Elastomers (sometimes referred to as rubbers) are materials with higher flexibility and elasticity. Elastomers are useful in various industries such as chemicals, medical, food, automotive, apparel, footwear, sportswear, hardware and electronics. Some common products of elastomers are gaskets, seals, grommets and fastener accessories.

Elastomers are available in different compositions and forms. Thermoplastic elastomers, silicone elastomers and polyurethane elastomers are some of the varieties of elastomers available in the market. ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials) has standardized the abbreviations for common elastomers produced by different elastomer manufacturers. ASTM also provides a list of standard elastomers and their properties, which you can reference to know the most suitable elastomer for your application.

Elastomer manufacturers can also supply customized elastomers depending on your application requirements. For example, stretching elastomers, corrosion resistant elastomers and conductive elastomers are typical examples of customized elastomers.

Some important parameters you must consider before buying an elastomer are:

1. Application of the elastomer
2. Type of the elastomer
3. Physical properties of the elastomers: hardness, tensile strength, tear strength and resilience
4. Chemical composition of the elastomers

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy elastomers from reputable elastomer manufacturers

Once you understand your requirements, check out different elastomers available in the market. Generally, standard elastomers are available in sheets. However, you can get different compositions and physical forms of elastomers as per your application requirements.

I recommend: You can buy thermoplastic elastomers at Timco Rubber, a manufacturer of molded and casted rubber products. Randolph Austin Company supplies thermosetting elastomers such as butyl, chloroprene, urethane and isoprene. If you need a conductive elastomer, check out the products offered by Specialty Rubber. In addition, you can check out the products offered by Dow Corning, a reputable silicone elastomer supplier.

Buy elastomers from distributors or retailers

You can compare elastomers based on their features and prices at distributors or retailers websites.

I recommend: Advanced Technology Supply can provide you with silicone elastomers, neoprene, urethane and nitrile. All Seals supplies a range of standard elastomers for applications in various industries such as electronics, computers and the food industry.

Customize elastomers as per your requirements

If standard elastomers available in the market do not meet your requirements, you can ask the elastomer manufacturer to supply elastomers that suit your applications.

I recommend: In addition to standard elastomers, DuPont Performance Elastomers can supply elastomers as per customers’ requirements. Mitsui Chemicals has developed a high performance elastomer that has low density and excellent heat resistance. Excel Polymers is another elastomer manufacturer that offers customized elastomers. You can also buy high performance elastomers at Stockwell Elastomerics, a supplier of elastomers to various industries including aerospace and telecommunications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consult your elastomer supplier if you are using a complicated machining process for manufacturing your products.
• •  You can ask custom and toll manufacturers to produce elastomers as per your requirements if you need a formulated elastomer.