Acrylate (ACM)
Acrylic Rubber (ACM) is a polar, saturated synthetic elastomer based on ethyl acrylate or other alkyl acrylate monomers, with small amounts of reactive cure-site monomers. It offers an outstanding balance of heat, oil, and oxidation resistance, making it ideal for continuous exposure to hot oils, lubricants, and automatic transmission fluids where other rubbers degrade rapidly.
At Eutsler Technical Products, our ACM elastomers are formulated to deliver excellent sealing stability, low compression set, and strong mechanical integrity in high-temperature and oil-laden environments. ACM compounds are designed for extended service life under conditions of oxidative stress, oil immersion, and thermal cycling, providing durable performance in automotive, oilfield, and industrial sealing systems.
Performance Advantages
- Excellent oil and lubricant resistance resists swelling and degradation in petroleum-based and synthetic lubricants.
- Outstanding heat and oxidation stability continuous service up to 300 °F (150 °C) and intermittent exposure up to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Low gas permeability and excellent sealing retention maintains tightness under pressure and temperature cycling.
- Good resistance to ozone, aging, and sunlight performs well in outdoor and under-hood applications.
- Superior resistance to polar solvents and brake fluids compatible with phosphate esters, glycol-based fluids, and many synthetic oils.
- Good vibration damping and resilience control absorbs mechanical stress and vibration effectively.
Applications
Eutsler’s custom ACM compounds are used in applications that demand long-term resistance to oil, heat, and oxidation, especially where FKM or HNBR would be excessive in cost or performance.
Typical applications include:
- Automatic transmission and power steering seals
- Engine gaskets and valve cover seals
- Oil pump and crankshaft seals
- Hydraulic and pneumatic system components
- Turbocharger hoses and air management seals
- Oilfield packers, valve seats, and dynamic seals
- Vibration isolators exposed to lubricants or engine heat
ACM elastomers are a cost-effective alternative to FKM, offering high heat and oil resistance with lower material cost and easier processing.
Superior Material Performance
Eutsler’s ACM compounds exhibit:
- Tensile strength: 1,200–2,000 psi with excellent elongation and tear stability
- Low compression set and excellent sealing recovery at elevated temperature
- Excellent resistance to hot oils, lubricants, and oxidation
- Stable dynamic behavior under vibration and thermal cycling
- Good adhesion to metals for bonded seal assemblies
Note: ACM is not recommended for use with fuel, water, steam, or glycol/water mixtures, as hydrolysis can occur. For these environments, EPDM or HNBR is preferred.
General Characteristics of ACM Elastomers
| Property | Typical Range / Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Durometer Range (Shore A) | 40 – 90 | Custom hardness available |
| Tensile Strength (psi) | 1,200 – 2,000 | Stable mechanical properties |
| Elongation at Break (%) | 150 – 400 | Good flexibility and toughness |
| Compression Set | Excellent | Retains sealing load after prolonged heat exposure |
| Resilience / Rebound | Fair – Good | Controlled elasticity and damping |
| Abrasion Resistance | Good | Stable under sliding or dynamic conditions |
| Tear Resistance | Good | Strong network for high-stress service |
| Oil Resistance | Excellent | Superior resistance to petroleum and synthetic oils |
| Fuel Resistance | Good | Performs well in diesel and lubricating oils; poor in gasoline |
| Solvent Resistance | Good (polar solvents) | Excellent for esters, glycols, and phosphate esters |
| Low-Temperature Usage | –15 °F (–25 °C) | Limited flexibility in cold conditions |
| High-Temperature Usage | +350 °F (175 °C intermittent) | Continuous service to 300 °F (150 °C) |
| Weather / Ozone / Sunlight Resistance | Excellent | Stable under outdoor exposure |
| Water / Steam Resistance | Poor | Not suitable for aqueous environments |
| Adhesion to Metals | Excellent | Ideal for bonded seals and mounts |
Get in Touch with Our Experts Today!
Work with Eutsler for Precision-Molded ACM Components
With over 60 years of elastomer manufacturing experience, Eutsler Technical Products develops custom ACM formulations and molded components designed for maximum durability in high-temperature, oil-rich environments.
Our team collaborates with customers to optimize cure system, filler loading, and crosslink density for targeted mechanical and sealing performance.
As an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer, Eutsler ensures consistent compound quality, precision molding, and rigorous performance validation.
Request a quote today to have custom-engineered ACM parts manufactured to your exact performance and environmental requirements.
Summary
Acrylic Rubber (ACM) provides high heat and oil resistance at moderate cost, bridging the gap between NBR and FKM — making it an ideal choice for long-life seals, gaskets, and oil-resistant components in automotive, energy, and industrial applications.
- Chemical Family: Alkyl Acrylate Copolymer (Acrylic Rubber)
- Service Temperature Range: –15 °F to +350 °F (–25 °C to +175 °C intermittent)
- Distinguishing Features: Exceptional resistance to oils, oxidation, and heat aging
- Key Advantages:
- Excellent high-temperature and oil stability
- Low compression set and strong sealing recovery
- Excellent ozone and weather resistance
- Cost-effective alternative to FKM for oil service
- Limitations:
- Not suitable for fuels, water, steam, or glycol exposure
- Moderate cold flexibility (requires preheating for low-temp service)
Why Choose Eutsler Technical Products?
R&D
Experienced staff develop high performance and long life parts
Material Selection
Over 300 compounds or custom elastomeric compounds available
Mold Design
Custom molds are designed ensuring tolerances are met
Manufacturing
Molding, extrusion and die cutting services to build your part
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