By Material

1. EPDM Rubber (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) Properties: Excellent weather resistance, ozone resistance, UV stability, temperature range (-40°C to +120°C), good elasticity and compression set. Primary Applications: Building & Construction: Window and door weatherstripping, roofing seals, expansion joints Automotive: Door seals, trunk seals, window channels Industrial: HVAC duct connections, enclosure gaskets Consumer: Refrigerator door gaskets, washing machine seals 2. Silicone Rubber Properties: Extreme temperature resistance (-60°C to 230°C), excellent ozone/UV resistance, chemically inert, food/medical grade options available. Primary Applications: High-Temperature Environments: Oven doors, autoclaves, engine compartments Medical & Food: Medical device seals, food processing equipment, pharmaceutical packaging Electronics: High-purity seals, connector gaskets Aerospace: Aircraft windows, cabin seals 3. Neoprene (Chloroprene Rubber - CR) Properties: Good weather and moderate temperature resistance, excellent flame retardancy, good resistance to oils and chemicals. Primary Applications: Marine: Boat hatches, window seals, deck fittings Industrial: Machinery guards, chemical equipment seals Construction: Fire-rated door seals, smoke barrier gaskets Transportation: Rail and bus window seals 4. Nitrile Rubber (NBR) Properties: Excellent oil and fuel resistance, good abrasion resistance, moderate temperature range (-30°C to 100°C). Primary Applications: Automotive: Fuel system seals, oil pan gaskets Industrial: Hydraulic equipment, pump seals, oil refinery gaskets Manufacturing: Machinery exposed to lubricants and cutting fluids 5. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Properties: Good chemical resistance, flexible to rigid options, low cost, available in various colors, limited temperature range. Primary Applications: Construction: Window and door draft stoppers, trim seals Furniture: Edge protection, cabinet seals Consumer: Low-cost weatherstripping, decorative seals Industrial: Light-duty enclosure gaskets 6. Polyurethane (PU) Properties: Exceptional abrasion resistance, high load-bearing capacity, good oil resistance, can be formulated for specific properties. Primary Applications: Heavy Machinery: Hydraulic cylinder seals, scraper seals Automotive: Wiper blades, suspension seals Industrial: Conveyor belt scrapers, high-wear applications Construction: Heavy-duty door seals 7. TPE/TPV (Thermoplastic Elastomers/Vulcanizates) Properties: Recyclable, good UV/weather resistance (TPV), design flexibility, consistent processing properties. Primary Applications: Automotive: Glass run channels, interior trim seals Appliances: Door gaskets, access panel seals Construction: Replacement for EPDM in many weatherstripping applications Consumer: Tool handles with integrated seals, sports equipment 8. Closed-Cell Foams (EPDM, Neoprene, PVC, PE) Properties: Lightweight, excellent compressibility, good thermal/acoustic insulation, low closure force. Primary Applications: Electronics: Control panel gaskets (IP rated enclosures) HVAC: Duct sealing, air handler gaskets Construction: Thermal breaks, soundproofing seals Transportation: Interior panel seals, vibration dampening 9. Felt & Natural Fibers Properties: Excellent sound absorption, low friction, good dust exclusion, absorbs moisture. Primary Applications: Musical Instruments: Piano key bushings, sound dampening Machinery: Dust seals, sliding surface protection Furniture: Drawer slides, anti-scratch pads Automotive: Interior trim seals, sound insulation 10. Metal-Reinforced Seals Properties: Structural strength, shape retention, often combined with rubber for hybrid performance. Primary Applications: Automotive: Door seals with metal carriers Construction: Storefront door seals, heavy-duty thresholds Industrial: Large access door seals, cleanroom doors Transportation: Bus and train door seals Material Selection Quick Reference Application Need Recommended Material(s) Outdoor weather sealing EPDM, TPV High temperature (>150°C) Silicone Oil/fuel exposure Nitrile (NBR), Polyurethane Food/medical compliance Silicone, FDA-approved EPDM Fire/smoke sealing Neoprene, Intumescent strips Sound insulation Closed-cell foam, Felt Sliding/low friction Felt, PTFE-impregnated materials EMI/RFI shielding Conductive silicone, Metal-filled elastomers Cost-sensitive projects PVC, Basic EPDM Sustainable/recyclable TPE, TPV Emerging Materials Silicone Hybrids: Combining silicone benefits with easier processing Bio-based Elastomers: Sustainable alternatives from renewable resources Conductive Elastomers: For electronic shielding applications Aerogel-infused Seals: For extreme thermal insulation The choice of material depends on specific requirements including environmental conditions, mechanical demands, regulatory compliance, and cost considerations. Most industrial applications use EPDM or silicone as baseline materials, with specialty materials selected for specific challenges like chemical resistance or extreme temperatures.