Best Technology launches PFAS-free Novec replacement solvent

Best Technology has introduced BestSolv Omega Plus, a PFAS-free precision cleaning solvent aimed at manufacturers looking for alternatives as 3M Novec inventories run down after 3M ended production of its engineered fluids in 2025. The new product targets flux, polar contaminants and industrial residues for electronics, semiconductor and other precision manufacturing uses.

Why it matters: - Manufacturers that stockpiled 3M™ Novec™ fluids are running into a supply transition as remaining inventories decline. - BestSolv® Omega Plus adds another PFAS-free option for precision cleaning and vapor degreasing applications. - The solvent is aimed at industries that need to maintain cleaning performance while moving away from legacy PFAS-containing fluids.

What happened: - Best Technology introduced BestSolv® Omega Plus, a PFAS-free precision cleaning solvent for 3M™ Novec™ replacement applications. - The product is designed to remove flux, polar contaminants, and industrial residues. - Best Technology positioned the solvent as an option for manufacturers whose Novec™ stock is getting low. - The announcement was dated Oct. 9, 2026.

The details: - BestSolv® Omega Plus is an alcohol-containing hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) solvent blend for precision cleaning and vapor degreasing. - The formulation includes isopropanol, or IPA. - IPA is intended to improve removal of polar and ionic contaminants, including solder flux residues and organic salts. - The solvent also targets oils, greases, waxes, and other industrial contaminants. - Best Technology says the product is PFAS-free and does not contain HFCs or HFEs. - Other listed characteristics include near-azeotropic formulation, low global warming potential, fast evaporation, and no surface residue. - Best Technology says the product is relevant for electronics, semiconductor, aerospace, medical device, and other precision manufacturing applications. - The solvent can be evaluated as a potential alternative for 3M™ Novec™ products including 71DA, 71DE, 71IPA, 72DA, 72DE, and 73DE. - The IPA-containing formulation is especially relevant for applications that used alcohol-containing fluids such as 3M™ Novec™ 72DA. - Best Technology says suitability depends on contaminants, materials, equipment, and operating conditions. - Manufacturers are expected to test and qualify replacement fluids before switching.

Between the lines: - 3M announced in December 2022 that it would exit PFAS manufacturing by the end of 2025. - 3M completed that exit at the end of 2025 and discontinued Novec™ engineered fluids. - The market now has a short window to qualify replacements before stored Novec™ supply is exhausted. - Best Technology is using the transition to position a broader replacement portfolio, not just one substitute chemistry. - Its lineup includes exact-molecule replacements, similar-molecule alternatives, and PFAS-free next-generation options.

What's next: - Best Technology says BestSolv® Omega Plus is available now for industrial precision cleaning and vapor degreasing. - The company says manufacturers should evaluate chemistry, compatibility, and process requirements before switching. - Replacement guidance is provided by Best Technology, not 3M, and 3M does not endorse or recommend alternatives. - Customers remain responsible for validating suitability in their own manufacturing processes.

The bottom line: - BestSolv® Omega Plus gives manufacturers another PFAS-free path as Novec™ inventories shrink and replacement qualification becomes more urgent.