Techspray) are designed for use in both open-top and closed-loop systems. They effectively remove flux residues, oils, greases, and particulates from manufactured components while offering low surface tension for thorough cleaning of complex geometries such as BGAs, QFNs, and fine-pitch connectors.
Key products include the PWR-4 Solvent range and Precision-V formulations with varying boiling points and azeotropic blends to match your specific cleaning requirements.
For cooling-system selection considerations, read our Fluorinert vs Novec comparison.
For thermal management, assess the specific fluid against operating temperature, boiling point, heat transfer performance, electrical properties and material compatibility. Suitability for single-phase or two-phase use, direct immersion and thermal testing must be confirmed for each grade and system. Environmental and safety properties must be checked in the current product documentation.
Each Precision-V variant offers a unique boiling point and dielectric profile, allowing engineers to select the optimal fluid for their application, whether cooling high-density computing infrastructure or conducting reliability testing on electronic assemblies.
Selecting the correct Novec alternative depends on your current fluid, your application, and your process parameters. Here are the key factors to consider:
ProfTek helps manufacturers assess Techspray fluid options. Contact us to confirm the product range, supply options and technical information available for your application:
Plan qualification and procurement before your current supply is exhausted. Confirm availability with the supplier, run controlled trials and obtain equipment manufacturer approval where required. Do not assume fluids can be mixed or substituted without checking compatibility.
For more information on available options, watch Techspray’s webinar on 3M Novec replacements.
Contact ProfTek today to discuss your replacement requirements. Share your current fluid grade, application, operating temperatures and equipment model so we can help assess candidate products and confirm supply options.
Browse our full range of Techspray solvents or view vapour degreasing solvents and heat transfer fluids on our website.
