Rubber Diaphragm Types, Materials & Design Guide
Rubber Diaphragms — Overview
American Rubber Corp designs and manufactures custom rubber diaphragms for pumps, valves, regulators, actuators, and pressure-sensing applications. This guide covers diaphragm types, materials, and the design factors — pressure, stroke, temperature, and media — that determine the right construction for your part.
Types of Diaphragms We Manufacture
- Flat diaphragms: simple, low-stroke sealing and pressure sensing.
- Rolling (rolling-lobe) diaphragms: long stroke with low, consistent friction — the convolution rolls along the cylinder wall.
- Convoluted diaphragms: molded convolutions deliver greater stroke than a flat diaphragm at moderate pressure.
- Dished / preformed: shaped to a specific stroke and pressure profile.
- Fabric-reinforced vs. homogeneous: fabric reinforcement (nylon, polyester, aramid) adds burst strength for higher pressure; homogeneous (unsupported) diaphragms maximize flexibility at low pressure.
Applications
Industries Served
- Automotive (fuel, brake, emissions)
- Medical & pharmaceutical
- Oil & gas and process control
- Water treatment
- HVAC and appliances
- Aerospace and defense
Commonly Used Elastomers
- NBR (Nitrile): fuels, oils, hydraulic fluids.
- EPDM: water, steam, brake fluid, weathering.
- FKM (Viton): aggressive chemicals and high temperature.
- Silicone (VMQ): medical/food contact, wide temperature range.
- Neoprene (CR): general purpose, weather and refrigerant resistance.
Not sure which compound fits your media and temperature? See our chemical compatibility guide and material selection guide, or send us your requirements.
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Feel free to get in touch with us for all your rubber component-related needs & for discussions around how can we help you as your preferred rubber component manufacturer.