O-Ring Temperature Guide

Operating Temperature Ranges

Selecting an O-ring material with the right temperature range is essential for sealing performance and longevity.

Material Temperature Ranges

NBR (Nitrile)

• Range: -30°F to 212°F (-34°C to 100°C)
• Optimal: 40°F to 180°F
• Limitations: Not suitable for continuous use above 212°F

FKM (Viton®)

• Range: -20°F to 400°F (-29°C to 204°C)
• Optimal: 50°F to 350°F
• Advantages: Maintains properties at high temperature

EPDM

• Range: -60°F to 300°F (-51°C to 149°C)
• Optimal: -20°F to 250°F
• Advantages: Excellent low-temperature flexibility

Silicone (VMQ)

• Range: -75°F to 400°F (-59°C to 204°C)
• Optimal: -40°F to 350°F
• Advantages: Widest temperature range, best for extreme conditions

Temperature Effects on O-Rings

Condition	Effect	Solution
Too Cold	Hardening, loss of flexibility	Use low-temp material (EPDM, Silicone)
Too Hot	Softening, compression set	Use high-temp material (FKM, Silicone)
Thermal Cycling	Cracking, fatigue	Use wider-range material

Selection Tips

• Consider both minimum and maximum temperatures
• Account for startup/shutdown conditions
• Include safety margin of 20-30°F
• Remember: chemical resistance decreases at higher temperatures

Need help selecting the right material for your temperature range? Contact us at support@oxxring.com