Engineering Guide
Tensile Strength
Hardness
Compression Set
Fluid Resistance
Cold Temperature Performance
Hot Temperature Performance
1. Tensile Strength
Tensile strength measures the maximum force a material can withstand before breaking. It is expressed in mega Pascals (MPa) or pounds per square inch (psi). This property is critical for applications where durability under stress is essential.
Elongation: Measured as a percentage, elongation indicates the material's ability to stretch without breaking. For example, an elongation of 300% means the material can stretch to three times its original length.
Example Applications:
Hydraulic seals in high-pressure systems.
Elastic components in dynamic machinery.
6. High Temperature Performance
This property evaluates how heat affects the material’s strength, elasticity, and overall performance. High-heat resistance is crucial in many industries, such as automotive and food service.
Material Insights:
Silicone: Exceptional high-heat resistance.
Nitrile: Moderate heat resistance with added oil resistance.
Example Applications:
Automotive engine gaskets.
Industrial machinery components.
Visual Aid: Temperature-resistance graph for common elastomers.
3. Compression Set
Compression set measures how well a material recovers its original shape after being compressed. It is expressed as a percentage; lower values indicate better recovery.
Importance: A low compression set is essential for sealing applications where high pressure or extended use occurs.
Example Applications:
5. Low Temperature Performance
Low temperatures can affect rubber flexibility, resilience, and hardness. Understanding the brittle point and resilience of a material helps in selecting compounds for cold environments.
Key Considerations:
Brittle point: Temperature at which a material cracks or breaks.
Flexibility: Ability to maintain elasticity in cold conditions.
Example Applications:
Outdoor seals in cold climates.
Arctic machinery components.
Visual Aid: Graph of material flexibility across temperature ranges.
2. Hardness
Hardness measures a material's resistance to permanent indentation and is typically determined using a Shore durometer. The Shore A scale is used for softer rubbers, while the Shore D scale applies to harder materials.
Why It Matters: Hardness impacts stiffness, flexibility, and tensile strength, making it a key factor in material selection.
Example Applications:
Soft seals for enhanced flexibility.
Hard rubber for wear-resistant components.
4. Fluid Resistance
Rubber compounds interact differently with various fluids, from water and oils to solvents and fuels. Selecting the right material ensures performance and longevity.
Material Recommendations:
EPDM: Excellent for water and steam.
Nitrile: Ideal for oil and fuel resistance.
Example Applications: