Materials
Choosing the right seal starts with the application. We evaluate operating conditions first—media, temperature, pressure, motion, environment, and compliance—then recommend the best material. From there, we refine size, profile, durometer, and lead time to fit your requirements.
How to Choose the Right Material
When selecting a sealing material, start by defining what the seal must do in your application. This framework helps narrow options quickly before final validation.
- Media / Chemistry
What will the seal contact? Oils and fuels, water or steam, solvents, gases, brake fluid, food contact, or other media. - Temperature Profile
Minimum ambient or start-up temperature, maximum continuous operating temperature, and any short-term temperature spikes. - Pressure & Motion
Is the application static or dynamic (reciprocating or rotary)? Is there extrusion risk that may require higher durometer materials, backup rings, or alternate seal profiles? - Environment
Exposure to ozone or UV, outdoor weathering, vacuum conditions, abrasive particles, or visibility requirements. - Compliance & Special Requirements
FDA, NSF, or 3-A compliance, UL ratings, low outgassing, metal or X-ray detectability, color coding, or electrical properties. - Logistics
Standard sizes (AS568 or metric), color requirements, lead time, and budget considerations.
Always validate material compatibility and temperature limits under actual service conditions.
Quick Material Guidance
These general guidelines can help point you in the right direction before final selection:
- Oils & Fuels
Nitrile (Buna-N, NBR) or HNBR. Move to Viton®/FKM for higher temperatures or broader chemical resistance. - Hot Water, Steam & Outdoor Exposure
EPDM offers excellent resistance to water, steam, ozone, and UV. Not recommended for oils or fuels. - Wide Temperature Range & UV Exposure
Silicone (VMQ) performs well across extreme temperatures and ozone exposure but is not ideal for fuels or abrasive environments. - Harsh Chemicals & High Temperatures
FFKM (Perfluoroelastomer) provides premium performance for aggressive media and extreme conditions. - Brake Fluids (Glycol-Based)
EPDM is typically required. - Food & Beverage Applications
FDA and NSF compliant compounds are available in NBR, EPDM, Silicone, and FKM. Detectable options may be available.