- Material Comparison
EPDM vs. Silicone — Two Elastomers Compared
At a Glance
EPDM
- Temperature: typically -40°C to +120°C; selected peroxide-cured grades up to approx. +150°C
- Main advantage: Price-performance, UV resistance
- Processing: Extrusion / injection molding (vulcanized)
- Cost: Medium
Silicone
- Temperature: -60°C to +230°C
- Main advantage: Extreme temperature range
- Processing: Extrusion / injection molding
- Cost: High
- Technical Comparison
Detailed Property Comparison
| Property | EPDM | Silicone |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature range | typically -40°C to +120°C; selected peroxide-cured grades up to approx. +150°C | ✅ -60°C to +230°C |
| UV/Ozone resistance | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Excellent |
| Biocompatibility | ❌ Limited | ⚠️ Selected grades with application-specific data |
| Tensile strength | ✅ Good to very good | ⚠️ Moderate |
| Abrasion resistance | ✅ Good | ⚠️ Moderate |
| Steam resistance | ✅ Very good | ✅ Good |
| Food contact | ⚠️ Possible | ⚠️ Selected grades with conformity evidence only |
| Transparency / Colors | ❌ Dark colors only | ✅ Transparent & colored available |
| Cost | ✅ Medium | ❌ High (2-3× EPDM) |
When to Choose Which Material?
Choose EPDM when:
- Good price-performance ratio is decisive
- High mechanical strength and abrasion resistance are needed
- Outdoor applications with UV and weather resistance are required
- Steam and hot-water seals are in use
Choose Silicone when:
- temperatures outside the EPDM range occur and the selected silicone grade is approved for them
- suitable grade-specific evidence exists for biocompatibility or food contact
- Medical technology applications are present
- Transparency or special colors are required
Frequently Asked Questions
Is silicone always better than EPDM?
No. EPDM offers better tensile strength and abrasion resistance at significantly lower cost. Silicone may be advantageous where higher temperatures or documented medical grades are required.
Can EPDM replace silicone in medical technology?
As a rule, no. FDA/USP or biocompatibility data may be available for selected medical silicone grades; finished-product suitability requires a separate assessment.
Which material lasts longer?
Both offer excellent aging resistance. EPDM tends to provide better long-term mechanical properties, while silicone offers better thermal stability.
Unsure which material is the right one?
Free material consultation from our engineers —
non-binding and individual.
Inquiry & Consultation
Step 01
We analyze your requirements and jointly select the optimal material (TPE, EPDM, or PVC) for your specific application.
Design & Development
Step 02
Our experts create precise profiles or molded parts based on your drawings or samples to guarantee a perfect fit.
Production & Logistics
Step 03
After precision production, we ensure fast delivery of your finished components – directly to your desired date and location