Silicone rubber parts
Silicone rubber has a backbone of silicon and oxygen instead of carbon. That is why it stays flexible in cold that stiffens most rubbers and keeps its properties at heat that breaks most others down. It resists ozone and UV, insulates well, and is made in FDA grades for food contact.
General-purpose silicone has lower tear and abrasion strength than most rubbers, so it suits static seals and gaskets better than parts that rub or flex hard. High-strength grades narrow that gap.
At a glance
| Property | Silicone |
|---|---|
| Also called | Silicone rubber, VMQ |
| Known for | Wide temperature range, FDA grades |
| Typical service temperature | -65 °F to +400 °F (-54 °C to +204 °C) |
| Common ASTM D2000 type and class | FC, FE, GE |
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. Silicone sponge is rated -100 °F to +450 °F (-73 °C to +232 °C), depending on grade. For what the type and class letters mean, see ASTM D2000 callouts.
Resistance profile
Generally good with
- Heat and cold
- Ozone, UV and weathering
- Electrical insulation
- Food contact (FDA grades)
- Compression set (low compression set grades)
Usually a poor choice for
- Tearing, abrasion and dynamic rubbing (general-purpose grades)
- Gasoline and other fuels
- Concentrated acids and alkalis
- High-pressure steam
Where silicone is used
- Food and beverage equipment seals
- Oven, lighting and appliance gaskets
- Electrical enclosure gaskets
- Switch boots and keypads
What we make in silicone
- Seals and gaskets
- Bellows
- Switch seals and boots
- Valves
- Insulators
- Solid and sponge extrusions
Typical applications: Food appliances, Automotive, Electronics, Construction.
How we make silicone parts
We work in silicone with these processes, all under one roof in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania:
Catalog parts you can request in silicone
Every catalog part is quoted in the material and durometer you name when you add it to your quote.
Quote a part in silicone
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.