“Exemptions to the PFAS ban are to be expected, as there are no foreseeable alternatives for various applications,” explains Volker Etzel, Application Engineer at Dana Incorporated - REINZ-Dichtungs-GmbH, in the trade magazine DICHT. The magazine reports on PTFE seals and an upcoming EU ban, pointing out that an alternative is already available in the form of the VICTOR REINZ AFM 34 seal.

Read Article DICHT!

PTFE- and FKM-based materials currently used in flat gaskets where maximum chemical resistance is required – such as in the chemical industry or in food applications – would be particularly affected by a ban. For many of these applications, Dana offers AFM 34, a sustainable, PFAS-free alternative: an aramid fiber soft material with high chemical resistance and FDA compliance that is ideal for numerous media.

We actively support our customers in switching to more environmentally friendly and legally compliant solutions – with proven Victor Reinz quality and a clear focus on future safety.

The transmission is already in use in the Lamborghini Revuelto and has been selected for several other high-performance vehicles, including future models from Aston Martin, Bugatti, and more.

A key achievement of this innovation is its reduced longitudinal dimension, which increases drivability and dynamic vehicle behavior by allowing for optimal vehicle weight distribution, reduced wheelbase, and reduced vehicle length. The modular architecture enables hybridization before clutch, after clutch (smaller dual clutch) or mechanical only (ICE, P2, P2.5 or P3 hybrid configurations). Moreover, there is now a wide range of operating modes for engine cranking, torque infill, power looping and BEV reverse. This results in a compact design whereby the transmission can be used for both the transverse and longitudinal versions. For Lamborghini, the transverse version made it possible to continue offering a V12 engine in a hybrid platform.

We’re proud that Victor Reinz sealing material is part of this success. These seals were manufactured from our Retall FPM material and then customized by our long-standing customer, FATI, into the right shape to fit perfectly into the transmission system. The successful cooperation is another important success factor for us.

The seals used in the SAV and CCV groups of the gearbox system: The SAV group (Sistema Attivazione Velocità) controls the activation of the gear changes. The CCV group (Comando Controllo Valvole) controls the activation of the clutches.

The Victor Reinz seals are important sealing components in these hydraulic groups and ensure reliable function and fluid-tight operation in high-performance applications such as the Lamborghini Revuelto (LB74X), as well as in the upcoming H8L transmission platform for other exclusive brands.

The PACE Award is widely recognized as one of the automotive industry’s most respected honors for product innovation. Dana’s win reflects its commitment to technical excellence, sustainability, and the future of mobility. We are proud to contribute with trusted sealing components made by Victor Reinz.

The gasket material AFM 80 possesses enhanced performance characteristics for difficult sealing situations in industry and is also PFAS-free. Specifically developed for the drinking water sector, AFM 34/2 already meets the KTW-BWGL approval criteria which will go into effect in March 2025 in accordance with the TrinkwV. KTW-BWGL stands for “Evaluation criteria for plastics and other organic materials in contact with drinking water”; TrinkwV for “Drinking Water Ordinance”.

AFM 80 – Even Stronger and More Adaptable
Gaskets made of AFM 80 make the perfect sealing solution for natural gas and hydrogen applications, refrigerating and air compressors as well as transmissions, pumps and fittings. AFM 80 shows its stuff under high pressure and vibration stress combined with narrow sealing lands. The material unites three of the most important properties of sealing technology: adaptability, strength and gas-tightness.

Dana makes AFM 80 without the use of any PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) at all. Many PFAS are toxic and cause widespread environmental pollution. The harmful chemicals can also be found in fish, milk and many other foodstuffs worldwide – and even in human blood and breastmilk. For that reason, Dana makes all of its AFM seals in line with PFAS Free, a central requirement from the industry.

AFM 34/2 – Even Better for Drinking Water
AFM 34/2 is a tried-and-true gasket classic from Dana for the drinking water sector and is approved under the Drinking Water Ordinance (or TrinkwV for short). Starting in March 1, 2025, plastics and other organic materials in contact with drinking water will have to meet heightened requirements for drinking water hygiene. Customers from Dana who use seals made of AFM 34/2 can lean back and relax: the Victor Reinz® gasket material AFM 34/2 is already certified according to the KTW-BWGL guideline under the TrinkwV, which will enter into effect in March 2025. And that goes for all required temperature ranges (cold, warm and hot water).

Dana and Victor Reinz^® at the Achema
After a break for the pandemic, Dana rejoined the exhibitors at the ACHEMA in Frankfurt this year. The world forum for chemical engineering, process engineering and biotechnology counted a total of 2,842 exhibitors from 56 nations. 106,001 participants from 141 countries attended the fairgrounds to find out about innovative new processes for the chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries. Thanks to the new developments in AFM 80 and AFM 34/2, Dana had a full stand every day of the fair.

The company has already scheduled its next major trade fair appearance in Germany: Dana will once again be presenting its product portfolio in Frankfurt, this time at the Automechanika, from September 10 to 14, 2024.

You can find more detailed information on Dana’s industrial sealing solutions at www.reinz-industrial.com .