Product Development
ELASTOMERIC MATERIAL SELECTION GUIDE
The following information is provided as a starting point in the process of selecting an appropriate elastomeric material for specific applications. This information has been collected from various sources and is believed to be reliable, however, no warranty to its accuracy or completeness is implied or expressed. The final determination of the suitability of a material to an application is the sole responsibility of the user. Northwest Rubber Extruders, Inc. or its employees assume no responsibility or liability.
In order to select an elastomeric material for a specific application, the following questions should be considered:
WHAT ARE THE SERVICE CONDITIONS THAT THE PRODUCT WILL ENCOUNTER?
- Movement – Either static or dynamic
- Fluid / Chemical Contact – Including any additives or possible contaminants
- Temperature Range – Minimum and maximum in operation
- Pressure Range – Minimum and maximum in operation
- Compression / Deflection / Torsion
- Vacuum Application – Applied & cyclic
WHAT ARE THE DESIGN REQUIREMENTS?
- Dimensions – Critical and applied tolerances
- Configuration – Special shape for a specific use or application
- Description / Function – Seal, gasket, insulator, cushion, etc.
- Expected / Desired Service Life
- Manufacturing / Assembly considerations – Affect on product
- Regulatory Considerations
WHAT ARE THE QUALITY REQUIREMENTS?
- Material Specifications – SAE, ASTM, MiL, ZZ-R-765
- Material Qualification – Actual testing or compounded to meet
- Lot Sampling vs. 100% inspection
- Color or Visual requirements
- Acceptable Quality Level
- Inspection Criteria
- Test Reports or Certification Requirements
- Trim Level – Required detail to meet visual & functional requirements
- Test Slab or Specimen Requirements
Typical Characteristics / Resistance Guide
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages | Where Used | Application Temp. Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butadiene (BR), Styrene Butadiene (SBR) |
|
|
| -50°F to 212°F |
| Butyl (IIR) |
|
|
| -40°F to 265°F |
| Ethylene Propylene (EPM, EPDM) |
|
|
| -60°F to 300°F |
| Fluorocarbon Elastomer (FKM) |
|
|
| 5°F to 390°F |
| Fluorosilicone (FVMQ) |
|
|
| -75°F to 450°F |
| Natural rubber, Isoprene (NR) |
|
|
| -60°F to 220°F |
| Neoprene (CR) |
|
|
| -40°F to 250°F |
| Nitrile, Buna-N (NBR) |
|
|
| -20°F to 210°F |
| Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR) |
|
|
| -20°F to 275°F |
| General Purpose Silicone (MQ, VMQ) |
|
|
| -75°F to 450°F |
| Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV) |
|
|
| -75°F to 210°F |
| Kraton® G (SEBS, SEPS) |
|
|
| -80°F to 160°F |
| Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
|
|
| -20°F to 180°F |
| High Molecular Weight Polyvinyl Chloride (HMPVC) |
|
|
| -58°F to 220°F |