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Tergo™ XCF3 – PFAS-Free Precision Cleaning Solvent
Advanced Vapour Degreasing and Precision Cleaning from MicroCare™
Tergo™ XCF3 from MicroCare™ is a next-generation, PFAS-free (non PFAS) industrial cleaning solvent developed for high-performance vapour degreasing and precision component cleaning.
Designed as an alternative to traditional cleaning solvents, including 3M™ Novec™ 71DE, 72DE and 73DE, trichloroethylene (TCE) and n-propyl bromide (nPB), Tergo™ XCF3 combines powerful cleaning performance with improved environmental characteristics.
Its low surface tension, low viscosity and fast evaporation enable effective removal of oils, greases, flux residues and other manufacturing contaminants from intricate components, including blind holes, narrow passages and complex geometries.
With a global warming potential (GWP) below 1, zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a PFAS-free formulation, Tergo™ XCF3 offers manufacturers a modern cleaning solution that supports environmental objectives without compromising precision cleaning performance.
Suitable for appropriately configured vapour degreasing and ultrasonic cleaning systems, it provides an effective solution for demanding industrial applications.
Applications
Tergo™ XCF3 is a versatile solvent suitable for a wide range of industrial cleaning and specialist processing applications.
Precision Degreasing
Effectively removes suitable machining oils, greases, lubricants and manufacturing residues from precision-engineered components. Its excellent penetration characteristics make it particularly useful for cleaning intricate geometries and difficult-to-access surfaces.
Electronics and Flux Removal
Suitable for selected electronics cleaning applications, including the removal of flux residues and processing contaminants from printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic assemblies, subject to material compatibility.
Precision Drying and Particle Displacement
Its fast evaporation, low viscosity and low surface tension support efficient drying, liquid displacement and particle removal from complex components and precision surfaces.
Carrier Solvent Applications
Can be used as a carrier for compatible specialist lubricants, including selected fluorinated and silicone-based oils and greases, enabling controlled application to precision components.
Alternative to Traditional Cleaning Solvents
Tergo™ XCF3 can be evaluated as a potential replacement for discontinued 3M™ Novec™ cleaning fluids, as well as selected applications currently using TCE, nPB, HCFCs and PFCs.
Replacement suitability depends on component materials, contamination types, cleanliness requirements and equipment compatibility.
Key Features and Benefits
PFAS-free formulation: Supports the transition away from selected traditional fluorinated cleaning chemistries.
Low environmental impact: Stated GWP below 1 and zero ozone depletion potential.
Non-flammable: Offers advantages for industrial solvent handling when used in accordance with manufacturer guidance.
High cleaning performance: Effectively removes suitable oils, greases, flux residues and manufacturing contaminants.
Fast drying: Supports efficient processing and minimal residual solvent.
Low surface tension and viscosity: Enables penetration into blind holes, narrow gaps and intricate geometries.
Vapour degreasing compatibility: Suitable for appropriately configured industrial vapour cleaning equipment.
Ultrasonic cleaning compatibility: Supports enhanced contaminant removal from complex components.
Solvent recovery: Can be recovered through distillation in compatible cleaning systems, helping reduce consumption and operating costs.
Broad application potential: Suitable for selected metals, polymers, PCBs and precision assemblies, subject to compatibility testing.
Versatile processing: Can support degreasing, flux removal, precision drying, particle displacement and specialist lubricant delivery.
Performance, Safety and Sustainability
Tergo™ XCF3 has been developed to meet the growing demand for effective industrial cleaning solvents with improved environmental characteristics.
Its PFAS-free chemistry, GWP below 1 and zero ODP make it an attractive alternative for manufacturers reviewing their existing cleaning processes in response to environmental policies, chemical regulations and supply chain requirements.
The solvent's non-flammable characteristics, fast evaporation and compatibility with suitable enclosed cleaning equipment support efficient and controlled industrial cleaning.
Where appropriate, solvent recovery through distillation can further reduce solvent consumption, waste generation and ongoing operating costs.
As with all industrial cleaning chemicals, solvent selection should be supported by the manufacturer's current safety data sheet, equipment compatibility checks and application-specific testing.
Industry Applications
Tergo™ XCF3 is suitable for evaluation across a broad range of industries requiring consistent component cleanliness and reliable cleaning performance.
Aerospace and Defence: Precision cleaning of compatible machined components, mechanical assemblies and intricate engineered parts.
Medical Devices: Manufacturing-stage cleaning of precision components, subject to cleanliness requirements and process validation.
Electronics: Removal of suitable flux residues, processing oils and contaminants from PCBs and electronic assemblies.
Automotive and Motorsport: Degreasing of precision-machined parts, mechanical components and assemblies.
Optical and Precision Engineering: Cleaning of intricate components and sensitive surfaces where material compatibility is confirmed.
General Manufacturing: Removal of machining oils, greases and manufacturing residues before inspection, assembly or further processing.
Replacing Discontinued 3M Novec Solvents
With the discontinuation of 3M's PFAS manufacturing, many businesses are seeking reliable alternatives to established Novec cleaning fluids.
Tergo™ XCF3 offers a potential replacement for selected applications previously using 3M™ Novec™ 71DE, 72DE and 73DE, providing effective precision cleaning alongside a PFAS-free formulation and low global warming potential.
When changing solvent chemistry, it is important to consider cleaning performance, component compatibility, operating temperatures, drying requirements and existing equipment specifications.
D&S Ultra-Clean can assist with evaluating Tergo™ XCF3 as an alternative, helping manufacturers identify suitable cleaning processes and equipment requirements.
UK Supply, Cleaning Trials and Technical Support
D&S Ultra-Clean Ltd is the exclusive UK distributor of MicroCare™ cleaning solvents, providing specialist technical advice, solvent selection assistance and comprehensive support for industrial precision cleaning applications.
Our experienced team works with customers to identify suitable cleaning solutions based on component materials, contamination types, cleanliness requirements and production needs.