AFM seals
Asbestos-free, highly durable, and versatile
AFM is a high-quality, asbestos-free fiber-based sealing material that is particularly notable for its high resistance to pressure and temperature. In addition, AFM seals offer excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and gases, as well as high mechanical strength and adaptability. Thanks to these properties, AFM seals are used in numerous industrial applications—particularly in piping, pumps, valves, and in mechanical and plant engineering.
We at Rehm Dichtungen Ehlers GmbH process various grades of AFM gaskets into custom flat and flange gaskets. From standard solutions to custom-made products based on drawings, we manufacture your desired AFM gaskets precisely according to your requirements. Whether it’s a prototype, a small-batch production run, or a large-scale production run—at Rehm Dichtungen, you benefit from our many years of experience and manufacturing processes tailored to every batch size and dimension.
What are AFM seals?
AFM gaskets consist primarily of aramid fibres, asbestos substitutes and, depending on the quality selected, other filling substances. For this reason, the material is excellently suited as a sealing material.
AFM Grades Available from Rehm Dichtungen
With us, you have the option of choosing from various AFM qualities and having them processed by us. AFM 34 from the manufacturer REINZ is considered a classic, as it can be used universally in many areas.
The following information refers to a nominal material thickness of 2.00 mm.
AFM
AFM 30
The material has very good thermal and mechanical properties as well as high pressure resistance. For this reason, flat gaskets made of this sealing material are used to seal gases and liquids.
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
| Density [g/cm³] | ISO 1183 | 1,75-1,95 |
| Tensile strength [N/mm²] | ASTM F152 | > 12 |
| Compressive creep strength [N/mm²] | DIN 52 913 | ≈ 25 |
| Continuous temperature | 250° C | |
| Max. operating pressure [bar] | 125 |
Approvals and certifications:
- DIN-DVGW according to DIN 3535, part 6 FA
- DIN 30653 (formerly VP 401) for gaskets with higher thermal load capacity (HTB)
- BAM for flange connections in oxygen steel pipelines up to 100 bar and 80 °C
- Germanischer Lloyd (DNV GL) as approval for shipbuilding
AFM 31
The AFM 31 material is also an asbestos-free gasket material.
With regard to the properties, the high adaptability, the high compressibility and flexibility as well as the very good sealing effect against liquids and gases can be emphasised.
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
| Density [g/cm³] | ISO 1183 | 1,4 - 1,7 |
| Tensile strength [N/mm²] | ASTM F152 | > 8 |
| Compressive creep strength [N/mm²] | DIN 52 913 | ≈ 24 |
| Continuous temperature | 250° C | |
| Max. operating pressure [bar] | 80 |
AFM 34
AFM 34 is an asbestos-free gasket material that contains aramid fibres, inorganic fillers and other high-temperature resistant substances and is physiologically harmless.
AFM 34 has a high tensile and compressive strength. Flat gaskets made of the sealing material are mainly used for sealing gases and liquids (e.g. oils, solvents, fuels) as well as for sealing hot water and steam up to 200 °C. The material is also characterised by high temperature resistance and good usability at high pressures.
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
| Density [g/cm³] | ISO 1183 | 1,8 - 2,0 |
| Tensile strength [N/mm²] | ASTM F152 | >18 |
| Compressive creep strength [N/mm²] | DIN 52 913 | ≈ 25 |
| Continuous temperature | 250° C | |
| Max. operating pressure [bar] | 150 |
Approvals and certifications:
- DIN-DVGW according to DIN 3535, part 6 FA
- DIN 30653 (formerly VP 401) for gaskets with higher thermal load capacity (HTB)
- Fire Safe to BS 6755 and API 6FB
- BAM for flange connections in oxygen steel pipelines up to 100 bar and 80 °C
- TA Luft for high-quality seals (200 °C, 48h and 2000h)
- Germanischer Lloyd (DNV GL) as approval for shipbuilding
AFM 38
The AFM 38 material is the most inexpensive AFM material. The asbestos-free fibre material is an oil- and solvent-resistant sealing material and is characterised by its high compressibility and flexibility as well as its high gas tightness.
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
| Density [g/cm³] | ISO 1183 | 1,5 - 1,7 |
| Tensile strength [N/mm²] | ASTM F152 | > 7 |
| Compressive creep strength [N/mm²] | DIN 52 913 | > 25 |
| Continuous temperature | 220° C | |
| Max. operating pressure [bar] | 60 |
Approvals and certifications:
- Germanischer Lloyd (DNV GL) as approval for shipbuilding
AFM 39
Temperature resistant and very adaptable. Good sealing effect even with easily deformable components. Approved for shipbuilding according to DNV GL.
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
| Density [g/cm³] | ISO 1183 | 1,8 - 2,0 |
| Tensile strength [N/mm²] | ASTM F152 | > 7 |
| Compressive creep strength [N/mm²] | DIN 52 913 | > 25 |
| Continuous temperature | 220° C | |
| Max. operating pressure [bar] | 60 |
AFM 39/2
This material is also adaptable and flexible and can achieve a good sealing effect with a low surface pressure. In addition, AFM 39/2 has a sufficiently high pressure resistance and gas tightness. The sealing material is resistant to solvents, oils, fuels and other media.
Technical data sheet:
Properties:
| Density [g/cm³] | ISO 1183 | 1,75 - 1,95 |
| Tensile strength [N/mm²] | ASTM F152 | > 7 |
| Compressive creep strength [N/mm²] | DIN 52 913 | ≈ 25 |
| Continuous temperature | 220° C | |
| Max. operating pressure [bar] | 60 |
Approvals and certifications:
- Elastomer Guideline (formerly KTW)
- DVGW Code of Practice W270 on microbiological suitability
- Germanischer Lloyd (DNV GL) as approval for shipbuilding
The properties of AFM gaskets as sealing material
Depending on the grade, the material contains aramid fibers and other asbestos-free, heat-resistant substances, as well as inorganic fillers. The AFM gaskets from REINZ-Dichtungs-GmbH available from us are soft-material gaskets that offer versatile properties and can be used in many industrial applications.
AFM 39/2, for example, is a flexible, physiologically compatible soft material and is certified accordingly to DVGW W270. AFM 38 has DNV GL approval (Germanischer Lloyd) and is therefore suitable for use in shipbuilding. Furthermore, this cost-effective material is both oil- and solvent-resistant and offers excellent gas-tightness. A high sealing effect can be achieved, particularly at low contact pressures.
Do you have any questions or would you like some free advice?
Feel free to contact us - we will help you! Our dedicated team is always on hand to answer your questions.
The advantages and material properties of AFM gaskets at a glance
AFM is suitable as a sealing material due to a number of specifications that are particularly required in the context of mechanically and thermally demanding applications.
The material is:
- high temperature resistant
- mechanical-thermal; very solid
- Highly pressure resistant
- Resistant to oils, gases and fuels
- Resistant to mixtures of water with antifreeze agents
- Very flexible
AFM gaskets or flat gaskets are also a good choice for pipelines to prevent gases and liquids from escaping at joints. The fibrous materials adapt well to different surface conditions.
Areas of application for AFM seals
Flat gaskets or flange gaskets made of AFM are used in a wide variety of industrial areas.
Gaskets made of AFM 30 are used in particular in compressors, pipelines, apparatus, gearboxes, gas meters and combustion engines. The gasket material is also used to seal gearbox, hydraulic and engine oils as well as fuels.
Flat gaskets made from AFM 31 are primarily used in sealing points with easily deformable structural parts with low surface pressures. Examples include oil pans, compressors, pipelines, apparatus and gearboxes. The material is also suitable for sealing against engine, transmission and hydraulic oils as well as fuels.
Due to the physiological harmlessness of AFM 34, gaskets and flat gaskets made of this material can be used in the drinking water and food sectors as well as for sealing products that are sensitive to contamination.
Thanks to its mechanical and thermal properties, the gasket material can be used as a heavy-duty gasket in combustion engines, oil filters and oil, fuel and vacuum pumps. We are also familiar with the use of flat gaskets made from AFM 34 in DIN and ANSI pipe flanges as well as pumps and fittings in industrial plants. The field of application for AFM 34 includes use in hot water boilers, solar systems and radiator connections.
AFM 38 is used for sealing connections with low thermal and mechanical requirements.
Seals made from AFM 39/2 can be used in the drinking water and food industries due to their physiological harmlessness. Other areas of application for the fiber material are in appliances, gearboxes, pumps and sanitary fittings.
We will be happy to answer whether the fibre is also suitable for your applications. Please contact our customer service for comprehensive advice.
FAQ on AFM Seals:
What are AFM seals?
Can AFM gaskets also be equipped with self-adhesive?
In which forms can AFM qualities be obtained from Rehm Dichtungen?
Where can AFM seals be used?
About Fiber Gaskets