Top 5 Rubber Materials Used in Industrial Gasket Production

by | Dec 1, 2025 | Rubber Gaskets

industrial rubber gasket types, nitrile vs neoprene gasket, viton gasket material

A Buyer’s Guide From Alanto, UK Gasket Manufacturing Specialists

Not all rubber is created equal – especially when it comes to gasket performance. The right material ensures your seal remains intact under pressure, resists chemical attack, and survives extreme environments.

At Alanto, we’re a trusted rubber gasket manufacturer and rubber materials supplier to industries including automotive, defence, HVAC, and rail. Whether you’re ordering gasket sheet material or fully converted gaskets, our in-house team helps you select the most appropriate rubber compound for your exact application.

Here are the five most widely used rubber materials in industrial gasket production – and when to use each.

1. EPDM Rubber

Best for:

Weather sealing, steam resistance, UV exposure.

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is one of the most versatile rubber materials on the market. Its excellent resistance to UV, ozone, steam and weathering makes it ideal for outdoor and HVAC applications.

Common uses:

  • Pipe insulation gaskets.
  • HVAC duct seals.
  • External panel seals.
  • Automotive trim.

Limitations:

Not suitable for use with oils or fuels.

2. Neoprene Rubber

Best for:

General-purpose gaskets, flame resistance.

Neoprene offers a balanced profile of chemical, weather, and abrasion resistance. It’s available in flame-retardant grades (FMVSS 302, UL94), making it ideal for electrical enclosures and rail gaskets.

Common uses:

  • Control panel seals.
  • Fire-retardant gaskets.
  • Acoustic enclosures.
  • HVAC flanges.

Limitations:

Limited resistance to some aggressive fuels and solvents.

3. Nitrile Rubber (NBR)

Best for:

Oil, fuel, and grease resistance

Nitrile is the industry standard for fuel – and oil-resistant gaskets, widely used in industrial machinery, hydraulic systems, and engine compartments.

Common uses:

  • Diesel seals.
  • Oil tank gaskets.
  • Hydraulic system components.
  • Generator enclosures.

Limitations:

Weaker UV and ozone resistance; best used indoors or protected.

4. Viton® / FKM

Best for:

Extreme temperatures, aggressive chemicals.

Viton® is a premium fluoroelastomer used where no other rubber will perform. It withstands temperatures above 200°C and aggressive fluids including fuels, acids, and solvents.

Common uses:

  • Aerospace and automotive fuel systems.
  • Chemical plant gaskets.
  • High-temperature industrial applications.
  • Rail and marine sectors.

Limitations:

Higher cost; typically reserved for critical environments.

5. Silicone Rubber

Best for:

High temperature, food-safe, medical or electrical use.

Silicone Rubber is inert, biocompatible, and highly stable across extreme temperature ranges. It’s widely used in electronics, healthcare, and food processing.

Common uses:

  • Medical device gaskets.
  • Food equipment seals.
  • LED light seals.
  • Sensitive electronic enclosures.

Limitations:

Lower mechanical strength; not oil- or fuel-resistant.

Why Material Choice Matters

The wrong material leads to gasket failure, downtime, and safety risks. The right material ensures longevity, compliance, and performance.

At Alanto, we don’t just supply rubber – we engineer solutions:

  • Material matching and specification support.
  • ISO 9001 certified production.
  • Die-cut, kiss-cut, and CNC-cut gaskets.
  • Flame-retardant and adhesive options.
  • Custom kits and packaging.

 

FAQs: Industrial Gasket Material Selection

1. What’s the most cost-effective industrial rubber?

EPDM and Neoprene are affordable, durable, and suitable for many applications. Nitrile costs slightly more but offers superior fuel resistance.

2. How do I know if my application needs Viton®?

If you’re sealing high-temperature, fuel-heavy, or chemically aggressive environments, Viton® is often the safest option. We’ll help confirm if it’s necessary.

3. Can I mix rubber materials in one gasket kit?

Yes. We can supply multi-material gasket kits, colour-coded and packaged by assembly step or product line.

4. Do you supply rubber gasket sheet material?

Yes – we supply full and part rolls, sheet stock, and converted formats. All with batch traceability and optional adhesive.

5. Are fire-rated gasket materials available?

Absolutely. We stock materials rated to FMVSS 302, UL94 V-0, and EN45545 for flame-retardant applications.

 

Let’s Specify the Right Rubber for Your Gaskets

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Email: sales@alanto.co.uk | Call: +44 (0) 1922 723740

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