Guide to Common Seal Materials

Material Cost Factor Sump temp range ° C (° F) Advantages Disadvantages
Nitrile 1 -30 to 100° C

(-22 to 50° F)

 *Low cost; low swell; easily processed; good oil resistance; good low-temperature properties; good abrasion resistance Poor resistance to EP additives: poor high-temperature resistance
Polyacrylate 1.2 -40 to 135° C

(-40 to 275° F)

 Good oil resistance including EP lubricants; low swell; good high temperature resistance; high-oxidation resistance Poor water resistance; fair wear resistance; poor low-temperature characteristics; poor compression set; poor abrasion resistance
Silicone 1.3 -62 to 232° C

(-80 to 450° F)

 Wide temperature range; very flexible; easily molded; high-lubricant absorbency; good water resistance Easily torn or cut; high swell; poor resistance to oxidized oil; poor abrasion resistance; poor dry running properties
Fluorosilicone 2.0 -62 to 177° C

(-80 to 350° F)

 Good oil and chemical resistance; good low-temperature properties; wide temperature range; low compression set Poor abrasion resistance; poor dry running; expensive; difficult to process; poor water resistance
Fluorocarbon (Elastomer) 2.0 -40 to 177° C

(-40 to 350° F)

 Very good oil and chemical resistance; excellent heat resistance; wide temperature range; low swell; good wear properties Difficult to process; expensive; becomes stiff at very low temperatures
Fluorocarbon (thermoplastic TFE) 3 -96 to 232° C

(-140 to 450° F)

 Excellent temperature range; excellent oil and chemical resistance, low friction; no swell; good dry running Difficult to process; limited design options; high cost; easily damaged; no-elastic; becomes stiff at low temperatures;

 

Note: Nitrile seals are the least expensive, i.e., "Most attractive to the purchasing agent."

These are general guidelines only. More specific recommendations can be obtained from the lubricant supplier and equipment manufacturer and both should be consulted.

Kennesaw, Georgia     contact@ccoilco.com      (770)-424-4093