Extruded rubber profiles are used across industries for sealing, cushioning, and insulating applications. These profiles are custom-shaped rubber products manufactured by forcing uncured rubber through a die to create specific cross-sections. Choosing the appropriate extruded rubber material is essential for durability and functionality under varying conditions. This guide details the most common materials, their applications, and their temperature ranges.

1. General-Purpose Extruded Rubber Materials

1.1. Nitrile (NBR, Buna-N)

• Applications:
  • Fuel and oil seals in automotive and industrial equipment
  • Hoses, gaskets, and vibration damping products
  • Resistant to hydrocarbons, oils, and fuels
• Temperature Range: -40°F to 250°F (-40°C to 121°C)

1.2. Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)

• Applications:
  • Weatherstripping, window seals, and door gaskets
  • Outdoor applications due to superior UV, ozone, and weather resistance
  • Steam and hot water seals in HVAC and plumbing systems
• Temperature Range: -60°F to 300°F (-51°C to 149°C)

1.3. Silicone

• Applications:
  • High-temperature seals for ovens, appliances, and medical-grade equipment
  • Food and pharmaceutical applications due to biocompatibility
  • Electrical insulation and flexible sealing in dynamic environments
• Temperature Range: -100°F to 500°F (-73°C to 260°C)

1.4. Neoprene

• Applications:
  • Marine environments (resistant to saltwater and weathering)
  • Seals for refrigeration units, including ammonia and Freon
  • Shock absorption and vibration damping
• Temperature Range: -50°F to 250°F (-46°C to 121°C)

1.5. Natural Rubber

• Applications:
  • Shock absorbers, conveyor belts, and flexible seals
  • Applications requiring high tensile strength and elasticity
  • Limited chemical and ozone resistance, ideal for indoor use
• Temperature Range: -40°F to 180°F (-40°C to 82°C)

2. Specialty Extruded Rubber Materials

2.1. Fluorocarbon (Viton)

• Applications:
  • High-performance seals in chemical processing, fuel handling, and automotive systems
  • Resistant to aggressive chemicals, hydrocarbons, and extreme temperatures
• Temperature Range: -15°F to 450°F (-26°C to 232°C)

2.2. Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR)

• Applications:
  • High-pressure, oil, and gas seals
  • Automotive applications such as timing belts and coolant systems
  • Superior resistance to heat, oils, and mechanical stress
• Temperature Range: -40°F to 325°F (-40°C to 163°C)

2.3. Fluorosilicone

• Applications:
  • Aerospace and automotive fuel systems
  • Seals exposed to extreme low and high temperatures with aggressive chemicals
• Temperature Range: -100°F to 350°F (-73°C to 177°C)

2.4. Polyurethane

• Applications:
  • High-wear, abrasion-resistant seals and bumpers
  • Dynamic applications like rollers, wheels, and conveyor belts
• Temperature Range: -65°F to 212°F (-54°C to 100°C)

2.5. Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM, Kalrez)

• Applications:
  • Extreme chemical resistance for semiconductor, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical industries
  • High-performance sealing in aggressive environments
• Temperature Range: Up to 608°F (320°C)

3. Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs)

• Applications:
  • Lightweight seals, weatherstripping, and cushioning components
  • Non-chemical environments requiring flexibility and cost-efficiency
• Temperature Range: -40°F to 275°F (-40°C to 135°C)

4. Sponge Rubber and Foam Profiles

4.1. Closed-Cell Sponge Rubber

• Applications:
  • Weatherstripping, padding, and sealing
  • Water-resistant seals for marine and automotive applications
• Temperature Range: Dependent on base material (e.g., EPDM, Neoprene, Silicone)

4.2. Open-Cell Sponge Rubber

• Applications:
  • Noise reduction and cushioning
  • HVAC duct sealing and thermal insulation
• Temperature Range: Dependent on base material

Selection Guidelines

1. Operating Conditions: Identify environmental exposure, including temperature, UV, ozone, chemicals, and abrasion.
2. Application Type:
   • Static Applications: Focus on compression set resistance.
   • Dynamic Applications: Prioritize abrasion and fatigue resistance.
3. Custom Profiles: Opt for extruded shapes tailored to unique sealing needs (e.g., U-channels, D-profiles, and P-strips).
4. Regulatory Compliance: Verify compliance with industry standards like FDA, NSF, or UL for specific industries.

With proper material selection, extruded rubber products can offer durable and reliable solutions across various industries and applications. For advanced solutions, consult with our specialists to match your unique application needs.