Tel: +1 (317) 548-8455  ·  [email protected]
ISO 9001:2015 & IATF 16949:2016  ·  Made in USA
Request a Quote →
Request a Quote →
Request a Quote

Sealing material

Silicone (VMQ)

Silicone Elastomer — the widest temperature range in a flexible elastomer, plus clean and inert grades.

An exceptionally broad service-temperature window with excellent flexibility at both extremes and FDA/medical grades — trading away mechanical strength.

Service temp -67°F to +392°F (-55°C to +200°C)

Overview

What silicone is best at

Silicone (VMQ) retains flexibility across an extremely wide temperature range with outstanding ozone/UV stability and low compression set, and is available in FDA/USP Class VI, medical and food grades. Trade-offs are low tensile strength, poor abrasion resistance and poor resistance to hydrocarbon fuels and solvents.

Standout resistanceHeatLow temperatureOzone & weatherCompression setAlso strong inWater & steam
Continuous service temp-67°F to +392°F (-55°C to +200°C)
Hardness20–80 Shore A
Tensile strength500–1,500 psi
HeatExcellent
Low temperatureExcellent
Ozone & weatherExcellent
Oil & fuelPoor–Fair
AcidsFair
Solvents / ketonesPoor
Water & steamFair–Good
AbrasionPoor
Compression setExcellent

Typical published ranges — final properties depend on the specific ARC compound, cure system and fillers. Request a compound-specific data sheet for design values.

Where it's used

Typical applications by industry

Pharmaceutical & Medical

Sanitary tri-clamp gaskets, USP Class VI diaphragms and tubing seals.

Aerospace & Defense

Wide-temperature static seals for avionics and environmental systems.

Automotive

Spark-plug boots, ignition seals, high-temp oven and lighting gaskets.

Electronics & Energy

LED and enclosure potting seals, junction-box grommets.

Choose silicone when

  • Extreme high or low temperature with static sealing
  • Food, medical or clean/inert contact requirements
  • Low compression set across a wide temperature range

Consider an alternative when

  • Fuel, oil or solvent exposure → fluorosilicone or FKM
  • Dynamic seals or abrasive, high-pressure duty → NBR, HNBR

Design references for silicone

Material Selection Guide →Compare silicone against other elastomers for your temperature and chemistry.Chemical Compatibility →Check silicone resistance ratings across hundreds of media.RMA Tolerance Chart →Standard molding and extrusion tolerance classes for spec.

Need silicone parts to spec?

Send your service conditions or drawing — our engineers will confirm the right silicone compound and a path to production.

Request a Quote →

Request for Quote​

We Are Just a Call Away!

Request a Quote