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.
Available AFM gasket materials at Rehm Dichtungen Ehlers GmbH
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 qualities
AFM 30
The AFM 30 gasket material is an asbestos-free gasket material which basically consists of aramid fibres and other high-temperature resistant asbestos substitutes processed with elastomers.
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
As with the other AFM sealing materials, the AFM 39/2 is asbestos-free and physiologically harmless.
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 quality, the material contains aramid fibres and other asbestos-free, temperature-resistant substances as well as inorganic fillers. The AFM gaskets available from REINZ-Dichtungs-GmbH are soft materials that have universal properties and can be installed in many areas of industry.
AFM 39/2, for example, is an adaptable, physiological soft material and accordingly certified with DVGW W270. AFM 38 has DNV GL approval (Germanischer Lloyd) and is therefore suitable for use in shipbuilding. Furthermore, the low-priced material is resistant to oil and solvents as well as being outstandingly gas-tight. A high sealing effect can be achieved especially with low surface pressures.
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.
Seals made of AFM 30 are used in particular in compressors, pipelines, apparatus, gearboxes, gas meters and combustion engines. Furthermore, the gasket material is used for sealing gear, hydraulic and engine oils as well as fuels.
Flat gaskets made of AFM 31 are mainly used in sealing points with easily deformable construction parts at low surface pressures. Examples include oil pans, compressors, pipelines, apparatus and gearboxes. The material is also suitable for sealing against engine, gear and hydraulic oils as well as fuels.
Based on the physiological harmlessness of AFM 34, gaskets or flat gaskets made of this material can be used in the drinking water and foodstuffs 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 highly stressable gasket in the area of combustion engines, oil filters, as well as in oil, fuel and vacuum pumps. We are also aware of the use of AFM 34 flat gaskets in DIN and ANSI pipe flanges as well as pumps and fittings of industrial plants. The field of application of AFM 34 includes use in hot water heaters, solar systems and in radiator connections.
The applications of AFM 38 include sealing joints with low thermal and mechanical requirements.
Gaskets made of AFM 39/2 can be used in the drinking water and food industries due to their physiological harmlessness. Other areas of application for the fibre material are in apparatus, gears, 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.