When your systems demand reliable sealing performance in harsh weather, extreme temperatures, or chemically aggressive environments, Colvin Friedman delivers precision-manufactured EPDM gaskets that meet your exact specifications. Since 1949, we have specialized in die-cutting custom EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) gaskets to tolerances as tight as ±0.005 inches for manufacturers across automotive, HVAC, water treatment, and industrial control sectors.
Our U.S.-based production facility in Petaluma, California, eliminates overseas shipping delays and provides direct access to Vice President Josh Rodman for technical consultation on material selection, design optimization, and manufacturing feasibility.
EPDM rubber gaskets provide exceptional resistance to environmental factors that degrade other elastomer materials. The material’s saturated polymer backbone creates superior weathering resistance, making EPDM the preferred choice for outdoor installations and water contact applications.
Core EPDM Material Advantages:
EPDM’s molecular structure makes it incompatible with petroleum-based fluids, mineral oils, and hydrocarbon solvents. For applications requiring oil resistance, we recommend evaluating nitrile or fluoroelastomer alternatives.
Our rotary die-cutting process handles EPDM materials up to 0.015 inches thick on web widths up to 16 inches. This method achieves production rates of up to 40,000 units per hour for thin-gauge gaskets, ensuring consistent edge quality and dimensional repeatability. Standard lead time is three weeks from order approval.
Flatbed presses accommodate EPDM sheet materials up to 0.5 inches thick across 40-inch bed widths. This capability supports thicker compression gaskets and complex shapes with tight corner radii. Production capacity ranges from 2,000 to 4,000 parts per hour, depending on material thickness and part complexity.
Every production run includes statistical process control, with first-article inspection and in-process dimensional verification. Standard tolerances hold ±0.005 inches for rotary die-cut parts and ±0.010 inches for flatbed operations.
| Property | Specification Range | Application Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Durometer) | 40–90 Shore A (typical 60) | Softer durometers (40–60) provide better conformability on irregular surfaces; harder durometers (70–90) resist extrusion under high compression loads. |
| Temperature Range | -40°F to +250°F continuous (sulfur-cured); up to +300°F (peroxide-cured) | Sulfur-cured formulations cost less but have lower heat resistance; peroxide-cured grades handle steam and high-temperature water systems. |
| Tensile Strength | 500–2,500 psi | Higher tensile strength prevents tearing during installation and maintains structural integrity under bolt load. |
| Elongation at Break | 300–600% | High elongation accommodates thermal expansion, vibration, and joint movement without seal failure. |
| Compression Set Resistance | Good at ambient temperature; reduced performance above 200°F | Select peroxide-cured grades for applications with sustained compression at elevated temperatures. |
Water, steam, diluted acids, alkalis, sodium hydroxide, alcohols, acetone, ketones, brake fluids, phosphate ester hydraulic fluids (Skydrol)
Mineral oils, gasoline, kerosene, petroleum-based lubricants, aromatic hydrocarbons, concentrated acids
Always verify chemical compatibility at your operating temperature and concentration. EPDM performance decreases with oil mist or hydrocarbon vapors.
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We evaluate your application requirements, including temperature range, chemical exposure, compression load, and surface finish of mating components.
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Our team reviews part geometry for die-cutting compatibility, identifying potential issues with corner radii, wall thickness, or feature spacing. We recommend design modifications when necessary to prevent edge tearing, distortion, or incomplete cuts.
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Custom steel rule dies or rotary tooling are fabricated to your specifications. First article inspection validates dimensional accuracy against your drawings before production begins. All measurements are documented and provided with your approval sample.
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In-process checks are performed at regular intervals throughout the production run. Dimensional verification, visual inspection, and material thickness measurements ensure every gasket meets specifications.
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EPDM gaskets are packaged to prevent compression during storage and shipping. We accommodate custom packaging requirements, including kiss-cut liners, pull-tab formats, nested sheeting, and slit rolls for automated assembly systems.
Challenge: Imported EPDM gaskets arrived with inconsistent thickness, causing assembly line rejections.
Result: ±0.005-inch tolerance consistency eliminated installation failures and reduced assembly time by 18%.
Challenge: Needed NSF-approved EPDM gaskets with a three-week lead time to support JIT manufacturing.
Result: 99.99% on-time delivery and zero stock-outs over two years of partnership.
Challenge: Complex EPDM gasket geometry required manual trimming on competitor parts.
Result: First article approval eliminated all post-processing; annual labor savings exceeded $12,000.
For over 75 years, Colvin Friedman has delivered precision die-cut components for OEMs and high-volume manufacturers. Since 1949, the company has maintained a zero-recorded quality rejection rate, a testament to its refined processes and deep expertise in elastomer converting. Customers work directly with Vice President Josh Rodman throughout design and production, ensuring fast and informed decisions with no delays from account managers.
Operating from Petaluma, California, Colvin Friedman offers U.S.-based production with standard three-week lead times for custom EPDM gaskets. Domestic manufacturing eliminates overseas delays, tariffs, and communication issues, with rush options available for urgent needs.
Common EPDM Gasket Applications We Support
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Automotive Weather Sealing | Door seals, window gaskets, trunk seals, and under-hood components require ozone resistance and durability against temperature cycling. |
| HVAC System Seals | Flange gaskets for ductwork connections, equipment mounting gaskets, and vibration isolation pads are exposed to outdoor conditions. |
| Water Treatment and Distribution | Pipe gaskets, valve seals, pump housing gaskets, and tank access port seals requiring NSF or WRAS certification for potable water contact. |
| Industrial Enclosures & Control Panels | Environmental sealing gaskets protect electronics from moisture, dust, and temperature fluctuations in outdoor installations. |
| Building Construction | Weatherstripping, expansion joint seals, roofing system gaskets, and window/door frame seals demand long-term UV stability. |
| Chemical Processing Equipment | Gaskets for tanks, pipes, and vessels handling acids, alkalis, and aqueous chemical solutions within EPDM's compatibility range. |
“After two years of quality issues with an overseas EPDM gasket supplier, we switched to Colvin Friedman. The difference is immediate and measurable. Josh personally reviewed our material selection and identified a durometer issue our previous supplier missed.”
— Engineering Lead, Manufacturing Equipment OEM
“Colvin Friedman's EPDM gaskets for our water treatment systems consistently meet our NSF requirements and tight tolerances. Their quality control catches potential dimensional issues before parts reach our assembly line.”
— Operations Manager, Water Treatment System Manufacturer
Sulfur-cured EPDM costs less and provides adequate performance for most ambient-temperature applications. Peroxide-cured EPDM offers better heat resistance (up to 300°F), improved compression set resistance, and lower extractables for food contact or potable water applications. We recommend peroxide-cured grades for steam service, hot water systems, or applications requiring FDA or NSF certification.
Standard tolerances are ±0.005 inches for rotary die-cut parts and ±0.010 inches for flatbed operations. Tighter tolerances are achievable for critical dimensions but may impact tooling cost and lead time. We review tolerance requirements during the design consultation to ensure manufacturability.
We manufacture custom gaskets from your specifications, not off-the-shelf products. Material selection is based on your application requirements including temperature range, chemical exposure, hardness, and certifications needed (FDA, NSF, WRAS). We source from established elastomer suppliers and can accommodate custom formulations for specialized applications.
We evaluate every project individually and do not enforce arbitrary minimum order quantities. Prototype runs, small batch production, and high-volume manufacturing all receive the same technical consultation and quality standards. Tooling costs are amortized based on order size and production expectations.
Yes. We provide NSF/ANSI 61 certified EPDM for potable water applications and FDA-compliant formulations for food processing equipment. These certifications require specific EPDM compounds and processing controls. Specify certification requirements during the initial consultation so we can select appropriate materials.
Whether you need prototype EPDM gaskets for product development or scaled production for ongoing manufacturing, Colvin Friedman delivers precision gaskets with predictable lead times and zero-defect quality.
Call Josh directly: (707) 769-4488 for immediate technical consultation
Request a quote online: Upload your drawings or specifications
Email your requirements: We respond within 24 hours with a preliminary feasibility assessment
We typically provide quote responses within 24 business hours, including lead time estimates and any design-for-manufacturability recommendations.
We typically provide quote responses within 24 business hours, including lead time estimates and any design-for-manufacturability recommendations.
