EPDM Seals

What are the key EPDM properties?

EPDM is probably the most water resistant rubber available. This excellent water resistance can be maintained to temperatures of up to 180°C in steam for peroxide cures. In addition EPDM seals provide:

  • strong acid/alkali resistance
  • excellent electrical insulation, compression set, and low temperature properties.

With proper use EPDM parts can last for long periods of time and act as a less expensive alternative to silicone. Trade names include Buna, Nordel and Keltan.

What is EPDM commonly used for?

EPDM is an extremely versatile material particularly suitable for outdoor use and has the dynamic properties between Natural and Silicone rubber. EPDM gaskets, seals and mouldings have good resistance to most water based chemicals and to vegetable based hydraulic oils but poor resistance to mineral oils and di-ester based lubricants. The largest market for EPDM application is the automotive industry. Typical uses include hoses, window and door seals, gaskets, washers, belts and o-rings but at DP Seals we specialise in blending exactly the right material for your specific requirements.

EPDM Seal
This unique rubber to metal bonded, sealed print head unit is used by food processors. Just 33mm square, it incorporates 10 precisely positioned nozzle holes and colour coded plugs in specially formulated EPDM.

EPDM Properties

Hardness: Shore A
20-90
Tensile Strength PSI
500-2500
Tear Resistance
Fair
Impact Resistance
Good
Compression Set
Good
Low Temperature
-29°C
High Temperature
177°C
Weather and Sunlight
Excellent
Water
Excellent resistance
Abrasion Resistance
Good
Solvent Resistance
Poor
Oils and Gasoline
Poor
Adhesion to Metals
Fair to Good

Why choose custom versus standard EPDM seals, gaskets or mouldings?

DP Seals manufacture custom parts only. If you are currently using standard parts, but have some level of dissatisfaction with results, read our article with nine great reasons to trade up to custom solutions. Here are all of the custom EPDM solutions we can provide:

EPDM rubber expertise

The information provided here is only a guide to EPDM’s properties and uses. As outlined above, we are experts in understanding the relationship between material and product performance and can blend exactly the right material for your requirements.

We also maintain a large quantity and variety of quality raw materials in stock, enabling us to offer fast turnaround to tight deadlines.

EPDM Datasheets for our most commonly used materials

Handy Product Development Resources

Below you’ll find many free resources to help you think about material selection but we are always on hand to discuss your requirements and provide expert advice.

Customer testimonials

We were extremely impressed with DP Seals’ materials knowledge and manufacturing quality, and the pro-active role they took in helping us solve our problem.  Anthony Hall,  Lead Engineer,  Hypertac

See other customer testimonials

Find out more about EPDM

  • Speak to our Material Technologists on +44 (0)1202 674671