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Natural Rubber (NR) parts

Natural rubber is made from the latex of the rubber tree. It has high resilience, high tensile and tear strength, good abrasion resistance and stays flexible in the cold. That is why it is used for parts that flex, stretch or absorb shock.

It does not resist petroleum oils or fuels, and unprotected grades crack in sunlight and ozone. Natural rubber can contain latex proteins that cause allergic reactions, so tell us if your part will be in contact with skin. For latex-free parts, ask about synthetic polyisoprene (IR).

At a glance

Natural Rubber (NR) at a glance
PropertyNatural Rubber (NR)
Also calledNR, Natural polyisoprene, Gum rubber
Known forResilience, tensile strength and tear resistance
Typical service temperatureDepends on the compound; ask us for the grade you need
Common ASTM D2000 type and classAA

Typical values for general-purpose grades. The compound, the hardness and the service conditions decide what a part can take, so we confirm the compound with your quote. For what the type and class letters mean, see ASTM D2000 callouts.

Resistance profile

Generally good with

  • Resilience and rebound
  • Tensile and tear strength
  • Abrasion
  • Flexibility in the cold
  • Water and many dilute acids and alkalis

Usually a poor choice for

  • Petroleum oils and fuels
  • Hydrocarbon solvents
  • Ozone, sunlight and weathering (unprotected grades)
  • Long exposure to high heat

Where natural rubber is used

  • Vibration and shock mounts
  • Bumpers and impact pads
  • Wear strips and liners
  • Seals and gaskets in water and air service

How we make natural rubber parts

We work in natural rubber with these processes, all under one roof in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania:

Natural rubber parts are made to your drawing. There are no stock natural rubber profiles in our catalog.

Quote a part in natural rubber

Send us a drawing, a sample part or a rough sketch. We will review it, recommend the right material and process, and give you a firm ship date with your quote.

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