Materials & Guidance
Choose the Right Elastomer for Your Application
Every elastomer behaves differently under heat, oil, chemicals, water, pressure, abrasion, and outdoor exposure. A component that works well in one application may fail quickly in another if the wrong material is selected.
That is why A1 Polymers follows a practical material-selection approach. We understand your application first, then recommend a suitable material such as EPDM, NBR, Silicone, FKM, Neoprene, SBR or other engineering elastomers.
Key Factors in Rubber Material Selection
Before manufacturing a moulded or extruded component, our team considers the operating environment and performance expectations.
Temperature Range
The material must withstand the minimum and maximum service temperature of the application.
Media & Chemical Exposure
Oil, fuel, water, steam, acids, chemicals, and gases all affect rubber differently.
Process Control
Controlled moulding/extrusion/bonding steps to maintain repeatability
Abrasion, Tear & Mechanical Stress
Applications with movement, vibration, friction, or repeated flexing need suitable tear and abrasion resistance.
Hardness & Flexibility
Shore A hardness, flexibility, and dimensional requirements are selected according to the final part function.
Industry or Specification Needs
Certain applications may require commercial or specification grades such as ASTM, SAE, AMS, Mil Spec, or other standards.
Common Elastomers & Their Typical Uses
A1 Polymers works with a wide range of elastomers for moulded products, extrusions, gaskets, hoses, grommets, diaphragms, and bonded parts.
| Material | Key Strengths | Typical Uses at A1 Polymers | Notes / When to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPDM | Excellent weather/ozone/UV resistance; good for water/steam applications | O-rings & gaskets, general sealing, grommets, bellows/boots | Not recommended for petroleum oils/fuels |
| NBR (Nitrile) | Good oil & fuel resistance; good mechanical properties | O-rings & gaskets, industrial moulded parts | Lower weathering/ozone resistance vs EPDM |
| Silicone (VMQ) | Wide operating temperature range; good flexibility; good compression set | Extruded profiles, tubing, cords, door seals, sponge profiles, turbo hoses | Not ideal where high abrasion/tear resistance is required |
| FKM (Viton®) | High temperature performance; strong chemical & fuel resistance | High-performance O-rings & gaskets for demanding service conditions | Typically premium option; selected when required by service conditions |
| Neoprene (CR) | Balanced resistance to weathering and moderate oils; durable general-purpose rubber | O-rings & gaskets, grommets, general moulded components | Use case depends on media and temperature requirements |
| SBR | Cost-effective; good abrasion resistance for general applications | Grommets and general-purpose moulded parts (where suitable) | Not preferred for oil/fuel exposure; limited weathering resistance |
Note: Final material selection depends on exact operating conditions and compound requirements. Share your temperature range, media exposure, and application details for a recommendation.
Need Help Choosing a Material?
Connect with us and our team will help recommend a suitable elastomer for your application.