Rubber Materials

Accurate Felt & Gasket (AFG) is a leading manufacturer of custom rubber gaskets, and works with a variety of rubber materials. In addition, we are a master distributor who can supply rubber materials for any application in any quantities our customers require. We also provide die cutting, slitting, and other services to deliver rubber gaskets or rubber material that matches your specifications.

General Synthetic Rubber Info

A huge variety of synthetic rubber materials are available (most of those listed below fall into this category). In general , the polymer base in the rubber determines the appropriate uses and applications. Synthetic rubber materials are available in various durometers (hardnesses), tensile strength, and elongation characteristics. All synthetic rubbers must be vulcanized.

Neoprene Rubber

Neoprene exhibits excellent resistance to oil- and petroleum-based solvents, as well as dilute acids. It offers good ozone resistance and weathering characteristics, and is highly resilient in extreme temperatures. Various grades are available for light, medium, and heavy duty applications, as well as special grades that are FDA-approved for food contact. Neoprene rubber is available in durometers from 30 (soft) to 90 (hard).

EPDM Rubber

Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, better known as EPDM, exhibits excellent resistance to extreme temperatures, acids, ozone, oxygen, sunlight, alkalis, and keytones. Numerous grades are available for a variety of applications. EPDM rubber is available in durometers from 40 (soft) to 80 (hard).

Buna-N (Nitrile) Rubber

Buna-N rubber—or nitrile rubber—provides excellent resistance to oils, solvents, fuels, and other harsh chemicals. It is highly resistant to extreme temperatures and exhibits good abrasion resistant and gas impermeability. A variety of grades are available to accommodate the needs of nearly any application. Buna-N rubber is available in durometers from 40 (soft) to 90 (hard).

FKM

The term FKM refers to a family of fluoroelastomer materials that all share similar characteristics. In general, FKM rubber materials exhibit excellent resistance to most acids, oils, fuels, and solvents. They are highly ozone and oxidation resistant, and have low gas permeability. FKM rubber also offers good impact and abrasion resistance. FKM materials are available in durometers from 50 to 95 Shore A. Viton® is a popular FKM rubber material (see below).

Fluorosilicone

Fluorosilicone is a common elastomer that offer excellent flexibility and resistance to aging and weathering. It exhibits good resistance to oxidizing chemicals, animal and vegetable oils, fuels, and solvents. Fluorosilicone rubber is effective across a wide temperature range. A number of different grades and durometers are available.

Butyl Rubber

Butyl rubber provides excellent resistance to heat, weathering, acids, ozone, and alkalis, and exhibits low gas permeability and outstanding dielectric properties. Highly flexible, durable, and versatile, butyl is available in an array of grades and durometers to accommodate a range of applications.

Viton® Rubber

Viton®, developed by DuPont in the late 1950s, is a high performance rubber material that is highly resistant to extreme temperatures, oil, concentrated acids, and aliphatic hydrocarbon fluids. It is highly flexible and exhibits excellent gas impermeability. It is an ideal material for challenging applications that require a durable, long-lasting seal. Viton® is available in various grades to meet your application’s specific needs. Viton® is a type of FKM rubber (see above).

Viton® is a registered trademark of DuPont.

Silicone Rubber

Silicone rubber exhibits excellent resistance to high and low temperatures, UV, and ozone. AFGCO offers silicone in a range of grades and durometers to meet the needs of your unique application like check valve gaskets. 

SBR

Styrene-butadiene, or SBR, refers to a family of rubber materials, all of which exhibit excellent abrasion and impact resistance, good aging stability, and high flexibility. Developed prior to World War II as a replacement for natural rubber, SBR rubber offers many of the same characteristics and is used in many of the same applications. SBR is available in a variety of grades and durometers.

Red Rubber

A copolymer of styrene and butadiene, red rubber is a general purpose material with good heat and abrasion resistance properties. It exhibits excellent impact resistance and high tensile strength. Red rubber is highly impermeable and can serve as a tight barrier against gases and liquids.

Gum Rubber (Natural Rubber)

Gum rubber is derived from the sap of rubber trees. It exhibits a number of unique physical and chemical properties: gum rubber is extremely flexible, elastic, and durable; it is resistant to salts, ammonia, acids, and alkali solutions. Natural rubber is less resistant to chemicals and extreme temperatures than most synthetic rubbers.

Request a quote on the rubber gaskets or rubber materials you need, or contact AFGCO to learn more.