| Elastomer Material | Nitrile rubber (NBR), commonly identified by ASTM D1418 as NBR | NBR provides good resistance to petroleum-based oils, hydraulic fluids, fuels, and grease. | Confirm the exact fluid, additives, concentration, and exposure time before approval. Consider FKM, EPDM, or PTFE when NBR is chemically unsuitable. |
| Acrylonitrile Content | Approximately 18%–50% acrylonitrile, depending on compound formulation | Higher acrylonitrile content generally improves oil and fuel resistance but can reduce flexibility and low-temperature performance. | Use lower-ACN grades for improved flexibility at low temperatures and higher-ACN grades for stronger oil and fuel resistance. |
| Hardness | Typically 70–90 Shore A for industrial seal applications; softer grades may also be available | Hardness affects extrusion resistance, installation force, sealing contact, and compatibility with surface irregularities. | Choose hardness according to pressure, clearance gap, surface finish, and installation conditions. Do not select hardness alone. |
| Working Temperature | Commonly about −30°C to +100°C; some specially formulated compounds may reach approximately +120°C | Temperature influences elasticity, compression set, aging rate, and long-term sealing reliability. | Compare the continuous operating temperature and peak temperature separately. Verify the compound manufacturer's tested limits. |
| Pressure Capability | Application-dependent; often specified from low pressure to several hundred bar for hydraulic seal designs | The seal profile, extrusion gap, backup ring, speed, temperature, and housing design determine actual pressure capability. | Request pressure ratings for the complete seal design, not only the NBR material. Check static and dynamic pressure separately. |
| Fluid Compatibility | Generally suitable for mineral oils, many hydraulic oils, fuels, and lubricating greases | Compatibility varies with fluid type, temperature, pressure, and compound formulation. | Use caution with ozone, weathering, aromatic solvents, ketones, esters, strong acids, and many glycol-based fluids. |
| Compression Set | Compare test results using the same method, temperature, and test duration; lower values generally indicate better elastic recovery | High compression set can cause leakage after prolonged compression or elevated-temperature exposure. | For static seals, prioritize low compression set at the actual operating temperature and service duration. |
| Tensile Strength | Often approximately 10–25 MPa for many molded NBR compounds | Tensile strength indicates resistance to mechanical damage and stretching during installation or service. | Compare results tested to the same standard, such as ISO 37 or ASTM D412, because test methods affect reported values. |
| Elongation at Break | Commonly about 150%–500%, depending on hardness and formulation | Adequate elongation helps prevent tearing during assembly and accommodates limited movement. | Balance elongation with hardness, tensile strength, wear resistance, and dimensional stability. |
| Seal Profile | O-ring, U-cup, rod seal, piston seal, wiper, scraper, rotary shaft seal, or custom profile | Profile geometry controls leakage prevention, friction, pressure response, and suitability for static or dynamic movement. | Match the profile to motion type, shaft or bore geometry, pressure direction, and installation space. |
| Dimensional Standard | AS568, ISO 3601, DIN 3771, ISO 6194, or application-specific dimensions | Standard dimensions improve interchangeability and simplify replacement and inventory management. | Provide groove dimensions, seal cross-section, inside diameter, outside diameter, and tolerance requirements. |
| Dimensional Tolerance | Compare with the applicable ISO, AS, DIN, or customer drawing tolerance class | Incorrect dimensions or excessive variation can create leakage, excessive friction, or installation damage. | Review inspection records and verify critical dimensions by sampling or 100% inspection where required. |
| Wear and Abrasion Resistance | Good for many general industrial applications; actual performance depends on compound and counter-surface | Wear can lead to leakage in reciprocating or rotary applications. | Evaluate shaft speed, stroke rate, lubrication, surface roughness, hardness, and contamination level. |
| Ozone and Weather Resistance | Limited compared with EPDM or FKM unless protected or specially compounded | Outdoor exposure, sunlight, and ozone can cause surface cracking and premature failure. | Use protective packaging and avoid direct outdoor storage. Consider another elastomer for continuous outdoor exposure. |
| Low-Temperature Flexibility | Standard NBR commonly performs around −30°C; low-temperature grades may perform below this range | Loss of flexibility may reduce contact pressure and cause leakage during cold starts. | Specify the minimum start-up temperature, not only the normal operating temperature. |
| Color and Identification | Black is common; other colors may be used for identification or application requirements | Color alone does not reliably identify material, hardness, or chemical compatibility. | Require material documentation and hardness records rather than approving a kit by color only. |
| Quality Documentation | Certificate of conformity, material specification, inspection report, batch traceability, and applicable test results | Documentation supports consistency, regulatory review, root-cause analysis, and repeat purchasing. | Request batch number, production date, test standards, acceptance criteria, and storage information. |
| Storage Life and Packaging | Store in sealed packaging away from heat, sunlight, ozone, moisture, and chemicals; follow applicable storage standards | Improper storage can age NBR seals before installation. | Check manufacturing date, packaging condition, storage temperature, and first-in-first-out inventory control. |