Rubber sheets are incredibly flexible materials used across industries, ranging from construction and manufacturing, automotive production and marine applications. Selecting an ideal rubber sheet requires taking careful note of several key parameters that meet the unique demands of your application.
In this guide, we will go over six key parameters that should be taken into account while selecting rubber sheets helping you make an informed choice. As a trusted supplier of high-quality rubber products, we at Ambassador Industrial are here to support you every step of the way.

6 Key Factors to Consider When Selecting the Perfect Rubber Sheet
1. Material Type
The type of rubber material you choose is fundamental to the performance of your rubber sheet. Different types of rubber are designed to handle specific conditions, making this a critical first step.
Common Types of Rubber Materials:
- Natural Rubber (NR): Offers excellent flexibility, high tensile strength, and abrasion resistance. Ideal for general-purpose applications but not suitable for exposure to oils or extreme temperatures.
- Nitrile Rubber (NBR): Resistant to oils, fuels, and grease, making it perfect for automotive and industrial uses.
- EPDM Rubber: Known for its outstanding resistance to weather, UV rays, and ozone. Often used in outdoor environments and for sealing purposes.
- Neoprene: A highly versatile rubber with good weather, chemical, and abrasion resistance, suitable for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications.
- Silicone: With excellent temperature resistance, silicone is ideal for high-temperature applications in the food, medical, and industrial sectors.
Tip from Ambassador Industrial: If you’re unsure which material is best for your application, our team of experts can help you determine the most suitable option.
2. Thickness
The thickness of the rubber sheet plays a significant role in its functionality. The required thickness depends on the specific application, as it impacts durability, flexibility, and performance.
Applications Based on Thickness:
- Thin Sheets (1–2 mm): Suitable for lightweight applications like gaskets, seals, and protective linings.
- Medium Sheets (3–5 mm): Ideal for cushioning, padding, and moderate-duty applications.
- Thick Sheets (6 mm and above): Used for heavy-duty applications such as industrial flooring, vibration dampening, and load-bearing solutions.
At Ambassador Industrial, we offer rubber sheets in a wide range of thicknesses to suit your unique needs.
3. Hardness (Durometer)
Rubber hardness is measured on the Shore A scale, and it determines how firm or soft the material is. Selecting the correct hardness ensures that the rubber sheet performs effectively in its intended application.
Hardness Categories:
- Soft Rubber (20–40 Shore A): Provides excellent flexibility and cushioning, ideal for seals and vibration dampening.
- Medium Rubber (50–70 Shore A): Suitable for general-purpose applications where a balance of flexibility and durability is needed.
- Hard Rubber (80+ Shore A): Best for applications requiring high abrasion resistance and minimal deformation under load.
Need guidance on choosing the right hardness? Our team at Ambassador Industrial can assist you in finding the perfect match.
4. Temperature Resistance
Different rubber materials have varying capabilities to withstand temperature extremes. Selecting a material that can handle the specific temperature conditions of your application is crucial for long-term performance.
Temperature Ranges of Common Rubber Types:
- Silicone: -60°C to 300°C, ideal for extreme temperatures.
- EPDM: -40°C to 120°C, excellent for outdoor environments.
- Nitrile: -20°C to 100°C, suitable for oil and fuel applications.
- Natural Rubber: -20°C to 80°C, best for general-purpose uses.
At Ambassador Industrial, we supply rubber sheets designed to perform in both high- and low-temperature environments.
5. Chemical Resistance
Rubber sheets are often used in environments where they are exposed to chemicals, oils, or solvents. Choosing a material with the right chemical resistance is critical to ensure the sheet’s durability and performance.
Chemical-Resistant Rubber Materials:
- Nitrile Rubber (NBR): Excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and hydrocarbons.
- EPDM Rubber: Superior resistance to acids, alkalis, and weathering.
- Neoprene: Good resistance to a broad range of chemicals and solvents.
Ambassador Industrial’s range of chemical-resistant rubber sheets ensures reliable performance in challenging environments.
6. Surface Finish
The surface finish of a rubber sheet can affect its functionality, especially in applications where grip, aesthetics, or friction are important.
Common Surface Finishes:
- Smooth Finish: Ideal for seals, gaskets, and applications where a clean appearance is required.
- Textured Finish: Provides enhanced grip, making it suitable for flooring and anti-slip applications.
- Fabric-Reinforced Finish: Improves strength and reduces stretching for demanding applications.
Why Choose Ambassador Industrial?
When it comes to rubber sheets, Ambassador Industrial is your trusted partner. Here’s why customers across industries choose us:
- Extensive Product Range: From EPDM and nitrile to silicone and natural rubber, we stock a wide variety of rubber sheets to meet diverse requirements.
- Custom Solutions: Can’t find exactly what you’re looking for? We offer customized rubber sheet solutions tailored to your specifications.
- Expert Advice: With years of experience in the rubber industry, our knowledgeable team provides guidance to help you make the right choice.
- High Quality: We source only the best materials to ensure our products deliver superior performance and durability.
- Customer-Centric Approach: Your satisfaction is our priority. We’re here to answer your questions and provide reliable support.
Applications of Rubber Sheets
Rubber sheets are used across a wide range of industries and applications:
- Construction: Used for vibration dampening, seals, and protective barriers.
- Automotive: Ideal for gaskets, underbody protection, and noise reduction.
- Marine: Used for anti-slip surfaces, seals, and insulation.
- Industrial: Commonly used for conveyor belts, floor mats, and equipment protection.
Conclusion
Selecting the right rubber sheet is a critical step in ensuring the success and longevity of your project. By considering factors like material type, thickness, hardness, temperature resistance, chemical compatibility, and surface finish, you can make an informed decision that meets your specific requirements.
At Ambassador Industrial, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality rubber sheets that deliver exceptional performance. Whether you need a standard product or a customized solution, our team is here to help you find the perfect fit.
Contact Us today to discuss your rubber sheet needs. Let us work together to ensure your project’s success with the right materials.
Call us at +61 3 9796 5588 or write to us at info@ambassindustrial.com.au.