Elastomers
Technical elastomers from SENN: NR, NBR, EPDM, silicone and TPE as sheets, profiles, O-rings and custom moulded parts.
Elastomers combine high elasticity with chemical resistance, making them ideal for sealing, damping and protecting in demanding industrial environments. SENN carries a broad range of technical rubber materials — from natural rubber (NR) through nitrile rubber (NBR) and EPDM to silicone rubber (MVQ) and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). Each material brings specific strengths: NBR resists oils and fuels, EPDM withstands weathering, ozone and steam, silicone remains flexible from −60 to +200 °C, and TPE can be processed and recycled like a thermoplastic. Natural rubber excels where maximum tear resistance and dynamic load capacity are required. Supplied as sheets, profiles, cord, O-rings or as moulded parts to drawing — also in small batch sizes and as prototypes. Whether hydraulic seals in mechanical engineering, food-contact surfaces in packaging lines or vibration-damping mounts in vehicle construction — SENN advises on material selection, delivers from stock or manufactures custom parts. Shore hardness from 10 Shore A to 60 Shore D, FDA- and EU 10/2011-compliant grades as well as special compounds on request complete the range. Our extensive silicone range — sheets, profiles, cord stock, foam gaskets — can be found under Seals & Gaskets.
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Elastomers — Flexible, Sealed, Damped
Elastomers are cross-linkable polymers that return to their original shape after deformation — the core of all sealing, damping and wear-protection technology. SENN supplies five proven material groups, tailored to a wide variety of media, temperatures and mechanical requirements. The following overview presents the key properties, application areas and technical data for each material.
NR — Natural Rubber
Natural rubber (NR) offers the highest tear and abrasion resistance of all elastomers combined with outstanding elasticity. Its excellent dynamic fatigue properties make it the first choice for components subject to oscillating loads. NR is, however, sensitive to oils, ozone and UV radiation and is therefore not suitable for contact with mineral oils or long-term outdoor use without protection.
Properties:
- Operating temperature: −50 to +80 °C
- Hardness: 30–90 Shore A
- High elasticity and tensile strength
- Very good dynamic load capacity
- Poor resistance to oils and ozone
Typical applications:
- Conveyor belts and belt covers
- Vibration dampers and engine mounts
- Bridge and building bearings
- Tyres and tyre components
NBR — Nitrile Rubber
Nitrile rubber (NBR, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber) is the industry standard for seals in contact with oils, fuels and greases. The higher the acrylonitrile content, the better the media resistance — at slightly reduced low-temperature flexibility. NBR can be formulated across a wide hardness range and is economical to process.
Properties:
- Operating temperature: −30 to +100 °C (short-term +120 °C)
- Hardness: 40–90 Shore A
- Outstanding resistance to oils, fuels and greases
- Good abrasion and compression set resistance
- Not UV- or ozone-resistant
Typical applications:
- O-rings and flat gaskets
- Hydraulic hoses and seals
- Fuel system seals
- Pressure rollers and conveyor rollers
EPDM — Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber
EPDM is distinguished by outstanding weather, ozone and UV resistance and is the preferred material for outdoor applications and contact with hot water or steam. EPDM does not tolerate mineral oils and is therefore not suitable for hydraulic systems with oil contact.
Properties:
- Operating temperature: −40 to +150 °C
- Hardness: 40–90 Shore A
- Excellent ozone, UV and weather resistance
- Very good steam and hot water resistance
- Poor oil and fuel resistance
Typical applications:
- Automotive seals (windows, doors, boot lids)
- Roofing membranes and facade seals
- Steam and hot water hoses
- Door seals for washing machines and dishwashers
MVQ — Silicone Rubber
Silicone rubber (MVQ) impresses with an extreme operating temperature range and is suitable for sensitive applications in medicine and food processing thanks to its biocompatibility and food-contact compliance (FDA, EU 10/2011). Mechanical strength is lower compared to other elastomers, which is why MVQ is primarily used where temperature, purity or flexibility are decisive.
Properties:
- Operating temperature: −60 to +200 °C (short-term +300 °C)
- Hardness: 10–80 Shore A
- Biocompatible and food-contact compliant
- UV- and ozone-stable
- Lower mechanical strength than NBR or NR
Typical applications:
- Seals in the food industry
- Medical technology components and tubing
- Baby products and kitchen utensils
- Electrical insulation and LED potting
TPE — Thermoplastic Elastomers
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) combine the elastic properties of rubber with the processability of thermoplastics. They require no vulcanisation, can be injection moulded and are fully recyclable. TPE is particularly suited for consumer goods and components where soft-touch feel needs to be combined with economical series production.
Properties:
- Operating temperature: −40 to +120 °C (type-dependent)
- Hardness: 30 Shore A to 60 Shore D
- No vulcanisation required — injection-mouldable
- Recyclable and colour-customisable
- Rubber-like elasticity with thermoplastic processing
Typical applications:
- Soft-touch grips and handles in automotive
- Cable insulation and cable protection tubing
- Shoe soles and sports equipment
- Sealing lips and consumer goods components
Supply Forms
SENN supplies elastomers in all common semi-finished product forms — directly from stock or as custom-manufactured parts:
- Sheets and mats: Standard thicknesses from 1 to 50 mm, also with fabric reinforcement
- Profiles: Standard profiles and custom profiles to drawing
- Cord: Various diameters for groove and flange seals
- O-rings: Metric and imperial, from stock or custom-manufactured
- Custom moulded parts: CNC machining or compression moulding to customer drawing
Industries and Applications
Elastomers from SENN are used in numerous industries:
- Mechanical engineering: Hydraulic seals, vibration dampers, conveyor belt covers
- Automotive: Body seals, engine mounts, hose systems
- Food industry: FDA- and EU-compliant seals, conveyor belts, process hoses
- Medical technology: Biocompatible silicone parts, tube connectors, valve membranes
- Chemical and pharmaceutical: Media-resistant seals, linings, protective gloves
- Construction: Facade seals, bridge bearings, window profiles
Advice and Quotation
Send enquiry nowNeed a specific elastomer or unsure which material is optimal for your application? Our technical team advises on material selection, reviews your drawings and provides a no-obligation quotation — including for small batches and prototypes.