Trim seal materials include EPDM, TPE, silicone, and PVC. Typically, these industrial rubber products come in black; however, trim seals in custom colors are also available. Engineers and buyers can also find rubber gasket materials that meet standards and that have specific trim seal measurements.
Trim Seal Materials
These are the most common trim seal materials. Elasto Proxy supplies them as rubber coils, as cut lengths, and as finished gaskets. Learn more about our trim seal fabrication services and how we can help you with trim seal installation.
EPDM Trim Seals
EPDM trim seals provide excellent resistance to water, weather, ozone, aging, and steam. They also resist tearing, abrasion, and a range of outdoor temperatures. EPDM rubber doesn’t resist fuels and oils, and it’s not recyclable like thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). Yet for applications like the door seals on mobile equipment, EPDM trim seals are often the right choice.
TPE Trim Seals
TPE trim seals cost more than EPDM, but thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are recyclable. That’s important for sustainability, or if you need to comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive. TPE profiles also have significantly tighter tolerances (2x) that most extruders can achieve with EPDM. TPE trim seals are available in novel colors, too.
Silicone Trim Seals
Silicone trim seals are used in applications that require low toxicity, low chemical reactivity, and thermal stability over a wide temperature range. They also repel water and resist oxygen, ozone, and ultraviolet (UV) light. In addition, silicone trim seals provide electrical insulation and won’t support microbial growth.
PVC Trim Seals
Some trim seals contain a trim or retainer section that’s made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a smooth plastic that resists kinking and provides other desirable properties. For example, PVC is flexible and resistant to fracture. It’s also strong, lightweight, difficult to ignite, and resistant to abrasion. The trim section can also include internal metal clips for improved gripping, too.
Trim Seal Colors
Trim seal colors include black, white, off-white, beige, tan, gray, and silver. In the case of TPE trim seals, profiles with translucent and metallic colors are available. Most rubber trim seals are smooth, but some have coarse, pebbled, or ribbed finishes.
Trim Seal Standards
Finally, the compounds that are used with bulb trim seals can meet specific regulatory requirements and industry approvals. Examples include:
- FVMSS 302 for interior automotive parts
- FAA/FAR 23.853 for aircraft interiors
- UL 50E for electrical equipment
- UL 94 HB for flame-resistance plastic parts
- FDA standards for food contact and medical applications
In the mass transit industry, engineers and buyers can source Certified Transit Grade (CTG) bulb trim seals from Elasto Proxy that provide resistance to flame, smoke, and toxicity, (FST).
Get Help with Trim Seal Materials, Colors, and Standards
Do you need trim seals in specific materials or colors, or that meet application-specific standards? To request a quote or for more information, contact Elasto Proxy.
