Ethylene Propylene (EPDM)

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a durable synthetic rubber known for its excellent resistance to weathering, UV, ozone, and temperature extremes. It stays flexible between -40°C and +120°C, making it ideal for demanding environments.

Its structure gives it strong elasticity, electrical insulation, and resistance to steam and water. While not suitable for use with oils or fuels, EPDM offers a reliable balance of strength, flexibility, and long-term performance. At Kea-Flex, we use EPDM for precision-moulded components where consistency and resilience are key.

EPDM rubber is highly compatible with all major moulding techniques, and the most suitable process depends on the shape, complexity, and production volume of the component. At Kea-Flex, we use our expertise to match the process to the specific performance and cost requirements of each rubber moulding part.

Injection moulding is often preferred for EPDM in high-volume production, especially when components require tight tolerances and consistent repeatability. EPDM flows well during injection, making it ideal for detailed or complex shapes.

Compression moulding works particularly well with EPDM for larger or simpler components and is a cost-effective option for low to medium batch sizes, especially when quick tooling turnaround is needed.

Transfer moulding is suitable for more intricate EPDM parts, particularly those that incorporate inserts or fine details, offering better control over material placement and reducing waste.

At Kea-Flex, we tailor our approach to get the best results from EPDM, delivering moulded components that meet your exact specifications—efficiently and reliably.

EPDM rubber offers excellent resistance to weathering, UV, ozone, and a wide temperature range, typically from -40°C to +120°C. This makes it ideal for outdoor applications, such as seals, gaskets, and components used in automotive, construction, and HVAC industries.

In comparison, Nitrile (NBR) is better suited for applications involving oils, fuels, and greases, thanks to its superior resistance to petroleum-based fluids. However, NBR doesn’t perform as well outdoors and is more vulnerable to ozone and UV degradation.

Silicone rubber excels in extreme temperature environments, from -60°C to +230°C, and is widely used in medical, food, and pharmaceutical applications due to its biocompatibility. While it offers excellent flexibility and thermal stability, silicone lacks the tensile strength and abrasion resistance of EPDM and is generally more costly.

At Kea-Flex, we offer expert guidance to help you select the right elastomer for your specific application, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a highly versatile synthetic rubber known for its excellent resistance to weathering, UV, ozone, steam, and extreme temperatures. Its durability and long-term flexibility make it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

Common applications include sealing and insulation components such as gaskets, O-rings, hoses, and weatherstrips. In the automotive industry, EPDM is widely used for door and window seals, coolant hoses, and engine bay parts, where it performs reliably under heat and exposure to the elements.

In construction and HVAC, it’s used in roofing membranes, duct seals, and window gaskets, offering stable performance in fluctuating climates. EPDM’s electrical insulation properties also make it suitable for cable protection and electrical enclosures.

Thanks to its resistance to water and steam, it’s commonly found in plumbing systems—including pipe seals and washers—where lasting performance is essential.

At Kea-Flex, we produce precision-moulded EPDM components across a wide range of applications, ensuring high performance and reliability for every project.

EPDM rubber is well known for its excellent temperature resistance, maintaining flexibility and performance across a wide range of conditions. Standard grades of EPDM can typically withstand temperatures from -40°C to +120°C, making it ideal for both low-temperature environments and moderate heat exposure.

Some specialised formulations of EPDM can tolerate even higher temperatures, up to +150°C, for limited periods without losing their mechanical properties. At the lower end, EPDM remains flexible and resilient even in sub-zero conditions, which is essential for outdoor or cold-weather applications.

At Kea-Flex, we carefully select the most suitable rubber moulding material to meet your thermal requirements, ensuring long-term durability and reliable performance in demanding environments.

EPDM rubber offers a range of benefits that make it a popular choice for moulded components, particularly where resistance to environmental factors is essential. One of its main advantages is its exceptional durability in outdoor conditions. EPDM is highly resistant to UV light, ozone, and weathering, and it maintains flexibility across a wide temperature range, typically from -40°C to +120°C, with some grades tolerating even higher.

It also provides excellent resistance to steam and water, as well as good electrical insulation properties, making it a versatile option for seals, gaskets, and protective components. EPDM can be formulated in a variety of hardnesses and is compatible with several moulding processes, including compression, injection, and transfer moulding.

However, EPDM does have some limitations. Its main disadvantage is its poor resistance to oils, fuels, and most hydrocarbons, which makes it unsuitable for applications involving petroleum-based fluids. It also offers moderate tensile strength and abrasion resistance compared to other elastomers like Nitrile (NBR) or Polyurethane.

At Kea-Flex, we help you weigh these advantages and limitations to determine whether EPDM is the right material for your specific application, ensuring reliable performance and value over the long term.