Material selection
CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATERIAL
FOR THE APPLICATION.
Every seal family on this site is available in more than one compound. The right choice depends on pressure, media, temperature, speed, and contamination — not on which material happens to be cheapest. Use this page to compare the six core materials Fitofit works with before you specify a seal.
Pressure & speed
Media compatibility
Temperature range
Contamination & environment
Six core materials
MATERIAL PROFILES
Each profile covers temperature range, friction, chemical compatibility, and the product families it is typically moulded or machined into.
01
Polyurethane
The default choice for dynamic rod, piston, and wiper seals under abrasive load.
02
PTFE
The low-friction, near-universal chemical resistance material for extreme conditions.
03
Nitrile (NBR)
The cost-effective standard elastomer for mineral-oil hydraulic systems.
04
Fluorocarbon (FKM)
High-temperature, chemically resilient elastomer for the harshest operating media.
05
Acetal (POM)
A rigid, low-friction engineering plastic for guide and wear ring duty.
06
Phenolic composite
A fabric-reinforced composite built for heavy load, high speed, and continuous duty.
Quick comparison
Side-by-side material reference.
A starting comparison only — final material direction still depends on your specific pressure, media, and duty cycle. Share those details and Fitofit will confirm the right compound.
| Material | Temp. range | Friction | Fluid compatibility | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyurethane | -30°C to 110°C | Low-medium | Mineral oils, most hydraulic fluids | Rod seals, Piston seals… |
| PTFE | -70°C to 200°C | Very low | Near-universal, including aggressive chemicals | Rod seals, Piston seals… |
| Nitrile (NBR) | -30°C to 100°C | Medium | Mineral oils, standard hydraulic fluids | Piston seals, Wiper seals… |
| Fluorocarbon (FKM) | -20°C to 200°C | Medium | Fuels, oils, many aggressive process chemicals | O-rings & backup rings, Rotary seals |
| Acetal (POM) | -40°C to 90°C | Low | Mineral oils; limited acid/oxidiser resistance | Wear rings |
| Phenolic composite | -40°C to 120°C | Low | Mineral oils, abrasive/contaminated fluid duty | Wear rings |
Engineering support
Not sure which material fits your application?
Share the product family, dimensions, pressure, temperature, media, drawing, or sample photo. Fitofit will help narrow the right material direction.