Buy EPDM seals

EPDM seals are sealing elements made from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), a synthetic rubber with high resistance to weathering, ozone and UV radiation.

At Martan Gummi you can obtain EPDM seals as stock items in standard sizes as well as custom-made parts to drawing or sample. The material base is often an EPDM rubber sheet, from which seals are produced as strips, cut pieces or contoured parts.

EPDM seals are suitable for construction, industry and vehicle engineering as well as for other applications where a long-lasting seal against moisture, air and dust is required.

Properties of EPDM seals

EPDM seals are suitable for seals that are exposed to weathering, moisture and temperature fluctuations over the long term. The material is often produced as a cut piece or profile from an EPDM rubber sheet.

• High weather resistance: permanently elastic in sun, rain, ozone and UV radiation.
• Temperature tolerance: service range approx. -40 °C to +150 °C, peroxide-cured grades up to +180 °C.
• Chemical resistance: suitable for contact with many acids, alkalis and polar solvents.
• Flexibility: high elasticity for reliable adaptation to different surfaces.
• Electrical insulating properties: suitable for applications with insulation requirements.

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Whether standard size or custom-made – at Martan Gummi you receive your EPDM seal directly from the manufacturer.

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Ideal areas of application

EPDM seals are suitable for applications with contact to weathering, moisture, water vapour and polar media. The material combines high ageing stability with lasting elasticity and is often produced as a cut piece or profile from an EPDM rubber sheet.

In hydraulic systems with media such as glycols or phosphoric acid esters, for example in brake systems, EPDM seals are used because of their chemical stability. In the household appliance industry they are used in washing machines and dishwashers, as they remain dimensionally stable against hot water and water vapour.

In vehicle engineering, EPDM seals are used primarily as profile seals. Their resistance to UV radiation, ozone and weathering predestines them for outdoor applications. EPDM seals are also widely used in construction, for example as sealing membranes, tarpaulins or façade seals.

EPDM grades with FDA approval enable use in sensitive areas such as the pharmaceutical and food industries, for example in dosing, filling and packaging systems as well as in drinking water supply.

Difference from other sealing materials

The choice of a suitable sealing material depends strongly on the respective operating conditions. EPDM seals are preferably used when weather resistance, UV stability and ageing resistance are the priority. Compared with other elastomers, clear distinctions emerge.

EPDM vs. NBR: EPDM offers very high resistance to weathering, ozone and UV radiation. NBR seals, by contrast, are suitable for applications with contact to oils, greases and fuels. For outdoor applications and water contact, EPDM is preferred, while NBR is used in oil-loaded environments.

EPDM vs. silicone: Silicone seals cover a wider temperature range and remain flexible even at very high temperatures. EPDM, in return, offers higher mechanical load capacity and better cost-effectiveness for large-area applications.

EPDM vs. FKM (Viton): FKM is characterised by very high chemical resistance and temperature resistance. EPDM is more suitable for applications with water, steam and weathering, where aggressive chemicals or fuels play no role.

EPDM vs. neoprene (CR): Neoprene combines good weather resistance with a certain oil resistance. EPDM, in return, offers higher ozone and UV stability and is therefore preferred for outdoor use.

Limits and disadvantages of EPDM seals

EPDM seals offer many technical advantages, but also show material-typical limits that should be taken into account when selecting them. The material is suitable above all for applications with water, weathering and polar media, but reaches physical and chemical limits in other fields of use.

EPDM is not resistant to hydrocarbons such as oils, greases, petrol or diesel fuels. Permanent contact with such media can lead to swelling, loss of strength and premature material failure. Other elastomers are therefore used for oil- or fuel-loaded applications.

Compared with specialised materials, EPDM exhibits lower abrasion and tear resistance. In applications with high mechanical stress, strong friction or point loading, this can limit the service life of the seal.

The recommended service temperature range is generally up to +150 °C. Special peroxide-cured grades are designed for higher temperatures, but other materials are used for permanently very high thermal loads.

EPDM also has a comparatively high gas permeability. For applications requiring a particularly gas-tight seal, the material is therefore only suitable to a limited extent.

When bonded, EPDM shows low self-adhesion. A durable bond requires suitable pre-treatment and matched adhesive systems.

Technical details on EPDM seals

Chemical composition and structure

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a synthetic rubber built from the monomers ethylene, propylene and a diene. This non-polar molecular structure gives EPDM seals high stability against weathering, ozone and UV radiation as well as permanently good elasticity.

Temperature resistance

EPDM seals are designed for a typical service range of about -40 °C to +150 °C. Peroxide-cured EPDM grades allow use at temperatures up to +180 °C. The choice of the vulcanisation system significantly influences the thermal load capacity of the material.

Weathering and ageing resistance

The material shows very high resistance to weathering. Even with long-term exposure to sun, rain and changing climatic conditions, EPDM seals retain their elastic properties and functionality. This ageing stability makes EPDM particularly suitable for outdoor applications.

Chemical resistance

EPDM is resistant to many polar media such as water, water vapour, dilute acids, alkalis and polar solvents. Against mineral oils, greases and fuels, however, the material shows limited resistance, which should be taken into account when selecting the material.

Mechanical properties

EPDM seals are characterised by high flexibility and elasticity. The available hardness range is typically between 25 and 80 Shore A and can be adapted depending on the application. These properties allow good adaptation to different sealing surfaces.

Electrical insulating properties

Because of its high electrical resistance, EPDM is also suitable for applications with electrical insulation requirements. The material is therefore used in various areas of electrical and device engineering.

EPDM seals are often produced from an EPDM rubber sheet and made up as a cut piece, profile or moulded part to suit the application.

Available material variants and grades

EPDM seals are available in different material grades to cover specific requirements for temperature resistance, ageing stability and chemical resistance. The selection of the suitable grade depends on the area of use, the ambient conditions and the mechanical requirements.

Standard grades

Standard EPDM grades are suitable for general sealing applications with a focus on weather and ageing resistance.

• E 4580: universal EPDM grade for versatile sealing applications.
• E 9566: designed for increased requirements for weather resistance and ageing stability.
• E 9614: suitable for applications with intensive UV exposure.

Special grades

EPDM grades with adapted properties are available for special operating conditions.

• E 628: increased resistance to aggressive chemical media.
• E 2514: temperature-stable design for applications with increased thermal load.
• E 2441: EPDM grade with a focus on fire protection requirements.

Import and blend grades

Combinations of EPDM and other elastomers extend the range of applications.

• EPDM/SBR 50 Shore: improved mechanical properties through material combination.
• EPDM/SBR 65 Shore: balanced hardness for general sealing applications.
• EPDM/SBR light 65 Shore: for applications with special requirements for colour.

Newly developed EPDM grades

Further-developed EPDM compounds offer additional performance reserves.

• E 9568: increased resistance to chemical attack.
• E 563: improved flexibility at low temperatures.

All EPDM grades are available in different hardness levels and can be produced as a cut piece, profile or moulded part from an EPDM rubber sheet.

Frequently asked questions about EPDM seals

What is an EPDM seal?

An EPDM seal is a sealing element made from ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM). The material is characterised by high weather, ozone and ageing resistance.

Where are EPDM seals used?

EPDM seals are used in vehicle engineering, construction, sanitary and heating technology as well as in mechanical and plant engineering. They reliably seal against water, air and dust.

What advantages do EPDM seals offer?

EPDM seals offer high UV and ozone resistance, good temperature tolerance, a long service life and permanently high elasticity.

For which temperature range are EPDM seals suitable?

The typical service range is between about -40 °C and +120 °C. Special EPDM grades reach higher temperature ranges.

What chemical resistance do EPDM seals have?

EPDM is resistant to water, water vapour, many acids, alkalis and polar media. The chemical resistance depends on the respective EPDM grade.

How is the suitable size of an EPDM seal determined?

The dimensions depend on the geometry of the sealing surfaces, the required contact pressure and the respective application.

How are EPDM seals maintained?

A clean environment and regular visual inspections support a long service life. The seal should be kept free of foreign media.

How long do EPDM seals last?

The service life depends on temperature, mechanical load and ambient conditions. With suitable design, multi-year service periods are usual.

Are EPDM seals suitable for food or drinking water applications?

Special EPDM grades with FDA or KTW approval are available for these areas of use.

Are EPDM seals available self-adhesive?

EPDM seals can optionally be supplied self-adhesive on one side to facilitate installation.

Can I also buy EPDM seals in small quantities?

At Martan Gummi, both individual pieces and small quantities as well as series production are available.

How quickly is delivery made?

Many EPDM seals are available from stock. Custom-made parts are produced at short notice to drawing or sample.

What advantages does buying directly from Martan Gummi offer?

You receive tested quality, tailor-made solutions and expert advice. Production is often based on an EPDM rubber sheet.