Choosing the right rubber for heat and oil resistance is a challenge. I have worked with many customers whose seals and hoses failed early in engines or machinery because the wrong material was selected. AEM rubber offers a reliable solution for many demanding applications.
AEM rubber (ethylene acrylic rubber, also known as Vamac®) is mainly used for automotive air intake hoses, turbocharger hoses, transmission seals, gaskets, vibration dampers, and other components that must withstand hot oil, heat, ozone, and long-term flexing.
AEM rubber is popular with engineers in the automotive and industrial sectors. Its balance of flexibility and durability helps reduce warranty claims and costly breakdowns.
What industries rely most on AEM rubber?
Automotive manufacturing is the biggest user of AEM rubber, but I see its use spreading into more industries that need both heat and oil resistance.
AEM rubber is widely used in the automotive industry for air intake ducts, turbocharger hoses, crankcase ventilation hoses, transmission seals, and other under-the-hood components. It is also chosen for vibration isolators and seals in industrial machinery and heavy equipment.
AEM Rubber Application Table
| Industry | Typical AEM Uses | Why Choose AEM? |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive | Air intake hoses1, turbocharger hoses2, CV boots3, seals, dampers | Heat, oil, ozone, and flex resistance |
| Industrial | Vibration isolators4, pump seals5, machinery gaskets | Long-term durability, chemical resistance |
| Heavy Equipment | Engine hoses6, sealing parts7 | Withstands oil and high temperatures |
In my experience, AEM is especially valued for its stability and resistance to cracking or hardening in demanding engine environments.
What specific parts are most often made from AEM rubber?
OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers count on AEM rubber8 for parts that cannot fail under heat and oil exposure.
The most common AEM rubber parts include turbocharger hoses, air intake ducts, crankcase ventilation hoses, transmission shaft seals, and vibration dampers. These parts must keep their shape, flexibility, and sealing ability for years.
Typical AEM Parts Table
| Part Type | Reason for AEM Selection |
|---|---|
| Turbocharger hoses | High heat and oil resistance9 |
| Air intake/vent hoses | Ozone/oxidation resistance, flexibility |
| Transmission shaft seals10 | Hot oil resistance, low compression set |
| Vibration dampers | Long-term durability, aging resistance |
| CV boots | Flexibility and environmental resistance |
I have helped automotive suppliers qualify AEM hoses for turbocharger assemblies—these parts run at high temperatures and must never become brittle or leaky.
Why do engineers select AEM rubber for these applications?
AEM rubber combines flexibility, oil and heat resistance11, and good long-term aging. I often recommend it when EPDM or NBR cannot provide enough heat or oil performance.
AEM rubber resists degradation from hot oils, synthetic transmission fluids, ozone, and temperature cycling up to 150°C. It keeps its sealing function and flexibility longer than most other common rubbers under engine conditions.
AEM vs Other Rubbers Table
| Property | AEM | EPDM | NBR | FKM (Viton®) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Temp (°C) | 150 | 130 | 110 | 250 |
| Oil Resistance | Excellent | Poor | Good | Excellent |
| Ozone/Weather | Excellent | Excellent | Fair | Excellent |
| Cost | Medium | Low | Low | High |
For automotive air and oil hoses, AEM provides better durability than EPDM or NBR but is more affordable than FKM.
What should you consider before specifying AEM rubber?
Every application has its limits. I remind buyers that while AEM is excellent for hot oil and air, it is not suitable for continuous contact with fuels or aromatic solvents.
Before specifying AEM, confirm the temperature range, type of fluids the part will contact, required flexibility, and any certification needs. For fuel system components, consider FKM instead.
I help my customers by reviewing their drawings, environment, and long-term requirements to recommend the right AEM grade for their needs.
Conclusion
AEM rubber is a versatile, high-performance elastomer used for air, oil, and heat-exposed parts in automotive and industrial equipment. Its durability and resistance to cracking or hardening make it a smart choice for under-the-hood and heavy-duty applications.
-
Explore this resource to understand how AEM enhances performance and durability in air intake hoses, crucial for engine efficiency. ↩
-
Learn why turbocharger hoses are made from AEM rubber for optimal performance under high temperatures. ↩
-
Explore this link to understand the critical role of CV boots in vehicle performance and longevity. ↩
-
Explore this resource to understand the critical role of vibration isolators in enhancing machinery performance and longevity. ↩
-
Explore this resource to understand how AEM rubber enhances pump seal performance in demanding environments. ↩
-
Explore this resource to understand how AEM enhances engine hose performance under extreme conditions. ↩
-
Explore this link to discover how AEM rubber enhances the performance and longevity of sealing parts in demanding environments. ↩
-
Explore the advantages of AEM rubber, especially its heat and oil resistance, crucial for automotive parts. ↩
-
Understand the significance of oil resistance in automotive applications and how AEM rubber excels in this area. ↩
-
Explore this resource to understand how AEM rubber enhances the performance and longevity of transmission shaft seals. ↩
-
Explore the critical role of heat resistance in automotive rubber and why AEM is a preferred material. ↩
