Choosing the Perfect Material: A Deep Dive into ELBEX’s Rubber and Plastic Options

November 2, 2023

The right material can make all the difference with a rubber extrusion. Different materials can have vastly different properties. What is suitable for one application might not work for another. By selecting the right material for rubber extrusions, you can have confidence that it will perform as intended.

The Materials Offered By ELBEX

At ELBEX, we work with a wide range of materials, including:


•  Silicone Rubber: Has excellent high and low temperature properties. It is also excellent at damping vibrations and maintaining dielectric strength, while also offering good fatigue and flex resistance. However, it has poor tensile and abrasion resistance and is attacked by many solvents and oils.

•  EPDM: EPDM offers excellent resistance to ozone, chemical, weather, and UV exposure. However, it has poor resistance to petroleum-based oils and fluids. It is often used for sealants, weather stripping, and electrical insulation.

•  Neoprene: Neoprene offers good weathering and abrasion resistance. It is also flame retardant and moderately resistant to petroleum-based fluids. It is often used for gaskets, tubing, and even tire sidewalls.

•  Nitrile: Nitrile is extremely resistant to petroleum-based fluids, and has good heat, tear, and abrasion resistance. However, it is attacked by ozone. It is often used for automotive parts such as belts, hoses, and oil seals.

•  SBR: SBR provides good electrical insulation and is resistant to mild acids and oxygenated solvents. It has better water, heat, and abrasion resistance than natural rubber.

•  Natural Rubber: Natural rubber has strong resistance to abrasion and low temperatures, and is resistant to most moderate chemicals. However, it has poor resistance to petroleum-based fluids and ozone.


ELBEX’s In-House Batch Mixing Caters to Your Needs

At ELBEX, we provide in-house batch mixing to ensure you get the right material for your project. Our team seeks to understand the application’s environment and performance requirements (including regulatory requirements) to ensure you have the right material mix for the job. This way, you can properly balance cost and performance.


When you work with ELBEX, you can have confidence that you’re getting the right material for your application — and that you’re getting quality materials. Our team’s expertise in material selection and commitment to quality ensure that your rubber extrusions will stand the test of time. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!

May 23, 2025
Fire safety is one of the most important considerations in any construction project. The use of fire-retardant materials helps protect occupants and keep flames from spreading. At Elbex, our ability to produce high-quality fire-retardant rubber profiles ensures that public buildings and other construction projects meet even the most stringent fire safety standards while protecting people and property. Elbex’s Expertise in Fire-Resistant Rubber Products  Fire-resistant rubber products start with the right materials. At Elbex, we start by selecting and formulating rubber compounds that exhibit fire-retardant properties based on the fire safety classifications and standards you need to meet. Materials like specialized neoprene, silicone, and EPDM are all examples of elastomers that provide good fire resistance. This materials expertise is paired with state-of-the-art manufacturing and customization capabilities. Our processes ensure consistent quality, lasting durability, and tight tolerances so you can have confidence in our rubber extrusions’ reliability for fire resistance and everyday performance. We believe in using a collaborative approach with architects and designers to ensure optimal fire safety performance and seamless integration with building designs. Benefits of Elbex’s Fire-Retardant Rubber Solutions With Elbex’s fire-retardant rubber solutions, you can have greater confidence that all parts of your structure are contributing to fire safety. Preventing the spread of fire can provide crucial time for evacuating people and minimizing property damage if a fire occurs. Our fire-retardant materials meet or exceed building codes and regulations to ensure full compliance and maximum safety. With our rubber extrusions’ durability and resistance to weathering and degradation, you can also minimize maintenance needs as you future-proof a fire-safe environment. And with versatile construction applications for everything from sealing to insulation, you can ensure the entire structure is built to minimize fire danger. With our commitment to producing high-quality, custom-engineered fire-retardant rubber solutions, you can have confidence in your own ability to enhance the safety of your construction projects. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your specific fire safety needs.
May 16, 2025
Freezer and refrigerator door gaskets play an essential role in ensuring that these appliances are energy efficient, preserve food, and prevent frost buildup. Worn or damaged gaskets can result in significant energy loss, as well as temperature fluctuations that lead to food spoilage – which can prove costly in both residential and commercial kitchens. As a leading manufacturer of high-quality, durable air barrier seals for refrigerators and freezers, Elbex ensures that your appliances deliver the quality performance your own customers deserve. The Importance of Airtight Seals in Refrigeration Properly functioning gaskets are vital in any quality refrigerator or freezer. Properly functioning gaskets prevent the escape of cold air and the entry of warm, humid air. This reduces the compressor’s workload and lowers the appliance’s energy consumption. Keeping out humid air also prevents frost buildup inside freezers, which is a common maintenance issue. Even more importantly, maintaining consistent internal temperatures extends the shelf life and quality of stored food, preventing spoilage. By reducing energy consumption and food waste, airtight seals can greatly lower costs. Elbex’s Expertise in Refrigerator and Freezer Door Gaskets At Elbex, we bring extensive experience with refrigerator and freezer door gaskets to create airtight seals specifically designed for your appliances. We use our knowledge of various elastomers to select materials like flexible PVC, TPE, and silicone that remain flexible at low temperatures, resist tearing and wear, and are food-grade compliant. We also use state-of-the-art extrusion and molding processes that ensure tight tolerances, consistent quality, and superior sealing performance. Our airtight barriers are designed for durability and longevity, even for demanding or unique applications. We can also collaborate with your manufacturing team to develop custom gasket profiles that match the specific requirements of your refrigerator and freezer models and their door configurations. Benefits of Choosing Elbex’s Refrigerator and Freezer Door Gaskets When you work with Elbex, you can have confidence that our precision-designed seals will deliver consistent, long-lasting performance. From materials selection to design, our gaskets will resist cracking, tearing, and compression set, even on frequently used refrigerators and freezers. We also ensure that our gaskets are easy to install and replace, minimizing downtime when maintenance is needed. And with our customization options, we can tailor everything from aesthetics to functionality based on your specific needs. At Elbex, we are committed to providing high-quality, custom-designed refrigerator door gaskets and air barrier seals for refrigerators and freezers. As an appliance manufacturer or service provider, you can count on Elbex to help you achieve optimal refrigeration performance. Contact us today to learn more.
May 9, 2025
At Elbex, we are committed to producing high-quality rubber extrusions, no matter what industry you work in. Why can you trust us? A big part of the reason is because of our ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certification in the manufacturing industry. Here’s a closer look at what this means for our work. Understanding the Value of ISO Certification The ISO sets international standards for various industries. It is an independent group that is recognized and respected worldwide for its focus on ensuring that products and systems are safe, high-quality, and consistent. Companies must meet specific requirements to achieve and maintain certification. An important aspect of ISO certification is that it’s not a “once and done” certification. It requires ongoing adherence, with regular audits to stay certified. Essentially, ISO certification means Elbex operates according to internationally recognized best practices. Elbex’s Commitment to Quality Through ISO Standards ISO certification is a reflection of our own standards of customer satisfaction, consistent quality, and continuous improvement. Our ISO-certified Quality Management System (QMS) focuses on understanding and meeting customer needs, including by collecting and applying feedback from our clients. Our manufacturing processes are documented and controlled to ensure they are consistently applied with every project to ensure product uniformity and quality. At the same time, we proactively look for ways to improve our processes, products, and services, including through corrective and preventive actions when needed. Why Clients Can Trust Elbex’s Expertise ISO certification means you can have confidence that our rubber extrusions are manufactured to the highest quality standards, with minimal risk of defects or inconsistencies. Our standardized processes also mean you can enjoy clear communication and well-defined procedures at every step of the process.  With an ISO-certified supplier like Elbex, you can have peace of mind from knowing that we adhere to international best practices, while also being committed to growing long-term, trustworthy partnerships. Our goal is to be a reliable partner you can turn to anytime you need rubber extrusion services. At Elbex, we’re proud to have obtained ISO certification as a testament to our dedication to quality, customer satisfaction, and continual improvement. Experience the Elbex difference for yourself – contact us today to request a quote or learn more about our ISO-certified work.