Material and Compound Selection Guide

CR seals feature a variety of sealing materials. Each one has specific characteristics. A lip code designates materials in subsequent reference tables and listings.

Silicone (Lip Code: S)

For high/low temperature ranges and low-friction applications. Silicone seals can operate at temperatures ranging from -100 to 325F (-73 to 163C). The high lubricant absorbency of silicone minimizes friction and wear. However, it has poor compatibility with oxidized oils, some extreme pressure additives and abrasive contaminants. Silicone should not be used in dry running applicants.

Nitrile (Lip Code: R)

Most commonly used sealing material. Nitrile is excellent with most mineral oils and greases. Variations are available for use with fuels, industrial fluids and highly compounded lubricants. Nitriles are recommended for operation at temperatures from -40 to 250F (-40 to 121C). Nitrile also works in dry running applications but only for intermittent periods. Because of environmental considerations, CR uses water carried adhesives whenever possible. Some water based fluids however, such as some cutting fluids, can destroy the nitrile/plain steel bond when operating temperatures exceed 150F (66C). The nitrile compound itself is not affected by the water.

LongLife (Fluoroelastomers) (Lip Code: V)

Premium lip material for the widest temperature range and chemical resistance. LongLife will handle temperatures from -40 to 400F (-40 to 204C). They resist most special lubricants and chemicals that can destroy nitrile, polyacrylates or silicones. This premium material, with its superior resistance to abrasion and high temperatures, provides superior performance and wear. LongLife works in dry running applications but only for intermittent periods. It must be noted that although Fluoropolymers such as FKM and PTFE are classed as resistant to high temperatures, they will thermally degrade on exposure to extreme temperatures with the evolution of hazardous fumes containing hydrofluoric acid (HF). The threshold temperatures in question are: Fluoroelastomers (FKM) - 600F/316C Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) - 700F/371C In the unlikely event of such a high temperature incident, allow the components in question to cool, douse with limewater (Calcium Hydroxide solution), handle with PVC gloves until neutral pH confirmed, then discard.

Duralip (Lip Code: D)

Offers superior resistance to abrasion. Duralip is CRs special carboxylated nitrile compound developed for extreme abrasion resistance in applications where scale, sand, grit, dirt or other abrasive material is likely to collect at the point of shaft contact. Like nitrile, Duralip works in dry running applications but only for intermittent periods. Other characteristics of this special compound are similar to those of the standard nitrile.

Duratemp (Lip Code: H)

CR's special high temperature compound based on hydrogenated nitrile (HNBR) offers improved tensile strength and resistance to heat, abrasion, hardening in hot oil, ozone and weathering effects. In some cases aerated oils can be a problem for HNBR. It is more widely used for demanding applications. Its temperature range is -40 to 300F (-40 to 149C).

Vamac* (Lip Code: E)

Limited transmission applications. Good abrasion resistance and dry running characteristics. Good at higher temperatures. Generally swells more than nitrile, polyacrylate or LongLife. Operating temperature range 40 to 325F (-40 to 163C).

Polyacrylate (Lip Code: P)

For use with EP lubricants or higher operating temperatures. Polyacrylate elastomers have good compatibility with higher temperatures up to 300F (149C), and even to 350F (177C) with some fluids. They are well suited for use with extreme pressure (EP) lubricants and have higher resistance to oxidation and ozone. They should not be used with water or at temperatures below -40F (-40C). Polyacrylates are not recommended for dry running applications.

Felt (Lip Code: F)

Limited availability /For heavy lubricants. Felt seals are generally limited to dust exclusion. They can sometimes be used to retain heavy lubricants under less than severe conditions. Operating temperature range: -65 to 200F (-54 to 93C).

Teflon*/PTFE (Lip Code: T)

PTFE offers wider media resistance in comparison to standard elastomers with a temperature range of -100 to 500F (-73 to 260C). With the addition of appropriate fillers, PTFE has excellent mechanical properties, low friction and wear resistance.

Other Sealing Materials (Lip Code: #)

These are generally non-standard compounds for specific applications. If the material you require is not listed, contact CR for availability.

Multi-Lip Codes
When a seal has sealing elements of different compounds, the first lip code identifies the primary lip and the second lip code identifies the auxiliary lip; i.e. RL is nitrile and leather, RD is nitrile and Duralip.
NOTE: Temperature ranges are based on sump temp. When approaching temperature extremes contact CR for technical assistance.

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Material and Compound Selection Guide-(Cont.)

Leather (Lip Code: L)
Leather offers generally good mechanical, cold temperature and dry running capabilities. However, heat and chemical resistance is less than nitrile rubber. As a natural product, quality can be variable. Leather is usually a special production item and tends to be expensive. stainless steel. Unless specified, the springs supplied with other seals in this catalog are hard-drawn steel wire. Springs in these other seals can be furnished in SAE 302 stainless steel if required. Contact CR for price and availability.

Bore-Tite
Bore-Tite: A water based acrylic polymer. This pliable sealant helps fill small imperfections in the bore. BoreTite can withstand heat up to 400F (204C). It is resistant to most oils, greases, gasoline, mild acids, mild alkalis, aliphitics, salts and glycols. Bore-Tite is not recommended with aromatics, ketones and alcohols. However splash contact that is wiped off will have little or no effect. The Bore-Tite coating is .001/.003" (.025/.076 mm) thick as measured on the seal diameter (specified seal OD does not include the thickness of the Bore-Tite).

Case Materials
Unless noted, the inner and outer case of seals listed in this catalog are formed of SAE 1006-1008 cold-rolled steel. They are oiled or specially treated for protection against corrosion during ordinary handling and storage. Seal cases can be furnished in stainless steel (SAE 304) for corrosion resistance and extreme conditions. Contact CR for price and availability.

Spring Materials
Most springs supplied in large diameter HDS metal clad and HS all-rubber seals, split and solid, are SAE 302

Glossary of Symbols for Common Industrial Rubber Compounds

Elastomers Symbols in accordance with Chemical description of the base polymer Acrylonitrile-butadiene-rubber Hydrogenated-acrylonitirle-butadiene-rubber Chlorobutadiene-rubber Carboxylated nitrile-rubber Acrylate-rubber Ethylene-acrylate-rubber Silicone-rubber Methyl-polysiloxane Vinyl-methyl-polysiloxane Phenyl-methyl-polysiloxane Fluorosilicone-rubber Fluoromethyl-polysiloxane Fluoro-rubber Perfluoro-rubber Polyurethane-rubber Polyester-urethane-rubber Ethylene-oxide - epichlorhydrin-rubber Epichlorhydrin-polymer Chlorosulphonated-polyethylene Natural-rubber Isoprene-rubber Polybutadiene-rubber Styrene-butadiene-rubber Ethylene-propylene-diene-rubber Ethylene-propylene-copolymer Butyl-rubber Chlorobutyl-rubber Bromobutyl-rubber ASTM = American Society for Testing and Materials ISO = International Organization for Standardization ASTM D 1418 NBR (NEM) CR XNBR ACM AEM MQ VMQ PMQ FVMQ FKM FFKM AU ECO CO CSM NR IR BR SBR EPDM EPM IIR CIIR BIIR ISO 1629 NBR (HNBR) CR XNBR ACM AEM MQ MVQ MPQ FVMQ FPM LongLife CR Tradename Duratemp

Duralip

AU ECO CO CSM NR IR BR SBR EPDM EPM IIR CIIR BIIR

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* Vamac is a registered trademark of E.I. DuPont. * Teflon is a registered trademark of E.I. DuPont.