What is the hardness range of NBR Gasket Ring?
Oct 21, 2025
Hey there! As a supplier of NBR Gasket Rings, I often get asked about the hardness range of these little but super - important components. So, in this blog, I'm gonna break it all down for you.
First off, let's talk about what NBR is. NBR stands for Nitrile Butadiene Rubber. It's a type of synthetic rubber that's widely used in gasket ring applications because of its excellent resistance to oil, fuel, and other chemicals. You'll find NBR gasket rings in all sorts of industries, from automotive to plumbing and even in some industrial machinery.
Now, the hardness of an NBR gasket ring is a crucial factor. It's measured on the Shore hardness scale, which is a standardized way to measure the hardness of rubber materials. The Shore scale has different types, but for NBR gasket rings, we usually use the Shore A scale.
The hardness range of NBR gasket rings can vary quite a bit, depending on the specific application. Generally, the hardness of NBR gasket rings can range from about 30 Shore A to 90 Shore A.
Let's start with the softer end of the spectrum. When we're talking about 30 - 40 Shore A, these are some pretty soft gasket rings. They're super flexible and can conform to irregular surfaces really well. This makes them great for applications where you need a tight seal on a surface that might not be perfectly flat. For example, in some old - fashioned plumbing systems where the pipes might have a bit of wear and tear, a soft NBR gasket ring can fill in the gaps and prevent leaks. You can check out our Rubber Gasket NBR Brown Seal which comes in a variety of hardness options, including the softer ones.
Moving up to the 50 - 60 Shore A range, these are the most commonly used NBR gasket rings. They offer a good balance between flexibility and durability. They can handle a fair amount of pressure and are suitable for a wide range of applications. In the automotive industry, for instance, they're often used in engine components where they need to seal against oil and coolant while withstanding the vibrations and temperature changes of the engine.


When we get to the 70 - 90 Shore A range, we're talking about some pretty hard NBR gasket rings. These are designed for high - pressure applications. In industrial machinery, where there are high - pressure hydraulic systems, hard NBR gasket rings are essential. They can maintain their shape and integrity under extreme pressure and are less likely to be squeezed out or deformed. For custom - made applications that require a harder NBR gasket ring, you might want to take a look at our Custom Irregular Shape Rubber Gasket Seal.
It's important to choose the right hardness for your NBR gasket ring. If you go too soft, the gasket might get squeezed out under pressure, leading to leaks. On the other hand, if you go too hard, it might not be able to conform to the surface properly, also resulting in a poor seal.
Another thing to consider is the temperature. NBR gasket rings have a certain temperature range within which they perform optimally. Generally, they can handle temperatures from about - 40°C to 120°C, but this can also be affected by the hardness. Softer gasket rings tend to be more flexible at lower temperatures, while harder ones can withstand higher temperatures better.
Now, let's talk about some of the other factors that can affect the performance of NBR gasket rings. Chemical compatibility is a big one. As I mentioned earlier, NBR is resistant to oil and fuel, but there are other chemicals out there that can degrade it. If you're using the gasket ring in an environment where it will come into contact with different chemicals, you need to make sure it's compatible.
The surface finish of the mating parts also matters. A rough surface can damage the gasket ring over time, while a smooth surface can help it form a better seal. So, it's important to prepare the surfaces properly before installing the gasket ring.
We also offer some unique products like the White 4 - chamber Diaphragm Silicone Rubber Sealing Ring. While it's not a pure NBR gasket ring, it combines the properties of silicone and rubber in a unique way. It has four chambers that can provide additional flexibility and sealing capabilities, making it suitable for some specialized applications.
In conclusion, the hardness range of NBR gasket rings is quite wide, and choosing the right one depends on your specific application. Whether you need a soft, flexible gasket for a tricky seal or a hard one for high - pressure situations, we've got you covered.
If you're in the market for NBR gasket rings or have any questions about which hardness is right for your project, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you make the best choice and ensure a successful sealing solution.
References:
- "Rubber Technology Handbook" by Werner Hofmann
- Industry standards on NBR gasket ring manufacturing and performance.
