Rubber Seal Strip Material Comparison: NBR, EPDM, FKM, Silicone Buying Guide

A suitable rubber seal strip can block air, water, dust and heat transfer. Many factors need to be considered before purchase, such as working temperature, UV exposure, contact medium and installation position.

NBR Nitrile Rubber Seal Strip

Temperature range: -40°C to +120°C
✅ Pros: Great resistance to oil, fuel and hydraulic fluid. Good wear resistance and affordable price.
❌ Cons: Poor UV and ozone resistance. It will crack and harden after long-time outdoor sun exposure.
👉 Best for: Oil equipment, machinery cabinets, indoor oil sealing applications. Not recommended for outdoor use.

EPDM Ethylene Propylene Rubber Seal Strip

Temperature range: -50°C to +150°C
✅ Pros: Excellent resistance to hot water, steam, ozone and ultraviolet rays. It ages slowly under sunlight, and works well with coolants and dilute acids.
❌ Cons: Not compatible with mineral oil and gasoline.
👉 Best for: Outdoor equipment, water valves, cooling systems, door sealing, weatherproof sealing. Top choice for UV exposed environments.

FKM Fluoroelastomer Seal Strip

Temperature range: -20°C to +200°C
✅ Pros: Outstanding heat, oil, fuel, chemical and UV resistance. It performs stably under harsh high-temperature and corrosive conditions.
❌ Cons: Higher cost, not suitable for continuous hot steam service.
👉 Best for: High-temperature industrial machines, chemical equipment, exhaust related sealing.

Silicone VMQ Seal Strip

Temperature range: -60°C to +200°C
✅ Pros: Wide temperature tolerance, excellent UV and ozone resistance. Food grade versions are available. Our physical silicone seal strips are soft and flexible. Most are milky white or semi-transparent, and keep elasticity after long sun exposure, perfect for static sealing.
❌ Cons: Poor oil resistance, low tear strength, not fit for heavy dynamic friction.
👉 Best for: Oven, steaming cabinet, food machinery, static high / low temperature sealing.

Quick Selection Tip

If your equipment contacts oil and you want a low-cost solution, choose NBR seal strips.
For outdoor, hot water or steam working conditions, EPDM is your preferred option.
Select FKM seal strips for high temperature, fuel and strong chemical environments.
Silicone seal strips work best for oven, food equipment and static sealing with extreme temperature or UV exposure.

We supply custom rubber seal strips in NBR, EPDM, FKM and silicone. Different profiles such as M-type, D-type, U-type, square and round strips are available. Custom sizes and hardness can be made according to drawings. Contact us for your sealing project.