Elastomers

Elastomers are a class of materials made from polymers with elastic deformability and pronounced recovery. In industry, they are used primarily for sealing, damping and tolerance compensation.

What are elastomers?

Elastomers combine two characteristics: they deform under load and largely return to their original shape once the load is removed. This combination makes them suitable for seals and functional parts where contact pressure, adaptation to component tolerances and dynamic loads during operation matter. In practice, the choice of material is usually determined by the application: temperature range, media contact, mechanical stress and the required service life. A structured classification of the

resistance of elastomers

supports rapid pre-selection.

Properties of elastomers

The properties of elastomers determine whether a material is suitable for a specific industrial application. Mechanical, thermal and chemical characteristics are decisive.

Mechanical properties

Elastomers are characterised by high elasticity and good recovery capacity. They can absorb repeated deformation and reliably compensate for dimensional and positional tolerances. Hardness, tear strength and abrasion behaviour vary depending on the material.

Thermal properties

The permissible temperature range is a central selection criterion. Some elastomers are suitable for continuous low-temperature applications, others for elevated continuous temperatures in mechanical and plant engineering. A systematic overview of the

temperature resistance of elastomers

makes it easier to narrow down the options.

Chemical resistance

Depending on the polymer structure, elastomers react differently to oils, fuels, greases, acids or alkalis. Media contact often determines the service life of seals and moulded parts. For technical applications, media-specific testing is therefore indispensable.

Areas of application for elastomers

Elastomers are used wherever flexible materials with defined restoring force and adaptability are required. In industry and trade, they predominantly perform functional tasks.

Seals and sealing systems

The most common area of application is in static and dynamic seals. Elastomers compensate for unevenness, reliably retain media and ensure the function of machines and plant. Typical applications are found in industrial seals in mechanical and plant engineering.

Mechanical and plant engineering

In mechanical engineering, elastomers are used for vibration damping, mounting and as protective or functional elements. They reduce load peaks, extend service life and contribute to operational safety.

Vehicle and commercial vehicle technology

In vehicles, elastomers are used in engine, fuel and exhaust systems as well as in chassis and body components. Resistance to media, temperature fluctuations and continuous mechanical stress is decisive here.

Medical and food technology

Special elastomers are used in sensitive areas where hygienic requirements, material purity and ageing resistance are relevant. These include conveyor and sealing elements in food processing as well as components in medical devices.

Selection criteria for elastomers

The selection of a suitable elastomer is always application-related. The actual operating conditions and the requirements for function and service life are decisive.

Temperature range

Every elastomer material has a defined range for continuous and peak temperatures. Exceeding these leads to embrittlement, swelling or premature wear. Narrowing down by temperature at an early stage considerably simplifies material selection.

Media contact

Oils, greases, fuels, chemicals or cleaning media affect elastomers in different ways. Continuous contact with a medium determines whether a material remains dimensionally stable or changes its properties. A media-specific assessment is therefore essential.

Mechanical load

Static seals place different demands than dynamic applications with movement, pressure changes or vibrations. Hardness, abrasion resistance and recovery behaviour must match the load.

Standards and approvals

In many industries, binding standards and approvals apply, for example for drinking water, food or industrial safety requirements. Compliance with these specifications influences the choice of material as well as the design framework conditions.

The shape of the component also plays a role in practical implementation. Information on available geometries and solutions can be found in the rubber moulded parts section.

Manufacturing and processing forms of elastomers

Depending on the application, elastomers are manufactured and further processed in different forms. The choice of processing form influences fit accuracy, function and cost-effectiveness.

Moulded parts

Moulded parts are produced by pressing, injection moulding or vulcanisation in tools. They enable complex geometries and defined functional properties. Typical applications are seals, buffers and technical functional parts. An overview is provided in the elastomer moulded parts section.

Sheets and cut pieces

Elastomer sheets are manufactured as semi-finished products and then cut to size. They are suitable for flat gaskets, shims or protective applications. Cutting is often carried out to drawing or dimensional specification to ensure precise integration into existing assemblies.

Profiles

Profiles made of elastomers are continuously extruded and supplied in fixed or variable lengths. They are used primarily for sealing edges, doors, flaps or housings.

Which processing form is suitable depends on geometry, quantity and operating conditions. For project-specific solutions, coordination that is appropriate to both material and manufacturing is required.

Frequently asked questions about elastomers

What are elastomers?

Elastomers are polymeric materials with elastic deformability and pronounced restoring force. They are used when components need to remain flexible and return to their original shape after loading.

How do elastomers differ from other plastics?

Unlike thermoplastics or thermosets, elastomers can be stretched considerably and largely return to their original shape after the load is removed. This property predestines them for sealing and functional elements.

Which elastomers are suitable for oil and fuel contact?

NBR is often used for oil- and fuel-containing media. At higher temperatures or with more aggressive media, FKM elastomers are used.

Which elastomers are suitable for outdoor use?

EPDM is particularly suitable for outdoor use, as the material is resistant to weathering, ozone and UV. Typical applications are seals in outdoor and building areas.

How long do elastomers last in industrial use?

Service life depends on the material, the temperature range, the media contact and the mechanical load. A material-appropriate selection significantly extends the service life.

Are there elastomers with approvals for food or drinking water?

For sensitive areas of application, elastomers with corresponding standards and approvals are available. The selection depends on the respective regulations and the specific application.

In which forms are elastomers processed?

Elastomers are processed as moulded parts, sheets, cut pieces or profiles. The suitable form depends on geometry, quantity and operating conditions. An overview of available solutions is provided in the rubber moulded parts section.

SBR

Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is a synthetic polymer produced from the monomers styrene and butadiene. SBR is one of the most frequently used materials in industry.

EPDM

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber that is widely used due to its excellent physical and chemical properties. It is used in a wide variety of industrial applications, including seals, hoses, roofing and cable insulation.

NBR

Nitrile rubber (NBR) is a synthetic rubber known for its excellent resistance to oil, fuels and other chemical substances.

FKM

Fluororubber, often referred to as FKM, is a synthetic polymer material that is widely used due to its excellent resistance to high temperatures, chemicals and environmental influences

Silicone

Silicone is a versatile synthetic polymer valued for its unique physical and chemical properties. It consists of silicon, oxygen, carbon and hydrogen and, due to its heat resistance, flexibility and resistance to chemicals, is widely used in industry, particularly in sealing technology.

Vulkollan®

Vulkollan is a high-quality polyurethane elastomer that plays a significant role in industry due to its outstanding mechanical properties and resilience.