Rubber Materials and Compounds
Harltex expertise in rubber materials for compounds and components
At Harltex, material selection starts with the application. We work with a range of established rubber compounds to meet specific performance, compliance and manufacturing requirements.
Operating temperature, chemical contact, environmental exposure, service life and production method all influence material choice. Therefore, our technical team reviews these factors before recommending a suitable compound.
From the initial discussion through to manufacture, we help customers select materials that meet the technical requirements of the application while remaining suitable for the intended production process.
Which rubber materials are available?
First, our technical team reviews the operating conditions and required material properties. We also consider dimensional stability, applicable standards, production volumes, tooling requirements and suitability for extrusion or moulding.
Next, we compare these requirements with the available compound options. This early review helps reduce manufacturing risk and avoids choices that could restrict performance or processing capability later in the project.
Where appropriate, Harltex can use compounds from its established material ranges. Alternatively, customers can specify a particular compound or technical specification.
What is FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton®)
FKM is used where resistance to high temperature, fuels, oils, and aggressive chemicals is required. Harltex supplies FKM compounds suitable for extrusion and moulding applications.
Typical applications include Aerospace, Automotive, Rail, and Industrial sealing, where reduced permeability and thermal stability are important.
What materials do Harltex provide?
FKM (Fluoroelastomer, Including Viton®)
Customers typically select FKM for applications involving high temperatures, fuels, oils or aggressive chemicals. It also offers low permeability and good thermal stability.
For example, Harltex supplies FKM compounds for extrusion and moulding applications across the Aerospace, Automotive, Rail, Construction and Industrial sectors for sealing, where reduced permeability and thermal stability are important.
NBR and EN 682 Gas-Grade NBR
NBR provides resistance to oils and fuels in general industrial environments. In addition, NBR compounds can offer a practical balance of mechanical performance, processing stability and cost.
Harltex supplies standard NBR and EN 682 gas-grade NBR compounds. Customers commonly use these materials for seals, profiles and moulded components.
HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber)
HNBR uses a hydrogenated polymer backbone to provide improved heat resistance compared with standard NBR. Depending on the grade, it typically supports operating temperatures of up to 150°C to 165°C while retaining good resistance to oils and fuels.
In addition, HNBR offers strong mechanical properties together with good wear and fatigue resistance. As a result, customers often choose it for demanding automotive and industrial seals, oil and gas components, and parts exposed to elevated temperatures or extended service conditions.
HNBR can provide a suitable option where standard NBR does not offer sufficient performance but the application does not require FKM.
EPDM, Including WRAS-Approved Grades
EPDM offers good resistance to water, weathering and outdoor exposure. Therefore, customers commonly use it for construction, utility and infrastructure applications requiring long-term environmental durability.
Harltex also supplies WRAS-approved EPDM grades for relevant potable-water applications. However, material selection must reflect the precise application, operating conditions and applicable approval requirements.
Rubber Compounds and Finished Components
Some applications require additional approvals or enhanced material performance. For these projects, Harltex supplies specialist compounds, including materials developed to meet fire performance requirements such as EN 45545 HL2 and HL3.
Where necessary, our technical team can also select or develop compounds around customer-specific technical and regulatory requirements.
Specialist and Approved Rubber Materials
Customers can source materials from Harltex in several forms:
- Rubber compound
- Extruded rubber profiles and cord
- Moulded rubber components
Therefore, Harltex can support both customers requiring rubber compound and those looking for finished components. Our technical team considers the application, compliance requirements and manufacturing process before agreeing the most appropriate route.
Why Choose Harltex for Rubber Materials?
Application-Led Material Selection
We begin by understanding the operating environment and performance requirements. Then, we review the available materials against factors such as temperature, chemical exposure, weathering and service life.
Broad Material Capability
Harltex works with FKM, EPDM, natural rubber, NBR, HNBR, AEM and ECO compounds. Consequently, customers can evaluate several material families rather than relying on a single standard option.
Extrusion and Moulding Support
Material performance depends partly on the intended manufacturing process. For this reason, our team considers extrusion or moulding requirements during the material review rather than treating material selection as a separate decision.
Technical and Commercial Considerations
A compound must meet the technical requirements, but it must also suit the required volumes, tooling and production method. Therefore, we consider manufacturing feasibility alongside application performance.
Quality Management
Harltex holds ISO 9001:2015 certification. In addition, our quality controls support consistent material processing and component manufacture throughout production.
Compliance Requirements
Where an application requires WRAS approval, EN 682 gas-grade material, EN 45545 fire performance or another defined requirement, our team reviews that requirement as part of the material selection process.
What applications do Harltex provide materials for?
Automotive and Off-Highway Vehicles
Vibration dampeners, engine mounts, and suspension components that ensure smoother operation and enhanced safety.
Marine and Offshore
Rubber-to-metal bonded seals and protective parts designed to withstand saltwater and extreme environmental conditions.
Industrial Machinery
Shock-absorbing mounts and bonded gaskets enhance durability and minimise downtime in heavy-duty equipment.
Utilities and Renewable Energy
Bonded components for turbines, pipelines, and other systems requiring robust performance under high stress and pressure.
What Sets Harltex Apart?
Harltex is more than just a manufacturer; we are your partner in innovation and success. Our expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to customer satisfaction ensure we deliver bonded components that not only meet but exceed expectations. From prototype development to full-scale production, Harltex provides solutions that empower your operations.
Contact Harltex About Rubber Material Selection
If you need support selecting a rubber compound or manufacturing a finished component, contact the Harltex technical team.
Share your drawing, sample, material specification or application requirements with us. We can then review the operating conditions, required performance and proposed manufacturing process before discussing the available options.
