Sealing components are critical to the safe and efficient operation of industrial systems. Whether it's preventing fluid leakage, protecting internal components, or ensuring system integrity under pressure, seals must withstand a wide range of working conditions.

One of the most important decisions when selecting a seal is choosing the right material. The wrong material can lead to premature failure, costly downtime, and even equipment damage. In this guide, DXTSEALS outlines the key factors and material recommendations based on common industrial environments.

🔍 Key Factors in Seal Material Selection

Before choosing a material, consider the following criteria:

1. Operating Temperature
   Will the seal be exposed to high heat or extreme cold?

2. Pressure Load
   Does the application involve low, medium, or high-pressure conditions?

3. Chemical Exposure
   What fluids or gases will the seal contact?

4. Friction and Wear
   Will the seal be in dynamic (moving) or static (stationary) use?

5. Mechanical Stress
   How much compression, expansion, or vibration will the material endure?

🧪 Common Seal Materials and Their Properties

Here are the most widely used materials for seals, along with their typical applications:

🔸 NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber)

• Temperature: -40°C to +100°C

• Strengths: Good resistance to oil, fuel, and abrasion

• Limitations: Poor resistance to ozone and weathering

• Applications: Hydraulic seals, oil seals, automotive gaskets

🔸 FKM (Fluorocarbon Rubber, e.g., Viton®)

• Temperature: -20°C to +250°C

• Strengths: Excellent chemical and heat resistance

• Limitations: Expensive, not ideal for low temperatures

• Applications: Engine seals, aerospace components, chemical plant seals

🔸 EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)

• Temperature: -50°C to +150°C

• Strengths: Great resistance to weather, ozone, steam, and water

• Limitations: Not suitable for oil-based fluids

• Applications: Water system seals, brake systems, outdoor applications

🔸 PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)

• Temperature: -200°C to +260°C

• Strengths: Chemical inertness, high temperature, low friction

• Limitations: Brittle under stress, poor elasticity

• Applications: High-temperature chemical seals, valve seats, gaskets

🔸 PU (Polyurethane)

• Temperature: -30°C to +90°C

• Strengths: Excellent abrasion and tear resistance

• Limitations: Limited chemical resistance

• Applications: Hydraulic cylinder seals, wear rings, high-pressure seals

✅ Material Recommendations by Operating Condition