Viton rubber sheet

Viton rubber sheets are made from fluoro rubber (FKM) and are suitable for applications with high demands on temperature and media resistance. Typical fields of application are in mechanical and plant engineering, in chemical engineering and in the process industry.

The material is characterised by high resistance to oils, fuels, solvents and many aggressive chemicals. At the same time, Viton remains dimensionally stable and functionally reliable even at permanently elevated temperatures. As a result, Viton rubber sheets are particularly suitable for sealing, protective and insulation tasks where standard elastomers reach their limits.

Compared with classic rubber sheets made from NBR or EPDM, Viton prioritises technical safety rather than cost optimisation. Selection is therefore usually application-related, based on medium, temperature and mechanical load.

For sealing applications with an identical material reference, Viton seals are also used, for example on flanges, housings or special constructions.

Material properties of Viton rubber sheets (FKM)

Viton rubber sheets are based on fluoro rubber (FKM) and are designed for permanently demanding operating conditions. The material combines high thermal stability with pronounced media resistance and is therefore suitable for critical industrial applications.

Temperature resistance

Viton retains its elastic properties across a wide temperature range. Typical application ranges extend to around +200 °C in continuous operation, depending on the formulation and mechanical load. Higher temperatures are also achievable for short periods.

Chemical resistance

The material shows very high resistance to mineral oils, fuels, hydraulic fluids, many acids as well as aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. This property makes Viton rubber sheets particularly suitable for chemically stressed environments.

Mechanical properties

Viton rubber sheets have a stable compression set characteristic and a uniform hardness structure. This makes them suitable for static sealing surfaces, covers and protective layers with permanent load.

Ageing and weather resistance

The material has high resistance to heat ageing, ozone and environmental influences. This supports a long service life even in continuous operation.

For applications in which different elastomers are compared, the overview of rubber sheets offers a cross-material classification according to application criteria.

Typical fields of application of Viton rubber sheets

Viton rubber sheets are used wherever high temperatures, aggressive media or long service lives coincide. The material is specifically used in applications in which other elastomers age or fail prematurely.

Mechanical and plant engineering

In mechanical engineering, Viton rubber sheets serve as sealing liners, protective layers or insulation material in areas with oil, fuel or chemical contact. Typical applications are housing seals, covers and separating elements in thermally stressed assemblies.

Chemical and process industry

In the chemical industry, Viton rubber sheets are used for plant components that are permanently exposed to aggressive media. These include sealing surfaces, protective sheets and linings with requirements for chemical resistance and temperature stability.

Automotive and engine technology

Viton is used in the environment of engines, units and test equipment. Rubber sheets made from FKM are suitable here for applications with contact to fuels, oils and high operating temperatures.

Energy and fluid technology

In fluid technology, Viton rubber sheets are used as a material for seals and separating elements in which temperature changes and media resistance are decisive.

For applications with lower chemical requirements but high weather resistance, the use of EPDM rubber sheets is an alternative, for example outdoors or in hot water applications.

Viton rubber sheets to measure and cut to size

Viton rubber sheets are available in various thicknesses and can be precisely cut to size for the application. They are therefore suitable both for series applications and for individual pieces and special solutions in an industrial environment.

Cutting is usually carried out rectangularly or contour-accurately to drawing. Depending on dimensions, material thickness and tolerance requirement, different cutting processes are used. For simple applications, shape cutting is sufficient; for more complex geometries, technical cutting processes are used.

When ordering, in addition to length, width and thickness, requirements for tolerances, surface finish and operating conditions must also be taken into account. These parameters influence the selection of the suitable cutting process as well as the material selection within the FKM formulations.

For applications with increased requirements for dimensional accuracy or complex contours, rubber cut to size offers a precise solution for technical components and sealing components.

Viton rubber sheets compared with other elastomers

The selection of a suitable rubber sheet depends on temperature range, media contact and mechanical stress. Within the elastomers, Viton occupies a special technical position and differs significantly from common materials such as NBR or EPDM.

Viton (FKM)

Viton is suitable for applications with high temperatures and aggressive media. The material is used when high chemical resistance and thermal stability are required.

NBR

NBR rubber sheets offer good resistance to oils and greases at moderate temperatures. They are often used when an economical solution for oil-containing environments is required. NBR rubber sheets are available for corresponding applications.

EPDM

EPDM is characterised by high weather and ozone resistance and is suitable for hot water, steam and outdoor applications. EPDM rubber sheets are used for these fields of application.

SBR

SBR rubber sheets are used primarily for mechanical stress and abrasion. The material is suitable for simple applications without increased requirements for temperature or chemical resistance.

Viton is chosen when temperature and media requirements are the priority and a long service life is required.

Technical notes on selecting Viton rubber sheets

A Viton rubber sheet is selected on the basis of clearly defined application parameters. The decisive factors are medium, temperature, mechanical load and the required service life.

Temperature and media matching

Before selection, it must be checked which media are present permanently or temporarily and in which temperature range the application is operated. Viton is particularly suitable for contact with oils, fuels, solvents and chemically aggressive substances at elevated temperatures.

Hardness and material thickness

The Shore hardness influences the sealing behaviour as well as the mechanical load capacity. Softer grades are suitable for uneven sealing surfaces, harder versions for dimensionally stable supports. The material thickness depends on gap dimensions, surface pressure and mechanical stress.

Static and dynamic load

Viton rubber sheets are used predominantly in static applications. For dynamic stress, the extent of movement, friction and temperature development must be assessed separately.

Standards and drawings

In technical applications, selection is often made on the basis of drawings or specifications. Details of dimensions, tolerances and operating conditions facilitate material-appropriate design.

For applications with complex requirements or special dimensions, the rubber moulded parts section offers a complementary solution based on individual design.

Frequently asked questions about Viton rubber sheets

What is a Viton rubber sheet particularly suitable for?

Viton rubber sheets are suitable for applications with high temperatures and contact with oils, fuels, solvents or chemically aggressive media. Typical fields of application are in mechanical engineering, in chemical engineering and in thermally stressed plants.

What temperature range does Viton cover?

Viton is often used in continuous operation up to around +200 °C. The specific temperature range depends on the respective FKM formulation as well as the mechanical load.

Is Viton resistant to oil and fuel?

Viton has very high resistance to mineral oils, fuels and many hydraulic fluids. This property is one of the central selection criteria for the material.

When is Viton more suitable than NBR or EPDM?

Viton is used when both high temperatures and aggressive media are present. NBR is more likely to be chosen for oil-containing applications with moderate temperatures, EPDM for weather and hot water applications.

Are Viton rubber sheets also available to measure?

Viton rubber sheets can be cut in different thicknesses and manufactured to measure for the application. Dimensions and tolerances are matched to the respective use. For custom-made sealing solutions at the same material level, Viton seals are also available.