Are Green O-Rings Good for Oil?
Using the wrong O-ring in oil applications can lead to unexpected leaks and costly equipment failures. Knowing whether green O-rings handle oil effectively is essential to reliability. Green O-rings are typically made from FKM (Viton®), known for exceptional resistance to oils, fuels, and aggressive chemicals. They are excellent for demanding oil-based and high-temperature applications. Green […]
What Factors Affect Tolerances in Molded Rubber Parts?
Inaccurate rubber tolerances lead to poor fits, leaks, and costly manufacturing defects. Knowing what affects these tolerances can save you from frustration and expensive mistakes. Key factors affecting tolerances in molded rubber parts include material shrinkage, mold precision, rubber formulation, molding process, curing method, and part complexity. Controlling these ensures accurate dimensions and reliable performance. […]
What is the difference between EPDM and silicone rubber?
Your sealing project failed because you choose the wrong material. EPDM leaked at high temperatures while silicone couldn’t handle the pressure. Picking between these materials determines success or costly rework. EPDM offers superior mechanical strength and chemical resistance at lower cost, while silicone provides exceptional temperature range (-60°C to 200°C) and flexibility. EPDM suits outdoor […]
What is the difference between EPDM rubber and PTFE rubber?
Choosing the right material can be confusing when both are called “rubber” but have very different properties. EPDM and PTFE are two popular materials for seals, gaskets, and hoses, but they serve very different needs. EPDM is a synthetic rubber known for weather, steam, and ozone resistance. PTFE (often called Teflon®) is a fluoropolymer, not […]
What Is the Densest Rubber?
Rubber comes in many types, each with different properties. When I get asked, “What is the densest rubber?” it’s usually from someone needing a heavy, solid material for specific engineering or industrial uses. Chlorinated rubber (like chlorobutyl and some FKM grades) and fluorocarbon rubber (FKM, such as Viton®) are among the densest rubbers, with densities […]
What is the difference between nitrile rubber and butyl rubber?
Rubber is not just “rubber”—each type has its own unique strengths. Many people ask about the differences between nitrile rubber (NBR) and butyl rubber (IIR), especially when choosing seals, gaskets, or hoses. Nitrile rubber (NBR) is best for oil and fuel resistance, while butyl rubber (IIR) stands out for air-tightness and weather resistance. They are […]
What kind of oil is safe for rubber?
Lubricating or cleaning rubber parts often raises a big question: which oils are safe to use without causing damage, swelling, or loss of strength? The answer depends on both the type of rubber and the kind of oil. Silicone oil and certain synthetic oils (like pure mineral oil) are generally safe for most rubbers, especially […]
Will Vegetable Oil Damage Rubber?
Many people use vegetable oil as a household lubricant, cleaner, or even to help fit rubber parts together. But is vegetable oil safe for rubber, or can it cause damage over time? Yes, vegetable oil can damage many common rubber types. It causes natural rubber, SBR, and nitrile rubber to swell, soften, lose strength, or […]
What Does Coconut Oil Do to Rubber?
Using oils and lubricants around rubber parts is common, but not all oils are safe for rubber. Coconut oil is a popular household item, but what happens if it comes in contact with rubber? Coconut oil can cause some types of rubber to swell, soften, or degrade over time. Most natural rubbers and many synthetic […]
How to Prevent Rubber from Hardening?
Rubber parts are meant to be flexible and soft, but over time, they can harden, crack, or lose their sealing ability. This is a common problem with gaskets, hoses, tires, and weatherstripping. So, how can you keep rubber from hardening? To prevent rubber from hardening, keep it away from sunlight, ozone, and high heat. Use […]
