Understanding the properties and applications of 50 durometer silicone rubber can help you better control the softness, hardness, and temperature resistance of the silicone rubber products, thereby avoiding purchasing errors.
Moreover, 50 durometer silicone rubber can meet the matching needs of customers in most applications, enhancing your order competitiveness.
What Is 50 Durometer Silicone Rubber?
The 50 durometer silicone rubber is actually silicone rubber with a hardness of 50 Shore A. As we all know, the hardness range of silicone rubber is wide, and there are various options for different applications.
If you want a silicone material that combines flexibility, resilience, and strength, 50 durometer silicone rubber is a suitable choice for you. It is a balanced middle option that can maintain dimensional stability because the hardness is high enough, and it can fit irregular surfaces and form an effective seal because it has sufficient flexibility.
Therefore, 50 durometer is one of the most commonly used and in-demand hardnesses of silicone rubber, and it is suitable for various applications.
Properties of 50 Durometer Silicone Rubber
The 50 durometer silicone rubber is essentially the same as ordinary silicone rubber, featuring resistance to extreme low and high temperatures, chemical resistance, good UV and ozone resistance, and certain water resistance. It is less prone to mold growth than many water-absorbing materials.
Due to the different quality grades of silicone rubber, the specific performance parameters may vary. Therefore, we have compiled the following typical values for your reference:
| Property Parameter | Typical Value | Test Standard |
| Hardness (Shore A) | 50 ± 5 | ASTM D2240 |
| Tensile Strength | 600 – 1565 psi | ASTM D412 |
| Elongation at Break | 300% – 690% | ASTM D412 |
| Tear Strength | 85 – 190 ppi (Die B) | ASTM D624 |
| Compression Set | 15% – 25% | ASTM D395(At 150°C for 24 hours) |
The typical temperature range for silicone rubber is usually from -40°C to +230°C. For high-quality silicone rubber, the temperature resistance range can reach -60°C to +250°C.
Applications of 50 Durometer Silicone Rubber
50 durometer silicone rubber is widely used and can be manufactured into various components. However, different industries have different requirements for silicone rubber. The following are the relevant applications and certification requirements, which we hope will help you reduce compliance risks.
Manufacturing Industry
If you are in the manufacturing industry, you can use 50 durometer silicone rubber to make universal seals, screws and gaskets, which are suitable for flange connections, enclosures, lamp housings, and HVAC systems, etc. Because 50 durometer silicone rubber has sufficient elasticity, and the pressure on the silicone rubber seals in these applications is moderate, it can form a tight seal.
Apart from demanding high reliability of the sealing performance and ease of installation for the silicone rubber seals, some industrial seals may be specified according to ASTM D2000 material classifications.
Electronics Industry
If you are in the electronics industry, you can use 50 durometer silicone rubber to make silicone sheets, edge trims and gaskets. They can prevent dust and moisture, protect your electronic products, and maintain good electrical insulation and dielectric strength.
Because of their sufficient flexibility, they can fill surface gaps, so your electronic products with irregular geometric shapes can also form effective seals.
In electronic devices, the materials you use usually need to reach the UL94 V-2 standard. Flame-retardant grades can be formulated to achieve UL94 V-0 when required. Especially for the enclosure system, it needs to meet the UL 50E standard.
Automotive and Aerospace Industries
In vibration supports subjected to thermal and mechanical stresses, you can use 50 durometer silicone rubber. Silicone rubber can reduce vibration and resist environmental influences.
Engine compartment seals and dashboard gaskets can also be made with 50 durometer silicone rubber, but these applications have high requirements for silicone rubber and need to comply with AMS 3304.
Medical Industry
If you are in the medical industry, you can use 50 durometer silicone rubber for medical-grade pump diaphragms, valves and pipelines to achieve a balance between flexibility and mechanical strength.
Medical devices have high safety and compliance requirements. Besides ensuring a clean production environment, the products also need to comply with FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 and may also be tested to USP Class VI requirements.
FAQ
Can 50 Durometer Silicone Rubber Be Used for Both Static and Dynamic Seals?
It is more suitable for static sealing. Because 50 durometer silicone rubber combines flexibility and hardness, its wear resistance is slightly lower compared to high-hardness silicone rubber. For dynamic sealing, materials with better tensile strength and wear resistance are required.
Why Do 50 Durometer Silicone Rubber Specifications Vary Widely Between Suppliers?
Because 50 durometer silicone rubber only specifies the hardness. Different grades of 50 durometer silicone rubber produced by different suppliers will have significant differences in other properties due to variations in formulation and production methods.
You can compare various performance parameters according to your own needs, and then choose to customize the silicone rubber materials and products that suit you.
How Hard Is 50 Durometer Silicone Rubber Exactly?
The 50 durometer silicone rubber has a texture similar to an eraser, neither too soft nor too hard. It can withstand certain pressure and form an effective seal, making it a versatile option for you.
Is 50 Durometer Silicone Rubber Applicable for the Food Industry?
Sure. You can turn it into kitchen utensils such as ice trays, baking mats, spoons, etc., but it must comply with food safety regulations. It can also be made into food equipment components like O-rings, and it is best to meet NSF 51 compliance.
What Is the Gas Permeability of 50 Durometer Silicone Rubber?
Due to its specific chemical structure, the gas permeability of silicone rubber is relatively high among elastomers. If you plan to use 50 durometer silicone rubber for high-pressure gas sealing or vacuum retention sealing, it is not highly recommended. Materials with better gas impermeability include butyl rubber and FKM.
Final Thoughts
Legensilico is a professional silicone manufacturer in China, offering you a one-stop service. If you are interested in our products and want to customize a batch of high-quality 50 durometer silicone rubber products, please feel free to contact us at any time. We provide customization services for both color and size.
