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What Is The Difference Between Viton And EPDM?

Jun 07, 2021

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It's worth knowing that not all rubber materials are suitable for O-rings or gaskets. The most challenging aspect of the process is choosing the suitable rubber material within your budget to meet your needs. Viton and EPDM are thermoset elastomeric rubber materials that various industries use for multiple applications. Viton and EPDM exhibit differences, although both are popular for their excellent compression and flexibility. This Viton gasket manufacturer suggests that it's essential to understand the differences between Viton and EPDM materials to enable you to make the best choice between the two. 

EPDM and Viton are viable materials, but their use depends on what an individual wants to achieve. The following is an outbreak of the differences between EPDM and Viton to enable you to establish which material is ideal for your intended gasket. 

EPDM vs. Viton 


Both EPDM and Viton are used in the manufacture of O-rings and baskets. However, they aren't each other's replacements. To begin with, Viton is a fluoropolymer, while EPDM is a product of ethylene and propylene. The differences in the two materials result in distinct chemical and temperature resistance. 

You can also access the materials in the same industry, but they serve diverse needs. The choice of Viton or EPDM gaskets depend on given criteria, including the following;

  • Density 

  • Resistance 

  • Durability 

  • Costs 


Resistance Of The Material 


The environment where you'll use your gasket plays a critical role in determining whether to choose Viton or EPDM material. Certain areas will need gaskets manufactured from higher resistance materials to prevent possible breakdown. Viton and EPDM exhibit varied resistance that makes them ideal for challenging environments. 

For instance, EPDM is an excellent material for outdoor applications because of its higher resistance to aging, sunlight, harsh weather, and ozone. It’s popular in making window gaskets in the automotive industry. EPDM also has a robust tolerance for higher temperatures. 

On the other hand, Viton is suitable for fuel byproducts because of its high resistance to chemicals and other abrasive substances. EPDM doesn't do well in these conditions. Viton is the best material for making gaskets applied in slurry areas where materials are subjected to gassing problems. The strength of Viton is its ability to withstand extreme temperatures as high as 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Go for Viton if you need gaskets whose application will be in areas exposed to high temperatures. 

Density 


Density is another factor that sets Viton and EPDM apart. Viton is a heavy and dense material, while EPDM can come in a spongy form or as a dense material. However, Viton is dense and heavier than EPDM.

The difference in density plays a critical role in determining whether Viton or EPDM is ideal for your intended application. For instance, it’s not advisable to use Viton when making vibration isolation material because of its high density and weight. However, it can be an excellent option for gaskets where you're not worried about weight. 

The Durability 


A material's durability comes up whenever one plans to shop for a long-term item. You want to purchase something that will give you value for your money. Viton and EPDM are great choices if you're looking for materials that will take the beating and still serve you for as long as it takes. However, some industrial applications may need more durable gaskets. 

EPDM is an excellent material to use on tough and versatile parts. Viton is even more outstanding than EPDM. Are you searching for a highly durable material with a high performance that will last for ages? Viton offers a great choice between the two materials. 

Viton is popular in aerospace because of its undisputed durability. There is no room for making mistakes or trial and error in the aerospace applications and parts. If you want something more challenging than most revered materials, settle for nothing less than Viton and utilize its powerful and long-lasting features. 

Cost 

The value of the material plays a critical role in the selection. Viton is a more costly material than EPDM because it's a special material. You'll get almost everything that you're looking for in a gasket in Viton. EPDM is a versatile, cost-effective, and versatile material that you can mold, extrude or die-cut into tiny sheet form. Viton can also be molded and extruded. However, it's less versatile and more expensive because of its high durability. 

EPDM is suitable for individuals working against a fair budget but who want to get quality gaskets. The wide application and superb properties of Viton make it more expensive than EPDM. However, you'll get versatile and durable gaskets whenever you shop for Viton seals. 

Which Material Is Perfect For You, Viton or EPDM?


As discussed earlier, the question of whether Viton or EPDM is the best for you narrows to individual needs or purposes. The two materials are perfect in their aspects because both are high-performing. Viton and EPDM gaskets are available for you to choose the best material for a specific application. 

EPDM is an ideal option for individuals looking for water system valves that can withstand temperature. On the other hand, Viton will serve you better if you're looking for a gasket with high chemical resistance.

Viton is the most preferred choice when dealing with highly corrosive substances. Stressful conditions require durable materials, and Viton gaskets will serve you better here. Viton gaskets hold robust under even highly acidic and corrosive conditions. Its extreme durability will be underutilized if you use Viton valves in harmless environments such as water. The toughness of EPDM can’t compare to Viton’s sheer chemical resistance. Viton is resistant to;

  • Oxygenated automotive fuels

  • Aromatic hydrocarbons 

  • Mold 

  • Fungus 


 Viton's high density also increases its tolerance to burning than most synthetic fibers. It's a one-of-kind material with an array of industrial applications. Each material exhibits the unique properties that make it the best for intended functions. Most individuals settle Viton because of its almost universal chemical resistance. Feel free to ask your local gasket store for more ideas about Viton and EPDM seals. 

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