In demanding industrial environments, equipment is constantly exposed to harsh conditions, such as intense heat, corrosive chemicals and abrasive materials. Over time, these stressors can take a serious toll on performance, leading to premature part failure, unplanned downtime and increased maintenance costs.
The longevity of equipment in these settings often comes down to material selection. Components made with heat- and chemical-resistant rubber can offer a critical line of defense against breakdowns—whether in a chemical plant, an automotive engine system or a high-temperature manufacturing process. The right rubber solution not only holds up under pressure but also contributes to overall system efficiency.
Causes for Equipment Failure
Equipment failure doesn’t usually happen all at once; it’s the result of gradual, compounding stress in demanding environments. Some of the most common causes include:
- High temperatures: can cause rubber to harden or crack.
- Chemical exposure: can lead to swelling, brittleness or disintegration.
- Oils and solvents: can degrade seals and gaskets, allowing leaks or contamination.
These vulnerabilities steadily weaken critical components and can ultimately bring entire systems offline. To avoid these issues, manufacturers increasingly rely on advanced rubber compounds specifically designed to endure harsh conditions. Formulated to resist heat, chemicals and physical stress, these materials play a key role in extending equipment life and maintaining system reliability.
Heat & Chemical-Resistant Rubbers
Whether you're sealing fuel lines, insulating electronic components or protecting valves in chemical plants, the material you choose matters.
Here are three high-performance options that offer reliable protection:
A. Viton® (Fluoroelastomer)
Viton® is an ideal material for components exposed to extreme heat and aggressive chemicals. It maintains its integrity at temperatures exceeding 400°F and resists degradation from fuels, oils, acids and solvents. That’s why it’s widely used in automotive seals, fuel systems and chemical processing equipment—environments where standard rubber would quickly fail.
Because Viton® is a type of fluoropolymer, it may fall under PFAS regulations in some industries. It’s important to confirm material compliance early in the design process.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)
EPDM performs exceptionally well in outdoor and high-moisture environments. It’s resistant to ozone, steam and weathering, making it ideal for HVAC systems, water-handling components and certain automotive parts. While not suitable for petroleum-based fluids, it offers excellent durability against water and mild chemicals.
Silicone rubber
Silicone is known for its broad temperature tolerance, withstanding both extreme heat and freezing cold without losing flexibility. It's a common choice for medical devices, food-grade applications and sensitive electronics. Its stability, non-reactivity and softness make it versatile—especially where cleanliness and performance across wide temperature ranges are essential.
Application in the Real World: Design Considerations
To get the most out of a high-performance rubber compound, the part design has to be just as intentional as the material choice. In industrial settings, small design decisions can have a big impact on how long a component lasts—and how well it performs under stress.
Here are some critical design elements to consider:
Durometer (hardness): Durometer measures how soft or hard a rubber compound is, and the right level depends on the application. A softer rubber may conform better for sealing purposes, while harder rubber offers greater resistance to wear or structural loads.
Rubber-to-metal bonding: For parts that require structural integrity or vibration control—like mounts, valves or gaskets—bonding rubber directly to metal adds strength and stability. A proper bond ensures the rubber doesn't delaminate under thermal or mechanical stress, extending the lifespan of the entire component.
Color-coding for function and safety: Using colored rubber can help identify durometer levels, differentiate similar parts or signal critical safety features. In high-volume or complex assemblies, color-coding reduces error, streamlines maintenance and enhances overall system safety.
At Custom Rubber Corp., we offer hands-on design and engineering support to help customers not only select the right material but also fine-tune part geometry, bonding methods and performance specs. Our goal is to create custom-molded solutions that last—right down to the smallest detail.
How These Materials Extend Equipment Life
Using rubber materials engineered for heat and chemical resistance directly contributes to equipment longevity. These compounds reduce the rate of degradation in seals, gaskets and other components—resulting in fewer replacements and lower maintenance frequency. That translates to less downtime and more reliable system operation.
In industries where uptime is critical, even small improvements in part performance can lead to major productivity gains. Better sealing also improves safety, reduces the risk of leaks and helps maintain compliance with environmental and quality standards. When equipment runs longer and more efficiently, the savings add up, reducing total ownership costs year after year.
What to Ask Your Supplier Before You Buy
Selecting the appropriate rubber compound begins with understanding the application’s specific demands. Before committing to a compound or design, make sure your supplier can help you address the following:
- What chemicals will the part contact?
Different rubber compounds offer resistance to specific substances—fuels, acids, solvents or water. Knowing the full chemical exposure ensures the material won’t degrade over time.
- What is the expected operating temperature range?
Will the part need to withstand continuous high heat, freezing conditions or thermal cycling? Each rubber type has its limits and identifying them early is key.
- Does the application require compression, rebound or bonding?
If the part needs to flex, absorb shock or bond to metal, these mechanical requirements will influence both material choice and part design.
- Do I need prototyping or tool modification?
Determining whether your project needs a prototype or requires moving or modifying existing tooling can help avoid costly delays and compatibility issues.
From initial consultation to final delivery, Custom Rubber Corp. is built to respond. We work closely with each customer to align performance needs with smart design and material choices, ensuring the end result is a part you can count on.
Make the Right Material Choice with the Right Partner
Custom Rubber Corp. brings decades of experience in developing rubber molding solutions that solve real-world challenges. Our team works closely with manufacturers across a range of industries to design and deliver components that stand up to tough environments. By getting involved early in the process, we can help ensure the right material, the right design and the right performance—especially when heat and chemical resistance are critical. If you're facing demanding conditions,
we're here to help you build a solution that lasts.