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NBR moulding: oil-resistant nitrile rubber components

We compression-mould nitrile rubber (NBR) components to customer drawings, including rubber-to-metal parts: the reference rubber for contact with oils, greases, fuels and hydraulic fluids.

What is nitrile rubber (NBR)?

NBR is a copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene, also known as Buna-N or by trade names such as Perbunan® and Europrene®. The more acrylonitrile it contains, the more it resists oils and fuels, at the expense of flexibility at low temperatures.

It has good compression set and good abrasion and tear resistance: it is the typical material for seals and gaskets in contact with mineral oils and hydrocarbons. It has poor resistance to ozone, UV light and weathering unless the compound is protected.

When a fluoroelastomer (FKM) is chosen mainly for resistance to oils and hydrocarbons, NBR can be a PFAS-free alternative at a lower cost.

Properties of nitrile rubber

  • High oil resistance
  • Good fuel resistance
  • Resistant to fats and hydrocarbons
  • Good abrasion resistance
  • High-temperature resistance

Indicative continuous service temperatures for the most common grades: the exact value depends on the grade and formulation and should be checked on the data sheet of the chosen material.

What is nitrile rubber (NBR) used for?

  • Technical seals and O-rings
  • Hydraulic seals
  • Washers and grommets
  • Diaphragms for valves and pumps
  • Components for automotive, marine and industrial machinery in contact with oils

How we mould nitrile rubber (NBR)

NBR compounds are compression-vulcanised. In rubber-to-metal components the rubber bonds permanently to the insert during vulcanisation.

NBR or another material?

The material is chosen according to the conditions of use of the component. The closest alternatives:

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Further reading

Do you have a component to make in NBR?

Send us your drawing or a sample: the contact form opens with the material already selected. If the material is still open, we will choose it together.

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