Rubber Material Engineering Guide

NBR Rubber: Properties, Grades, Applications & Selection Guide

NBR rubber is one of the first elastomers to evaluate when a seal, gasket, hose, diaphragm or molded component must resist petroleum oils, lubricants, greases or selected fuels. Its performance is strongly influenced by acrylonitrile (ACN) content, compound formulation, cure system and temperature. Standard NBR is much less resistant to ozone and long-term outdoor weathering than EPDM, so the correct material decision starts with the actual fluid, temperature, motion and required service life.

Temperature Reference Many standard sealing compounds: about -30°C to +100°C; special grades differ
Common Hardness Region Commercial sealing portfolios commonly include 40–90 Shore A
Key Polymer Variable ACN content changes oil resistance and low-temperature flexibility
Best Starting Point Mineral oils, lubricants, greases and many hydraulic sealing duties

NBR Fundamentals

What Is NBR Rubber?

NBR is a family of unsaturated copolymers made from butadiene and acrylonitrile (ACN). The polar nitrile groups are a major reason NBR performs well with many petroleum oils, lubricants and greases, while the butadiene portion contributes elastomeric flexibility. NBR is also widely known as nitrile rubber or Buna-N.

“NBR” is not a complete material specification. The polymer grade, ACN level, molecular structure, fillers, plasticizers, antioxidants, cure package and processing history all influence the finished compound. Two parts labeled “NBR 70 Shore A” can therefore show different oil swell, low-temperature behavior, compression set, abrasion resistance and aging performance.

This is especially important for sealing. NBR should be selected against the exact oil, fuel or service fluid, not against a generic statement such as “oil resistant.” Additives, aromatic content, biofuel components, temperature and exposure time can materially change compatibility.

NBR sleeves H7 for axial flow valves arranged in bulk, with black ribbed bodies, wide openings, and molded sealing rims

NBR is usually a strong candidate when

  • The part contacts mineral oils, lubricating oils or greases.
  • Oil resistance must be balanced with useful mechanical strength and wear resistance.
  • The application is a hydraulic, pneumatic, pump, valve or machinery seal.
  • A cost-effective industrial elastomer is needed within NBR's validated service window.

NBR needs another look when

  • The part is continuously exposed to ozone, sunlight or outdoor weather.
  • Continuous temperature is above the selected NBR compound's validated limit.
  • The fluid contains aggressive aromatics, oxygenates, solvents or unknown additives.
  • The requirement says only “fuel resistant” without naming the actual fuel composition.

Performance Profile

What Are the Key Properties of NBR Rubber?

NBR is best understood as an oil-resistant elastomer family whose balance of fluid resistance, abrasion performance, sealing force and low-temperature flexibility can be tuned through polymer and compound design. Its main environmental weakness is the unsaturated backbone, which gives standard NBR lower ozone and weather resistance than EPDM or HNBR.

Strong

Mineral Oil & Grease

NBR is widely used for seals and components contacting mineral oils, lubricants and greases. The exact formulation and fluid still determine actual swell and property retention.

Strong

Abrasion & Wear

NBR can provide useful abrasion and wear resistance for dynamic seals, rollers and mechanical components. XNBR or other specialty compounds may be considered when wear is especially demanding.

Useful

Gas Permeation Resistance

NBR has relatively low gas permeability compared with many general-purpose rubbers, which can be useful in selected sealing, diaphragm and hose applications.

Tunable

Low-Temperature Flexibility

Lower-ACN and specially formulated NBR grades can improve low-temperature flexibility, but the trade-off can be higher swell in some oils or fuels.

Tunable

Compression Set

Low-compression-set NBR compounds are available, but compression set depends on formulation, cure state, test temperature, compression, time and geometry—not on the NBR name alone.

Caution

Ozone & Weather

Standard NBR has limited ozone and weathering resistance. Outdoor exposure, stretched surfaces or ozone-rich environments may require protection or a different elastomer family.

NBR seals and gaskets shown with lubricating oil, including O-rings, rotary seals, and flange gaskets for oil-contact applications

ACN & Compound Design

How Does ACN Content Change NBR Grades and Performance?

Acrylonitrile content is one of the most important polymer variables in NBR. In general, increasing ACN improves resistance to swelling in gasoline and aromatic hydrocarbons, while lower ACN improves low-temperature flexibility and can support better compression-set behavior. This creates a real material-selection trade-off rather than a simple “higher is better” rule.

Commercial sealing portfolios use a wide range of ACN levels, and the finished compound adds fillers, plasticizers, stabilizers and a cure package. For critical parts, the target should therefore be a validated compound performance specification—not only an ACN percentage.

NBR VariableGeneral DirectionWhy It Matters
Lower ACNBetter low-temperature flexibility; typically more swell in gasoline and aromatic mediaUseful when cold flexibility matters more than maximum fuel swell resistance.
Medium ACNBalanced fluid resistance, flexibility and processingCommon starting region for general industrial NBR compounds.
Higher ACNLower swell in gasoline and aromatic solvents; reduced low-temperature flexibilityConsider when fluid resistance is dominant and cold performance is less demanding.
Mooney viscosity / polymer structureChanges mixing, flow, extrusion, molding and green strengthInfluences process choice and the ability to reproduce the intended geometry.
XNBR / carboxylated nitrileSpecial nitrile family developed for improved wear and mechanical performanceUseful for demanding abrasion or dynamic applications; not interchangeable with a standard NBR compound.
HNBRHydrogenated nitrile with improved heat, oxidation and ozone resistanceA separate material family to consider when standard NBR's aging or temperature limit is insufficient.
Fillers / plasticizers / additivesAdjust hardness, strength, low-temperature behavior, cost and processabilityExplains why two NBR compounds with the same hardness can perform differently.
Cure packageChanges compression set, heat aging, mechanical balance and production behaviorMust be reviewed together with the intended temperature and fluid.

Engineering note: ACN content helps explain NBR behavior, but the cured compound and finished part—not the raw polymer alone—must meet the project specification.

Vulcanization

Sulfur-Cured vs. Peroxide-Cured NBR: What Changes?

Conventional NBR is commonly sulfur-vulcanized, while peroxide-cured NBR is also used for selected performance targets. The cure system is part of the compound design and can change heat aging, compression set, mechanical behavior, bonding and processing. It should not be selected from the polymer name alone.

Selection FactorSulfur-Cured NBRPeroxide-Cured NBR
Typical useWidely used for general molded and sealing compounds.Used where a peroxide cure is part of the required performance or bonding system.
Mechanical balanceCan provide a useful balance of strength, elongation, resilience and processing.Can be optimized differently for heat aging and compression behavior; values remain formulation-specific.
Compression setLow-set sulfur-cured compounds can be formulated.May be selected for improved set or thermal stability in some designs; validate actual test data.
Heat agingSuitable within the compound's validated service window.Can be considered when the cure system is being optimized for higher thermal demands.
Rubber-to-metal bondingRequires an adhesive system compatible with the specific sulfur-vulcanized compound and substrate.Requires a bonding system validated for peroxide-cured NBR and the selected substrate.
ProductionCure speed, scorch safety and mold release depend on formulation and process.Mixing, contamination control and cure conditions must match the peroxide system.
Cure system is not a standalone quality grade. If peroxide-cured NBR is mandatory, state it explicitly at RFQ stage and define the property or application requirement it is intended to satisfy.

Durometer Selection

What NBR Hardness Should You Choose?

Established NBR sealing portfolios include compounds across a broad range such as 40–90 Shore A. That range shows what is commercially possible; it is not a recommendation that every custom NBR part should fall within it.

Hardness affects conformity, compression force, deformation, extrusion resistance and handling. It does not directly define oil resistance, compression set, tensile strength or seal life. An NBR 70 Shore A compound designed for low temperature can behave differently from another NBR 70 Shore A compound designed for low fuel swell.

Lower Hardness

Can improve conformity to mating surfaces and reduce closure force. Pressure and gland geometry must still prevent over-deformation or extrusion.

Medium Hardness

Often used for general molded seals and components because it can balance flexibility, handling, compression and load support.

Higher Hardness

Can improve resistance to deformation or extrusion under load, but usually requires greater assembly or compression force.

Specify the hardness method, nominal value and tolerance on the approved material specification. ISO 48-4 or ASTM D2240 are commonly used for Shore durometer testing of vulcanized rubber.

Thermal Limits

What Temperature Range Can NBR Rubber Handle?

There is no single NBR temperature range that applies to every compound. General-purpose NBR sealing compounds are commonly published around -30°C to +100°C, while manufacturers also offer special low-temperature and higher-temperature formulations outside that window. Polymer suppliers describe selected NBR grades with heat-aging capability up to roughly 110–120°C, but the actual service limit remains compound- and application-specific.

ACN content creates an important trade-off: lower-ACN NBR generally improves low-temperature flexibility, while higher-ACN NBR improves resistance to swelling in certain fuels and aromatic media. Continuous temperature, peak temperature, fluid exposure and compression must therefore be evaluated together.

Low Temperature

Define whether the part only needs to survive storage or must remain flexible and seal under pressure or movement. Low-temperature NBR grades are specifically formulated for this requirement.

Continuous Heat

Long exposure accelerates oxidative aging and compression-set change. If the required temperature exceeds standard NBR capability, HNBR, FKM or another family may need review.

Peak Temperature

State peak value, duration and frequency. Short peaks should not be converted into a continuous-service rating without compound data and validation.

Hot Fluid Exposure

The fluid can accelerate aging or swelling at elevated temperature. Compatibility should be checked at the actual service temperature, not only at room temperature.

Media Compatibility

What Oils, Fuels and Chemicals Is NBR Compatible With?

NBR is widely chosen for mineral oils, lubricants and greases, but “oil resistant” does not mean universal chemical resistance. ACN level, aromatic content, fuel oxygenates, additives, temperature and exposure time can all change swelling and property retention.

Medium / EnvironmentGeneral NBR DirectionEngineering Note
Mineral oil / petroleum oilGenerally strongCore NBR application. Verify oil type, additives, viscosity and temperature.
Lubricating oils / greasesGenerally strongCommon sealing service; evaluate the actual lubricant and temperature.
Petroleum hydraulic fluidsOften suitableWidely used in hydraulic sealing when fluid and temperature are compatible.
Animal / vegetable oilsOften suitableCompatibility still depends on oil chemistry, temperature and cleanliness requirements.
Gasoline / hydrocarbon fuelsCompound-specificHigher ACN can reduce swell in certain fuels; modern fuel blends and additives require exact-fluid review.
Aromatic hydrocarbonsCompound-specificHigher-ACN NBR generally improves swell resistance, but do not assume compatibility with every aromatic solvent.
Water / water-glycol fluidsApplication-specificSome NBR compounds are used with water-glycol hydraulic fluids; temperature and additive package matter.
Glycol brake fluidsUsually not first choiceEPDM is commonly evaluated for glycol-based brake-fluid service; confirm the actual fluid specification.
Ketones / many esters / strong polar solventsOften unsuitableSwelling or property loss can be severe; review the exact solvent and an alternative elastomer if needed.
Ozone / outdoor weatherLimitedStandard NBR is vulnerable to ozone cracking and weather aging, especially when stretched.
Strong acids / oxidizing chemicalsRequires reviewConcentration, temperature and compound formulation can change suitability significantly.
This table is a screening guide, not a chemical-compatibility guarantee. For fuel, solvent or mixed-fluid applications, validate the exact NBR compound in the actual medium or an agreed representative test fluid at defined temperature and duration.

Material Selection

NBR vs. HNBR, FKM and EPDM: Which Should You Use?

NBR is often the economical starting point for oil-resistant industrial seals. HNBR extends the nitrile concept toward better heat, oxidation and ozone resistance; FKM is used where higher heat or broader chemical resistance is required; EPDM is generally stronger for outdoor weather, water and many glycol-based applications but poor with petroleum oil.

Selection FactorNBRHNBRFKMEPDM
Mineral oils / greasesStrong starting pointStrongStrongGenerally poor
Fuel resistanceGood with correctly selected grade; blend-specificGood with selected compoundsOften very strong; chemistry-specificGenerally poor for hydrocarbon fuels
High-temperature agingModerate; compound-limitedBetter than standard NBRHigh-temperature familyStrong in suitable non-oil media
Ozone / outdoor weatherLimitedImprovedStrongExcellent
Water / glycol serviceCompound- and fluid-specificCompound-specificCompound-specificOften a strong starting point
Low-temperature flexibilityCan be strong with low-ACN / LT gradesSpecial LT grades availableDepends strongly on FKM typeGenerally strong
Cost positionUsually economicalHigher than NBRTypically higherOften economical

This comparison is directional. Final material selection requires the exact compound, fluid, temperature, pressure, motion, expected life and applicable specification.

Industrial Applications

Where Is NBR Rubber Used?

NBR is used wherever oil resistance, sealing performance and mechanical durability need to be balanced at an industrial cost level. The best application fit depends on the exact fluid and compound, so product geometry alone should never determine material choice.

Hydraulic & Pneumatic Seals

O-rings, piston and rod sealing elements, gaskets and custom molded parts used with compatible hydraulic oils or lubricated air systems.

Pumps & Valves

Diaphragms, valve sleeves, gaskets, seals and molded components where the process fluid is compatible with the selected NBR compound.

Automotive Fluid Systems

Selected oil-system, fuel-system, transmission and machinery-related seals when fluid chemistry and temperature fall within the compound's validated range.

Hoses & Tubing

Oil- and fuel-handling hose constructions may use NBR or NBR-based layers. Reinforcement, cover material, pressure and fluid specification must be reviewed together.

Diaphragms & Fabric-Reinforced Parts

NBR can be combined with fabric reinforcement where repeated flexing, pressure and compatible fluid exposure must be managed.

Rollers, Wheels & Mechanical Parts

NBR's oil and abrasion resistance can make it useful for rollers, wheels, grommets, boots, pads and other machinery components exposed to lubricants.

NBR hydraulic seals and O-rings in multiple sizes, featuring molded sealing lips and circular profiles for hydraulic assemblies
NBR hydraulic seals and O-rings
NBR diaphragms, gaskets, and O-rings arranged with a metal valve component and oil to illustrate fluid sealing applications
NBR diaphragm, gasket or valve component used in a compatible fluid application.
NBR hoses and molded rubber parts, including reinforced hose, bellows, bushings, sleeves, and custom components for industrial equipment
Oil-resistant NBR hose construction or representative molded machinery parts.

Compression Set & Failure Analysis

Why Do NBR Seals Fail, Swell, Harden or Take Compression Set?

NBR failures are often caused by a mismatch between compound, fluid, temperature and seal design rather than by the polymer name itself. Swelling, hardening, ozone cracks, compression set, extrusion and abrasion each point toward a different mechanism and should be diagnosed separately.

Compression set is especially important in static seals because a part can keep its original dimensions poorly after prolonged compression and lose sealing force. The result is influenced by compound formulation, cure state, time, temperature, compression level and the surrounding fluid.

NBR seal failure inspection comparing a normal O-ring with a cracked and degraded ring under magnification and dimensional checking
Observed SymptomPossible CausesWhat to Review
Excessive swelling / softeningFluid incompatibility, wrong ACN balance, solvent or fuel blend, elevated temperatureExact fluid composition, immersion data, volume change and alternative compound.
Shrinkage / loss of elasticityExtraction of plasticizer or other compound ingredients by the service fluidFluid chemistry, formulation, aged dimensions and physical-property change.
Permanent flattening / leakageCompression set, excessive temperature, over-compression, under-cure or agingGland compression, cure control, ISO 815-1 / ASTM D395 conditions and seal force.
Surface cracksOzone, outdoor aging, heat oxidation or excessive strainExposure environment, stretched condition, antioxidants and alternative materials such as HNBR or EPDM where appropriate.
Nibbling / extrusionPressure, excessive clearance, low hardness or insufficient backupGland design, pressure peaks, hardness, backup rings and extrusion gap.
Wear / scoringAbrasion, poor lubrication, rough counterface, contamination or misalignmentDynamic speed, surface finish, lubrication, XNBR option and contamination control.
Bond failureSurface preparation, incompatible adhesive, contamination or insufficient cureSubstrate, pretreatment, adhesive system, rubber formulation and bond test method.
Do not diagnose a failed NBR seal from hardness alone. Retain the failed part, record the fluid, temperature, pressure, time in service and failure location, and compare it with an unused control part whenever possible.

Manufacturing

How Are Custom NBR Rubber Parts Manufactured?

NBR can be processed into molded parts, extruded profiles and tubing, sheet gaskets, fabric-reinforced components and rubber-to-metal bonded parts. The manufacturing route depends on geometry, compound, tolerance, quantity, tooling and validation requirements.

  1. Application reviewConfirm fluid, temperature, pressure, motion, environment, compliance and expected service conditions.
  2. Compound definitionSelect NBR type, ACN direction, hardness, cure approach and required physical or aging properties.
  3. Tooling / process reviewChoose compression, transfer, injection, extrusion, cutting, bonding or a combined process based on part design and volume.
  4. Sample validationCheck dimensions, appearance, fit and the agreed material or functional tests before production approval.
  5. Production controlControl compound batch, cure process, cavities, dimensions, appearance and traceability according to the agreed inspection plan.
NBR diaphragms, gaskets, and O-rings arranged with a metal valve component and oil to illustrate fluid sealing applications
Molded NBR seals, gaskets or diaphragms.
NBR extruded profiles, reinforced hoses, vibration mounts, bushings, O-rings, and rubber-to-metal bonded parts for industrial use
NBR extrusion, fabric reinforcement or rubber-to-metal bonding.

Molded NBR

Suitable for O-rings, gaskets, diaphragms, grommets, boots, bushings, seals and complex 3D parts. Tooling and process depend on geometry and production volume.

Extruded NBR

Used for compatible oil-resistant profiles, cords and tubing. Cross-sectional tolerance, cut length and joining requirements should be specified separately.

Fabric-Reinforced NBR

Fabric can reinforce diaphragms and flexible pressure components where controlled deformation, strength and fatigue resistance are required.

Rubber-to-Metal NBR

Bonded parts combine NBR with metal inserts or carriers. Surface preparation, adhesive system, metal grade and bond-performance requirements need definition.

Sheet & Cut Gaskets

Flat geometries can be cut from an appropriate NBR sheet when compound, thickness and sheet specification meet the application.

Secondary Operations

Trimming, grinding, cutting, joining, marking, inspection and packaging should be defined when they affect assembly, cleanliness or performance.

Dimensions & Design

What Tolerances Can Be Achieved on NBR Parts?

There is no universal tolerance for “NBR rubber.” Achievable tolerances depend on part size, geometry, mold-dependent versus mold-independent dimensions, compound shrinkage, tool construction, flash location, process and measurement method.

ISO 3302-1:2014 is a common dimensional-tolerance reference for molded, extruded and calendared solid rubber products. Precision O-rings and similar toroidal sealing rings are normally specified under product-specific standards such as ISO 3601 rather than treating ISO 3302-1 as an O-ring size standard. The correct tolerance system must be agreed before tooling.

Define Critical Characteristics

Identify sealing diameters, wall thickness, compression height, groove interfaces, hole positions and other dimensions that actually control function.

Avoid Unnecessary Tight Tolerances

Tighter tolerances increase tooling, measurement and process-control demands. Apply precision only where it protects fit, sealing or assembly.

Agree Flash & Surface Criteria

Parting line, flash, gate or injection point, trimming, grinding and cosmetic limits should be defined separately from dimensional tolerance.

Confirm Measurement Method

Soft elastomers deform under measurement force. Define conditioning, datums, fixtures and measurement method for dimensions sensitive to compression.

For quotation: send the 2D drawing or 3D model with critical dimensions identified. Actual achievable tolerances are to be confirmed after geometry, compound and process review.

Validation & Quality

Which Tests Should Be Specified for NBR Rubber?

A useful NBR test plan starts with the dominant failure risk. Hardness and tensile data alone are not enough if the part must retain sealing force in hot oil, limit fuel swell, survive repeated motion or resist abrasion for a defined service life.

NBR rubber testing and inspection with hardness measurement, tensile testing, fluid immersion samples, and dimensional verification
Property / RiskCommon Test ReferenceWhat to Define
HardnessISO 48-4 / ASTM D2240Scale, nominal value, tolerance, conditioning and test-piece requirement.
Tensile strength / elongationISO 37 / ASTM D412Minimum values, specimen type and whether results are original or aged.
Compression setISO 815-1 / ASTM D395Compression, time, temperature, recovery method and maximum result.
Heat agingISO 188 / ASTM D573Temperature, duration and permitted hardness / tensile / elongation change.
Liquid / oil / fuel resistanceISO 1817 / ASTM D471Exact test fluid, temperature, duration and permitted mass / volume / property change.
Ozone resistanceISO 1431-1 / ASTM D1149Ozone concentration, strain, temperature, duration and cracking criteria when relevant.
AbrasionISO 4649 / agreed customer methodTest method, specimen, load and acceptance criterion for wear-critical applications.
Dimensions / appearanceApproved drawing and inspection planCritical dimensions, method, sampling, flash, trimming and visual criteria.
Application validationCustomer-specific testPressure, fluid, leakage, cycle, friction, fatigue, life or assembly conditions.

Test standards and editions should be agreed in the purchase specification. Availability of any specific test, report or third-party laboratory service is to be confirmed for the project.

Regulatory & Documentation

Does NBR Automatically Meet FDA, NSF, RoHS or Other Requirements?

No. NBR is a polymer-family name, not a compliance statement. Specific nitrile compounds are available in the market for regulated or approved applications, but generic NBR does not automatically satisfy food-contact, drinking-water, automotive, medical, environmental or customer-specific requirements.

If your project requires FDA food-contact requirements, NSF/ANSI 51 or 61, RoHS, REACH, an automotive material specification, PPAP documentation or another customer standard, state the exact requirement at RFQ stage. Compound availability, color, manufacturing controls and documentation must be confirmed before approval.

Good purchasing practice: do not specify only “food-grade NBR” or “certified nitrile.” State the exact regulation or customer standard, contact medium, temperature, color, test/report requirement and whether compliance applies to the compound, finished part or both.

Purchasing Guide

What Information Should You Send for an NBR RFQ?

A quote can look complete but still carry material risk if it contains only “NBR, black, 70 Shore A.” For an oil- or fuel-contacting custom part, the exact medium and temperature are as important as hardness and geometry.

RFQ ItemInformation to ProvideWhy It Matters
Geometry2D drawing, 3D model or physical sample; identify revisionDefines tooling, parting, dimensional risk and inspection.
FunctionO-ring, gasket, diaphragm, hose, roller, bonded seal, dust cover, etc.Changes the important mechanical and validation requirements.
MediumExact oil, fuel, fluid or gas name, grade, concentration and additivesDetermines ACN direction, swelling risk and whether NBR is appropriate.
TemperatureMinimum, continuous maximum, peak maximum and peak durationControls low-temperature flexibility, aging and compression-set risk.
Pressure / vacuumNormal and maximum pressure; pressure direction if relevantAffects hardness, extrusion, reinforcement and seal geometry.
MotionStatic, reciprocating, rotating, flexing or repeated compressionChanges wear, friction, fatigue and heat generation.
Material targetNBR grade/specification if fixed; hardness, color and cure system if definedSeparates mandatory requirements from supplier recommendations.
Fluid aging limitsPermitted volume, mass, hardness, tensile or elongation change if specifiedTurns “oil resistant” into a measurable acceptance requirement.
TolerancesCritical dimensions, tolerance standard and inspection methodControls tooling, process capability and measurement cost.
ComplianceExact regulation, customer standard, report or approval requiredPrevents generic NBR from being mistaken for an approved compound.
TestingMaterial tests, media aging, leak test, PPAP or customer-specific validationAllows validation scope, cost and timing to be reviewed before production.
QuantityPrototype quantity, order quantity and annual demandInfluences tooling layout, cavity count and manufacturing route.
Packaging / traceabilityLabel, lot, cleanliness and packaging requirementsEnsures delivery format matches receiving and production needs.

NBR FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About NBR Rubber

These answers are material-family guidance. Final performance should always be confirmed against the exact NBR compound and service conditions.

Is NBR the same as nitrile rubber or Buna-N?

Yes. NBR means nitrile butadiene rubber and is commonly called nitrile rubber or Buna-N. These names describe a material family, not one fixed compound specification.

Is NBR rubber oil resistant?

Oil resistance is one of NBR's main strengths, particularly with many mineral oils, lubricants and greases. Suitability still depends on the exact oil, additives, temperature, exposure time and NBR compound.

Can NBR be used with gasoline or diesel?

Selected NBR compounds can be used with certain hydrocarbon fuels, and higher ACN generally reduces swell in gasoline and aromatic media. Modern gasoline, diesel and biofuel blends vary, so the exact fuel composition and temperature must be reviewed.

What does ACN content mean in NBR?

ACN is acrylonitrile content. Higher ACN generally improves resistance to swelling in gasoline and aromatic hydrocarbons, while lower ACN generally improves low-temperature flexibility and can support better compression-set behavior. The finished compound remains the final performance unit.

What temperature can NBR withstand?

Many general-purpose sealing compounds are published around -30°C to +100°C, while special low-temperature or higher-temperature NBR grades extend beyond that window. The exact compound, fluid, exposure time and sealing function determine the usable range.

Is NBR suitable for outdoor use?

Standard NBR has limited ozone and weathering resistance, so it is not usually the first choice for long-term outdoor exposure. HNBR, EPDM or another material may be better depending on the fluid and temperature requirements.

Is NBR suitable for water or steam?

NBR can be used with selected aqueous and water-glycol fluids, but it is primarily chosen for oil resistance. Hot water and steam can accelerate aging; EPDM or another material may be a better starting point for demanding water or steam service.

What Shore hardness is NBR?

NBR is not one fixed hardness. Established sealing portfolios include compounds from roughly 40 to 90 Shore A. The correct value depends on geometry, pressure, compression, assembly force, extrusion risk and dynamic requirements.

What causes compression set in an NBR seal?

Compression set is affected by compound formulation, cure state, temperature, time, compression level and fluid exposure. Excessive set can reduce sealing force even when the part still appears visually intact.

NBR or HNBR: which is better?

NBR is often the more economical choice for compatible oil service at moderate temperatures. HNBR is generally selected when improved heat, oxidation and ozone resistance are needed while retaining useful oil resistance. Neither is automatically better for every fluid.

NBR or FKM: which should I choose?

NBR is widely used for cost-effective oil-resistant sealing. FKM is often chosen for higher temperatures and broader chemical or fuel resistance, but FKM type and fluid compatibility still matter. Compare actual conditions rather than material names alone.

NBR or EPDM: which is better?

NBR is usually the stronger starting point for petroleum oils and lubricants. EPDM is usually stronger for outdoor weather, ozone, water and many glycol-based services. The main medium and environmental exposure normally decide between them.

Is NBR food grade?

NBR is not automatically food grade. Specific formulations can be produced for defined regulatory requirements, but the exact compound, application and documentation must be confirmed before approval.

Can NBR be bonded to metal?

Yes. NBR can be used in rubber-to-metal bonded components when substrate preparation, adhesive system, rubber formulation and vulcanization process are designed together. Bond testing should be specified when bond strength or durability is critical.

What information is needed to quote a custom NBR part?

Send the drawing, 3D model or physical sample together with the exact oil, fuel or fluid, minimum and maximum temperature, pressure, motion, hardness, tolerance, compliance, testing and quantity requirements. Unknown items should be identified as open points for review before tooling.

Custom NBR Components

Have an NBR seal, gasket, diaphragm or molded part to develop?

Send the available drawing or sample information together with the exact working fluid, temperature, pressure, hardness target and expected quantity. We can review the NBR material direction, manufacturing feasibility and the technical information still needed before quotation.