Not sure which rubber material you need? This rubber material comparison guide covers the four most common elastomers used in grommets, washers, feet, and seals — with temperature ranges, chemical resistance, and durometer (hardness) explained in plain English.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Property | Neoprene (CR) | EPDM | Buna-N (Nitrile/NBR) | Silicone (VMQ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature range | -40°F to 200°F | -60°F to 300°F | -40°F to 250°F | -80°F to 450°F |
| Oil & fuel resistance | Good | Poor | Excellent | Poor |
| Weather / UV / ozone | Good | Excellent | Poor | Excellent |
| Water & steam | Good | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Abrasion resistance | Good | Good | Excellent | Fair |
| Compression set | Good | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Typical cost | $$ | $ | $$ | $$$ |
| Best for | General purpose feet, washers, bumpers | Outdoor seals, roofing, automotive weatherstrip | Fuel systems, oil-exposed grommets, machinery | High-heat, food-grade, medical |
Which Material Should You Choose?
Choose Neoprene for all-around indoor and light outdoor use — it is the workhorse behind most of our neoprene rubber washers and neoprene bumper pads. Balanced oil, weather, and abrasion resistance at a fair price.
Choose EPDM when the part lives outside. It shrugs off sun, ozone, rain, and temperature swings, which is why it dominates automotive weatherstripping and roofing. Avoid it around petroleum oils and fuels.
Choose Buna-N (Nitrile) anywhere oil, gasoline, grease, or hydraulic fluid is present — engine bays, compressors, and fuel-line pass-throughs. It is the standard for industrial O-rings. Keep it out of direct sunlight.
Choose Silicone for extreme temperatures (ovens, engine exhaust areas, freezers) or food-contact applications. It costs more and tears more easily, so avoid it in high-abrasion spots.
Understanding Durometer (Rubber Hardness)
Durometer measures how hard a rubber compound is on the Shore A scale (0 = softest, 100 = hardest):
| Shore A | Feels like | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 30A | Soft pencil eraser | Vibration damping, soft seals |
| 40–50A | Rubber band / tire tread | Grommets, washers, general seals |
| 60–70A | Car tire / shoe heel | Rubber feet, bumpers, plugs (our most common) |
| 80–90A | Skateboard wheel | Heavy load feet, abrasion parts |
Softer compounds grip and seal better; harder compounds carry more load and wear longer. Most rubber bumper feet land in the 60–75A sweet spot — grippy enough to stop sliding, hard enough to hold appliance weight.
Questions about a specific application? Email us at customerservice@rubberfeetwarehouse.com — we have matched thousands of grommets, feet, and washers to real-world jobs.