The accompanying chart shows the different rubbers and their properties as related to these questions. The cost factor is also shown, with the rubbers arranged in order of increasing cost from left to right.

Starting at the left, check the properties of the rubber against your answers to the questions above. Keep moving to the right until a rubber is found that meets your need. (Where no particular temperature or fluid resistance is required Natural Rubber is the most widely used material and offers the greatest scope of compounds and properties coupled with the most economic cost.It is also an environmentally friendly material)

If a rubber meets most of the requirements but is borderline on a particular property, Mech Spares should be consulted for further advice with a view to testing under the relevant conditions (if necessary).