Material choice as a critical performance factor

Elastomers offer a versatile solution for numerous technical applications, thanks to their ability to adapt to different operating conditions. The choice of material depends on factors such as temperature, fluids, mechanical stress, operating environment, and durability requirements. Below are the main elastomers used, along with their general characteristics. NBR – Nitrile Rubber A material widely used for general technical applications, characterized by good resistance to mineral oils, greases, and fuels. It represents a balanced solution in terms of performance and cost for numerous applications. HNBR – Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber A high-performance elastomer derived from NBR, designed to offer greater mechanical, thermal, and aging resistance. It is suitable for more demanding applications where reliability and long-term durability are required. ACM – Acrylic Rubber A material developed for applications requiring good heat and oil resistance. It is primarily used in the automotive industry and in applications with high operating temperatures. AEM – Ethylene-Acrylic Rubber An elastomer designed to provide superior thermal and chemical resistance compared to ACM. It is suitable for applications subject to more severe operating conditions and in contact with oils and lubricants. EPDM – Ethylene Propylene Rubber A material suitable for applications with water, steam, and atmospheric agents, thanks to its good resistance to aging and external agents. It is not suitable for use in the presence of mineral oils and fuels. PU – Polyurethane A material characterized by high resistance to wear, tensile stress, and mechanical stress. It is used in dynamic applications where robustness and long service life are required. VMQ – Silicone An elastomer with excellent elasticity and performance stability over a wide temperature range. It is suitable for specific applications requiring flexibility and thermal reliability. FVMQ – Fluorosilicone A material that combines the elastic properties of silicone with improved chemical resistance. It is used in applications involving contact with oils and fuels, maintaining good performance at high temperatures. FKM – Fluoroelastomer A high-performance elastomer characterized by high chemical and high-temperature resistance. It is suitable for complex technical applications with stringent operational requirements. FFKM – Perfluoroelastomer A material designed for extreme applications, where high performance in terms of chemical and thermal resistance is required. It represents the most advanced elastomer solution for highly critical environments.

Engineering plastics are used when specific performance is required in terms of chemical resistance, thermal stability, low friction, or advanced mechanical properties. The choice of material depends on the operating conditions and application requirements, with particular attention to fluid compatibility, temperatures, and dimensional stability. PTFE – Polytetrafluoroethylene A thermoplastic material characterized by excellent chemical resistance and a very low coefficient of friction. It is used in applications requiring thermal stability, chemical inertness, and good performance in the presence of aggressive fluids. PCTFE – Polychlorotrifluoroethylene A engineering polymer with excellent chemical resistance and very low gas permeability. It is suitable for applications requiring dimensional stability and consistent performance even at low temperatures. PEEK – Polyetheretherketone A high-performance engineering polymer with excellent mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance. It is used in complex technical applications requiring high structural performance and long-term reliability.

Thermoplastics offer a wide range of mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties, making them suitable for numerous technical applications. The choice of the most suitable polymer depends on factors such as mechanical stress, operating environment, chemical compatibility, and durability requirements. TPU – Thermoplastic Polyurethane A flexible material with good elastic properties and wear resistance. It is used in applications requiring a combination of elasticity and mechanical strength. PA – Polyamide (Nylon) A material with good mechanical properties and wear resistance. It is used in structural applications subject to mechanical loads and friction. PE – Polyethylene A versatile material with good chemical resistance and low moisture absorption. It is used in general applications where lightness and chemical stability are required. PP – Polypropylene A lightweight material with good chemical and thermal resistance. It is suitable for applications in contact with fluids and chemically aggressive environments. PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride A material with good chemical and insulating properties. It is used in technical applications requiring stability and chemical resistance. PET – Polyethylene Terephthalate A material with good dimensional stability and mechanical strength. It is suitable for applications requiring precision and good wear resistance. POM – Polyoxymethylene (Acetal) A material characterized by high rigidity and a low coefficient of friction. It is used in precision mechanical applications and components subject to movement. PS – Polystyrene A rigid material with good dimensional stability. It is used in lightweight technical applications and components not subject to high stress. ABS – Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene A material with a good balance between rigidity and impact resistance. It is used in technical applications requiring robustness and ease of processing. PPS – Polyphenylene Sulfide A high-performance material with excellent chemical and thermal resistance. It is suitable for technical applications in harsh environments. PBT – Polybutylene Terephthalate A material with good dimensional stability and thermal resistance. It is used in technical applications and structural components. PEP – High-Performance Polyethylene A material with good chemical and mechanical resistance. It is used in technical applications requiring durability and long-term stability. PFA – Perfluoroalkoxy A fluorinated material with excellent chemical resistance and thermal stability. It is used in applications involving highly aggressive fluids. PSU – Polysulfone A material with good thermal resistance and dimensional stability. It is suitable for technical applications requiring rigidity and heat resistance. PAI – Polyamide-Imide A high-performance material with excellent mechanical and thermal resistance. It is used in advanced technical applications and harsh operating environments. PEI – Polyetherimide A rigid material with good thermal and mechanical resistance. It is suitable for structural applications and precision engineering components. PUR – Polyurethane A versatile material with good mechanical and wear-resistant properties. It is used in applications requiring flexibility and durability. PVDF – Polyvinylidene Fluoride A material with excellent chemical resistance and good thermal stability. It is suitable for applications in chemically aggressive environments. PMMA – Polymethylmethacrylate A rigid material with excellent transparency and dimensional stability. It is used in technical applications where optical properties and precision are required. PEHD 1000 – Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene A material with high wear resistance and a low coefficient of friction. It is used in applications subject to sliding and abrasion.

Metals are used in technical applications requiring high mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and wear resistance. In sealing and technical components, they are used as functional or supporting elements depending on the application. Copper (Cu) A material characterized by high thermal and electrical conductivity and good workability. It is used in specific technical applications where conductivity and long-term reliability are required. Bronze A metal alloy with good mechanical properties and wear resistance. It is used in technical applications subject to loads, friction, and demanding operating conditions.