Ethylene Propylene (EPDM)

EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, a versatile synthetic rubber widely used across various industries for its excellent resistance to weathering, heat, and chemicals. At Kea-Flex, we work with EPDM due to its outstanding durability and flexibility, making it an ideal material for precision moulded components.

EPDM rubber is particularly well-suited to outdoor and high-performance applications, thanks to its ability to withstand exposure to UV light, ozone, and extreme temperatures without degrading. It also offers excellent electrical insulation properties, and its resistance to water and steam makes it a popular choice for sealing applications, such as gaskets, O-rings, and custom mouldings.

While EPDM is not recommended for use with oils, fuels, or certain solvents, its long service life and stability make it a reliable material solution for automotive, construction, HVAC, and industrial applications.

The best moulding process for EPDM rubber depends on the design, complexity, and volume of the component you need. At Kea-Flex, we offer a range of moulding techniques to ensure the right solution for every application.

For high-volume production and components with complex geometries, injection moulding is often preferred. This process delivers precise, consistent results with tight tolerances and faster cycle times, making it ideal for intricate designs that demand accuracy and repeatability.

Compression moulding is a cost-effective option for lower to medium volume runs. It’s particularly well-suited to larger components or simpler shapes and is often chosen when tooling budgets need to be carefully managed without compromising on quality.

Transfer moulding combines the advantages of both processes. It provides greater control over material flow, making it a suitable option for mouldings that incorporate inserts or feature more intricate details.

At Kea-Flex, our experienced team works closely with you to determine the most efficient and cost-effective moulding method for your EPDM rubber components. Whether you require durability, precision, or scalability, we have the capability to deliver high-quality results tailored to your needs.

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.