Learn how to select elastomers for rubber mouldings, extrusions and bonded components based on temperature, chemical exposure, hardness and application requirements.

A practical engineering guide to elastomer selection for mouldings, extrusions and bonded rubber components.

✔ What materials are covered
✔ Typical applications
✔ How to choose
✔ Industries supported

Choosing the correct elastomer is fundamental to the long-term performance of precision rubber mouldings, extrusions and bonded assemblies. Temperature range, chemical exposure, dynamic loading, compression set, regulatory requirements and environmental conditions all influence compound selection.

Material selection should consider both application requirements and the intended manufacturing process. This guide explains how elastomer choice can affect extrusion, moulding and rubber-to-metal bonding.

Rubber Material Properties and Typical Applications

For a full list of available elastomers and compound types, see our rubber materials overview.

Selecting a compound requires understanding how each material performs under real operating conditions.

EPDM

NBR

HNBR

FKM

AEM

Silicone

Material selection should reflect actual service conditions rather than nominal ratings.

How Material Selection Affects Manufacturing

Material behaviour can influence process stability, dimensional control and finished-component performance.

Extruded Rubber Profiles

Compound viscosity and cure characteristics affect:

Compound selection can affect extrusion stability, dimensional control and repeatability, particularly for more complex profile geometries.

Precision Rubber Mouldings

Flow behaviour and shrinkage rates impact:

Rubber-to-Metal Bonded Components

Bond strength and fatigue resistance depend on:

Compound compatibility with the bonding system is an important consideration in rubber-to-metal bonded components, particularly where thermal cycling, loading or environmental exposure apply.

Key Design Considerations for Engineers

When specifying an elastomer, consider:

• Continuous vs intermittent temperature
• Chemical compatibility
• Static vs dynamic loading
• Required Shore A hardness
• Compression set tolerance
• Regulatory compliance
• Environmental ageing resistance

Early material and manufacturing discussions can help identify potential design or processing issues before production.

From Prototype to Production

Material validation may consider:

• Seal compression behaviour
• Bond integrity
• Environmental ageing resistance
• Dimensional stability

Where required, prototype testing can support validation before ongoing production.

Discuss Your Material Requirements

Harltex supports material selection for rubber mouldings, extrusions and bonded components based on operating conditions, application requirements and manufacturing process.

Contact Harltex to discuss temperature, chemical exposure, hardness, loading, regulatory requirements and the most appropriate elastomer for your component.