HNBR O-rings for high-temperature, oil, hydraulic, and automotive sealing applications

HNBR O-Rings

The Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR) O-rings are flexible sealing components to prevent leakage between mating surfaces in high-heat, and oil-exposed systems. HNBR resist heat, ozone, and abrasion better than standard nitrile, built from hydrogenated nitrile o rings compounds, making them a choice for automotive, hydraulic, and oil and gas equipment.

Rubber Xpert Inc. is the trusted USA supplier and manufacturer for bulk and custom HNBR O-rings, with accuracy, multi-point quality control, and technical support from spec to delivery. Our team match the right HNBR grade to your application, if you need a standard size or a custom compound built for your exact operating conditions.

Buy HNBR O-Rings in Bulk from a Trusted Manufacturer
& Supplier, Rubber Xpert Inc.

Rubber Xpert Inc. manufactures and supplies HNBR O-rings in bulk for consistent dimensional accuracy and dependable performance in demanding industrial conditions.

We support OEM and high-volume industrial orders with the same quality control from prototype to full production, from standard AS568 sizes to custom cross-sections, backed by our full range of rubber O-ring solutions.

Silicone O-Rings

High-temperature flexible sealing offering a broad thermal range with strong resistance to UV, ozone, and weathering.

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Applications Food & Beverage Equipment, Medical Devices, HVAC Systems, Outdoor Enclosures
Material Type / Grade Silicone Rubber (VMQ)
Temperature Range -60°C to 200°C
Hardness (Durometer) 40-80 Shore A
Cross-Section / Sizing AS568 & Custom Cross-Sections
High-Temp Stable FDA Grade Available UV & Ozone Resistant

EPDM O-Rings

Weather-resistant synthetic rubber sealing built for water, steam, and outdoor exposure in a wide temperature range.

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RING
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Applications HVAC Systems, Plumbing, Water Treatment, Automotive Cooling
Material Type / Grade Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
Temperature Range -50°C to 150°C
Hardness (Durometer) 40-90 Shore A
Cross-Section / Sizing AS568 & Custom Cross-Sections
Steam & Water Resistant Ozone Stable Not Oil Compatible

Neoprene O-Rings

Durable chloroprene rubber sealing valued for its balance of weather resistance, flexibility, and moderate chemical resistance.

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RING
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Applications Refrigeration, Automotive, Plumbing, General Industrial
Material Type / Grade Polychloroprene (Neoprene / CR)
Material Type / Grade -40°C to 120°C
Hardness (Durometer) 40-90 Shore A
Cross-Section / Sizing AS568 & Custom Cross-Sections
Weather & Ozone Resistant Flame Retardant Moderate Oil Resistance

FKM O-Rings

Premium fluorocarbon sealing engineered for high-temperature stability and superior resistance to fuels, oils, and chemicals.

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Applications Automotive Fuel Systems, Aerospace, Oil & Gas, Chemical Processing
Material Type / Grade Fluorocarbon (FKM / Viton)
Temperature Range -26°C to 205°C
Hardness (Durometer) 65-90 Shore A
Cross-Section / Sizing AS568 & Custom Cross-Sections
Chemical & Fuel Resistant High-Temp Rated Low Compression Set

HNBR O-Rings

Upgraded nitrile for high-load, oil-rich environments where standard NBR fails under heat and wear.

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Applications Oil & Gas, Automotive, Hydraulics, Industrial Machinery
Material Type / Grade Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR)
Temperature Range -40°C to 150°C
Hardness (Durometer) 55-90 Shore A
Cross-Section / Sizing AS568 & Custom Cross-Sections
Abrasion Resistant Oil Compatible Dynamic & Static

Buna (NBR) O-Rings

Cost-effective nitrile rubber sealing known for reliable performance in oil, fuel, and hydraulic environments.

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Applications Automotive, Hydraulic Systems, Pneumatic Equipment, Oil & Gas
Material Type / Grade Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR / Buna-N)
Temperature Range -30°C to 120°C
Hardness (Durometer) 40-90 Shore A
Cross-Section / Sizing AS568 & Custom Cross-Sections
Oil & Fuel Resistant Cost-Effective Wide Hardness Range

Polyurethane O-Rings

High-abrasion sealing rubber ideal for dynamic, high-wear environments.

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Applications Hydraulic Cylinders, Pneumatic Seals, Earth-Moving Equipment, Plug Connectors
Material Type / Grade Polyurethane (AU / EU)
Temperature Range -40°C to 100°C (short-term)
Hardness (Durometer) 60-95 Shore A
Cross-Section / Sizing AS568 & Custom Cross-Sections
Highest Abrasion Resistance AU vs EU Grade Choice Not for Long-Term High Heat

Santoprene O-Rings

Weatherproof thermoplastic sealing for outdoor and consumer-grade systems.

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Applications Garden Equipment, Outdoor Fixtures, Water Meters, Consumer Appliances
Material Type / Grade Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV / Santoprene)
Temperature Range -50°C to 135°C
Hardness (Durometer) 40-80 Shore A
Cross-Section / Sizing AS568 & Custom Cross-Sections
UV Stable Compression Recovery Outdoor Grade Rated

Butyl Rubber O-Rings

Dense synthetic rubber built for near-zero gas permeability.

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RING
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Applications Vacuum Chambers, Tire Inner Tubes, Pharmaceutical Vial Stoppers, Brake Systems (Non-Petroleum)
Material Type / Grade Isobutylene-Isoprene Rubber (IIR)
Temperature Range -50°C to 120°C
Hardness (Durometer) 30-90 Shore A
Cross-Section / Sizing AS568 & Custom Cross-Sections
Lowest Gas Permeability Resists Phosphate Ester Fluids Not Oil Compatible

Natural Rubber O-Rings

The original O-ring material, valued for rebound and elongation.

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Applications Shock Mounts, Vibration Dampeners, Glycol-Based Brake Systems, Gaskets
Material Type / Grade Polyisoprene (NR)
Temperature Range -50°C to 70°C
Hardness (Durometer) 30-90 Shore A
Cross-Section / Sizing AS568 & Custom Cross-Sections
Highest Resilience/Rebound Latex-Derived (Allergy Risk) Poor Ozone & Oil Resistance

AEM O-Rings

Engine-bay elastomer built to resist the heat and oil at once.

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Applications Turbocharger Hoses, Transmission Seals, Crankshaft/Camshaft Seals, EV Powertrain Seals
Material Type / Grade Ethylene Acrylic Elastomer (AEM / Vamac®)
Temperature Range -40°C to 150°C (peaks to 175°C)
Hardness (Durometer) 60-90 Shore A
Cross-Section / Sizing AS568 & Custom Cross-Sections
Biodiesel Compatible Ozone + Oil Resistant DuPont Trade Name: Vamac®

Why Buy HNBR O-Rings from Rubber Xpert Inc.?

The reasons to buy HNBR O-rings from Rubber Xpert Inc. are listed below.

  • Custom Compound Formulation: HNBR is molded to the exact hydrogenation degree and cure system a project requires.
  • ACN Content Matching: ACN levels are selected from low (17-22%) for cold flexibility to high (40-50%) for oil and sour-gas resistance.
  • Dimensional Accuracy: Parts are molded to AS568 and custom cross-section tolerances for drop-in fit.
  • Multi-Point Quality Control: Durometer, tensile, and compression-set testing catch compound deviations before shipment.
  • Bulk Production Capability: Tooling scales from prototype runs to high-volume orders without sacrificing consistency.
  • Color-Coded Identification: Green HNBR is supplied for automotive A/C systems and black HNBR for oil and gas, preventing compound mix-ups.
  • Technical Support: One contact guides the order from specification through final delivery.
Rubber Xperts INC exterior manufacturing facility in Fort Worth Texas

Your Custom HNBR O-Ring Journey - From
Specification to Delivery

Rubber Xpert Inc. guides customers through a six-stage process, from sealing requirements to receiving finished HNBR O-rings ready for installation.

01

Requirements Definition

Customers specify the temperature, fluid media, and pressure conditions of the seal. The data determines if a low, medium, or high ACN grade is needed before the compound is chosen.

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Design & Specification

Cross-section, groove dimensions, and tolerances are confirmed against AS568 or custom sizing. The cure system is locked in here since it affects heat ceiling and compression set.

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03

Material Selection

Hydrogenation degree and ACN percentage are matched to the conditions defined earlier. Engineers draw from a range of materials for manufacturing to balance oil resistance.

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04

Prototyping & Validation

A small trial batch is molded to the target durometer and cross-section. This catches fit or compound issues before full production begins.

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Manufacturing

Compounds are mixed and cured in batches sized to the order. Peroxide-cured parts are post-cured to stabilize compression set.

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Quality Assurance

Each batch undergoes durometer, tensile, and compression-set checks. Color coding is verified here to prevent compound mix-ups.

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Packaging & Delivery

Finished O-rings are counted, bagged, and labeled by size and compound before shipment. Documentation ties each batch to its test data, and the same technical contact stays available for reorders.

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What Are HNBR O-Rings?

HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) O-rings are circular elastomeric seals made by hydrogenating standard NBR, which improves heat, ozone, and abrasion resistance. The round cross-section compresses inside a machined groove, deforming to fill the gap and block fluid or gas from passing through.

HNBR retains strong resistance to mineral oils, fuels, and hydraulic fluids in roughly -40°C to 150°C, with higher tensile strength and abrasion resistance than standard nitrile, but it costs more and resists chlorinated hydrocarbons, ketones, and strong acids poorly.

What Materials and HNBR Compounds Are Used to
Manufacture HNBR O-Rings?

HNBR is the base elastomer, produced by hydrogenating NBR to varying degrees, with ACN content and cure system defining each compound’s performance grade. General-purpose sealing uses medium-ACN (34-40%), peroxide-cured HNBR, while high-temperature and oilfield service call for high-ACN (40-50%) grades built for sour-gas and hot-oil exposure.

Food-grade HNBR compounds meet FDA or NSF standards for potable water and food contact, but medical-grade formulations remain uncommon since silicone and FKM dominate that space.

HNBR O-Rings Material Comparison Table

The HNBR O-Rings material comparison is shown in the table below.

HNBR Material / Compound Temperature Flexibility Chemical Resistance Regulatory Suitability Typical Applications Key Limitations
Low-ACN HNBR -40°C to 150°C Excellent Good oil & fuel resistance Industrial Cold-climate hydraulics, automotive Lower oil resistance than high-ACN grades
Medium-ACN HNBR -40°C to 150°C Good Excellent oils, fuels & hydraulic fluids Industrial, FDA grades available General industrial, hydraulic, automotive Not resistant to ketones or strong acids
High-ACN HNBR -35°C to 150°C Moderate Superior oil & sour gas resistance Industrial Oil & gas, engine seals Reduced low-temperature flexibility
Peroxide-Cured HNBR Up to 150°C Good Excellent heat & ozone resistance FDA grades available High-temperature industrial sealing Higher cost
Sulfur-Cured HNBR Up to 125–140°C Good Good oil resistance Industrial Dynamic seals Lower heat resistance
Food-Grade HNBR -40°C to 150°C Good Resistant to approved food media FDA / NSF Food & beverage equipment Limited to certified compounds
Custom HNBR Compound Formulation dependent Varies Application-specific Available on request OEM & specialised equipment Longer lead time

How to Choose the Right HNBR O-Ring for Your Needs?

Choosing the HNBR O-ring starts with evaluating your application's operating conditions and sealing requirements. The key selection factors are outlined below.

  • Size and Cross-Section: Choose an O-ring that matches the groove dimensions and AS568 or custom sizing specifications. Proper sizing ensures adequate compression and leak-free sealing.
  • Hardness (Durometer): Select a durometer based on operating pressure and extrusion resistance. Softer grades improve sealing, while harder grades perform better under higher loads.
  • Operating Temperature: Match the compound to the application's continuous and peak temperatures. Standard HNBR typically operates between -40°C and 150°C, depending on the formulation.
  • Pressure Requirements: Match the HNBR compound to the system pressure and install backup rings where needed to prevent extrusion. Evaluate static and dynamic pressure conditions before selecting the seal.
  • Media Compatibility: Ensure the compound is compatible with the oils, fuels, or hydraulic fluids in the system. HNBR is not suitable for ketones, chlorinated hydrocarbons, or strong acids.
  • Compression Set Resistance: Choose compounds with low compression set for long-term sealing performance. Peroxide-cured HNBR generally provides better retention of sealing force.
  • Regulatory Requirements: Verify whether FDA, NSF, or other certifications are required for your application. Only approved HNBR formulations meet these regulatory standards.
  • Operating Environment: Consider exposure to ozone, abrasion, weathering, and mechanical stress. HNBR performs well in demanding industrial and automotive environments.

Where Are HNBR O-Rings Commonly Used?

HNBR O-rings are used in industries requiring durable seals against heat, oils, pressure, and abrasion. Common applications include the following industries.

Automotive

Engine, fuel, transmission, and air conditioning systems rely on HNBR seals for reliable performance. These demanding applications make it a common choice in the automotive industry.

Oil & Gas Equipment

Pumps, valves, and drilling equipment use HNBR to withstand oils, fuels, and harsh operating conditions. The durability makes it suitable for the oil and gas industry.

Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems

Hydraulic cylinders, pumps, and pneumatic valves use HNBR to prevent fluid and air leakage. The material performs well under pressure and repeated motion.

Industrial Machinery

Production equipment and rotating machinery depend on HNBR for long-lasting sealing. Its wear resistance supports industrial and machinery applications.

Mining & Heavy Equipment

Hydraulic systems in mining and construction equipment benefit from HNBR's abrasion and impact resistance. It helps maintain sealing performance in harsh environments.

Agricultural Equipment

Tractors, harvesters, and hydraulic equipment use HNBR for reliable sealing in outdoor conditions. The material resists oils, fuels, and weather exposure.

HVAC & Refrigeration

Compressors and refrigeration systems use HNBR to seal lubricated components. Its heat and ozone resistance make it suitable for the HVAC industry.

Key Features & Benefits of HNBR O-Rings

HNBR O-rings have excellent heat resistance and superior oil compatibility, making them a dependable sealing solution for automotive, hydraulic, and industrial applications.

Excellent High-Temperature Resistance

Maintains sealing performance in continuous temperatures up to 150°C, making it suitable for engines, compressors, and other heat-intensive equipment.

Superior Oil and Fuel Resistance

Resists degradation from mineral oils, fuels, and hydraulic fluids. It helps prevent seal failure in automotive and industrial systems.

Outstanding Wear and Abrasion Resistance

Withstands repeated movement and abrasive operating conditions. It is well suited for hydraulic cylinders and heavy-duty equipment.

High Mechanical Strength

Provides high tensile strength and tear resistance under demanding loads. It improves durability in high-pressure sealing applications.

Reliable Sealing Performance

Maintains consistent compression and minimizes fluid or gas leakage. It supports dependable operation in static and dynamic seals.

Long Service Life in Demanding Applications

Resists heat, ozone, and mechanical wear over extended service periods. Longer seal life helps reduce maintenance and replacement frequency.

How to Install HNBR
O-Rings

Install HNBR O-rings using the correct procedure to prevent cuts, twisting, contamination, and improper compression that reduce sealing performance.

Follow the six steps below for a secure seal.

1

Step 1: Surface Cleaning

Clean the groove and mating surfaces to remove dirt, debris, oil residue, and old sealant. A clean sealing surface helps prevent leaks and premature wear.

2

Step 2: O-Ring Inspection

Inspect the HNBR O-ring for cuts, cracks, deformation, or other visible defects before installation. Replacing damaged seals helps avoid early seal failure.

3

Step 3: Compatible Lubrication

Apply a lubricant that is compatible with HNBR and the operating media. Proper lubrication reduces installation friction and minimizes seal damage.

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Step 4: Alignment and Placement

Position the O-ring evenly in the groove without stretching or twisting it. Correct alignment ensures uniform compression in assembly.

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Step 5: Compression and Assembly

Assemble the mating components gradually to achieve the recommended compression. Even compression helps maintain an effective fluid-tight seal.

6

Step 6: Leak or Performance Testing

Test the assembled system under normal operating conditions to verify sealing performance. Early leak detection helps confirm proper installation before service.

Frequently Asked Questions About
HNBR O-rings

Find answers to the questions about HNBR O-rings, including their performance and material selection.

The main advantages of HNBR O-rings compared to standard NBR are higher heat resistance, better ozone resistance, greater abrasion resistance, and improved mechanical strength. The properties allow HNBR to perform in more demanding operating environments.

The operating temperature range for HNBR O-rings is -40°C to 150°C, depending on the compound formulation and application. Some specialised grades can tolerate higher short-term temperatures.

The fluids, oils, and chemicals compatible with HNBR O-rings include mineral oils, petroleum-based fuels, hydraulic fluids, lubricating oils, water, and dilute chemicals.

HNBR is not recommended for ketones, chlorinated hydrocarbons, or strong acids.

The industries and applications that most commonly use HNBR O-rings include automotive, oil and gas, hydraulic systems, industrial machinery, mining, agriculture, and HVAC equipment. HNBR O-rings are selected where heat, oil resistance, and mechanical durability are required.

HNBR O-rings cost less while providing excellent resistance to heat, abrasion, and petroleum-based fluids. Consider FKM O-rings for applications requiring broader chemical compatibility and higher operating temperatures.

We Love Hearing From You!

If you have any questions, please fill your queries in the form and we will respond as soon as we can.

2427 Decatur Ave, Fort Worth, Texas 76106
ask@rubberxperts.com
+1 817 614 1836
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Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST