For metric o-rings (iso 3601) in EPDM, the controlling selection factors are corrosion exposure, strength requirement and service temperature. The grade data for EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, typically 70 Shore A) is summarized below together with every size supplied.
Why Choose EPDM for Metric O-Rings (ISO 3601)
The water, steam and outdoor-weathering elastomer. For metric o-rings (iso 3601), this matters when excellent in water, steam, brake fluid and weathering; unsuitable for mineral oil is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, typically 70 Shore A |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Non-magnetic |
| Service temperature | approx. -45 °C to +150 °C |
| Corrosion characteristic | Excellent in water, steam, brake fluid and weathering; unsuitable for mineral oil |
Corrosion Behavior in Service
Carbon and alloy steel metric o-rings (iso 3601) require a coating for corrosion protection. Zinc plating (with or without passivation) is the most common; hot-dip galvanizing is used for outdoor structural service; black-oxide is mainly a tarnish-prevention finish for tool-room use.
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
Galvanic and galling behavior do not apply to metric o-rings (iso 3601) in EPDM — the relevant compatibility questions are chemical: confirm the elastomer against the fluid, the temperature and any cleaning agents in service, and check the gland or groove dimensions give the intended compression on the section.
Sizes of Metric O-Rings (ISO 3601) Available in EPDM
| Cross-section (mm) | Typical inside-diameter range (mm) | Common compounds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 1.0 u2013 20 | NBR, FKM, EPDM, silicone | miniature and pneumatic |
| 1.5 | 2.0 u2013 40 | NBR, FKM, EPDM, silicone | small pneumatic and instrument |
| 1.78 | 1.78 u2013 50 | NBR, FKM, EPDM | nearest metric equivalent to the 1/16 in section |
| 2.0 | 3.0 u2013 100 | NBR, FKM, EPDM, silicone | general hydraulic and pneumatic |
| 2.5 | 5.0 u2013 150 | NBR, FKM, EPDM | general hydraulic |
| 3.0 | 6.0 u2013 200 | NBR, FKM, EPDM | general hydraulic |
| 3.5 | 10 u2013 250 | NBR, FKM | hydraulic |
| 4.0 | 12 u2013 300 | NBR, FKM | hydraulic and larger flanges |
| 5.0 | 20 u2013 400 | NBR, FKM | large flanges and covers |
| 5.33 | 20 u2013 400 | NBR, FKM | nearest metric equivalent to the 3/16 in section |
| 6.0 | 25 u2013 500 | NBR, FKM | large covers and housings |

