ElastaPro makes military silicones and fluorosilicones that meet U.S. military specifications and standards. Collectively, these high-performance materials are sometimes referred to as MIL-SPEC silicones. ElastaPro supplies them as silicone sheets or uncured silicone compound. They’re proudly Made in America and come with a full Certificate of Analysis (COA) for traceability.
- Silicone sheets arrive ready for die cutting and are available with pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs). ElastaPro makes both solid silicone sheet and cellular silicone sheet.
- Uncured silicone compound arrives ready for curing and can be molded, extruded, or calendered.
ElastaPro produces military silicones and fluorosilcones in accordance with our AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system (QMS). As North America’s largest manufacturer of solid silicone sheet, we’re committed to meeting the highest quality standards while supplying the MIL-SPEC silicones you need with the speed and value you deserve.
What are Military Silicones and Fluorosilicones?
Military Silicones (VMQ), Phenyl Silicones (PVMQ) and Fluorosilicones (FVMQ) are formulated and manufactured to meet U.S. military specifications and standards for products such as seals, gaskets, O-rings, electrical insulation, and vibration damping. They can meet military detail specifications (MIL-DTL) or military standards for rubber products (MIL-R).
The main difference between military silicones and fluorosilicones is that military fluorosilicones contain fluorine additions that maintain silicone’s excellent high-temperature stability and mechanical properties while offering greater resistance to fuel, oil, and other chemicals. Fluorosilicones tend to be more expensive, but they’re required for some applications.
Military silicones and fluorosilicones also include materials that meet related specifications and standards. For example, some aerospace silicones and SAE International silicones have military applications because of their excellent material properties. Examples include AMS silicones and AMSR25988 fluorosilicones. ElastaPro makes these and other spec-grade rubber materials.
Types of Military Silicones and Fluorosilicones
ElastaPro makes MIL-SPEC silicones that meet the following specifications.
- MIL-DTL-25988
- MIL-R-25988
- MIL-R-46089
- MIL-R-6130
- MIL-STD-417 TA
- MIL-STD-670 TE12
- WS14644
MIL-DTL-25988
MIL-DTL-25988 fluorosilicones meet the requirements of a U.S. military detail specification for a fluorosilicone rubber (FVMQ) that resists fuels, oils, and high temperature. Materials are categorized by types, classes, and grades. AMSR25988, an SAE International Standard, superseded MIL-DTL-25988 and is equivalent to the MIL-DTL-25988C, which still appears on some part drawings.
MIL-R-25988
MIL-R-25988 fluorosilicone meets the requirements of U.S. military specification for rubber materials that provide oil and fuel resistance, especially in aerospace applications. It contains two types and two classes. MIL-DTL-25988 superseded MIL-R-25988 and was in turn superseded by AMSR25988. Some part drawings still refer to MIL-R-25988, however.
MIL-R-46089
MIL-R-46089 silicone meets the requirements of a U.S. military specification for a closed-cell sponge silicone. It categorizes materials by grades, forms, and sheet sizes. ElastaPro makes medium-grade silicone sponge sheet in all three MIL-R-46089 sizes (codes): 12” x 12” (1), 24” x 24” (2), and 36” x 36” (3). ASTM D1056 superseded MIL-R-46089, but it’s still referenced on older part drawings.
MIL-R-6130
MIL-R-6130 silicone meets the requirements of a U.S. military specification for a chemically blown cellular rubber, a group of materials more commonly known as sponge rubber and foam rubber. This MIL-SPEC divides materials into types, grades, and conditions (firmness). ElastaPro makes Type II (closed-cell) silicones with medium firmness.
MIL-STD-417 TA
MIL-STD-417 TA silicone meets the requirements of a U.S. military standard for solid elastomer materials. The “TA” designation refers to silicones and is followed by a three-digit number. ElastaPro makes MIL-STD-417 TA silicones that range from TA 405 to TA810. Note that ASTM D2000 superseded this military standard and uses FC, FS, FE, or GE instead of TA.
MIL-STD-670 TE12
MIL-STD-670 TE12 silicone foam meets the requirements of a U.S. military standard for a closed-cell medium-density silicone foam for seals and gaskets. The TE12 designation indicates a specific firmness and density within the larger standard. This soft, compressible material is used to absorb shock and maintain a seal under harsh conditions.
WS14644
WS14655 silicone meets the requirements of a U.S. Navy specification for electrically conductive silicone rubber compounds. It’s divided into types and classes. ElastaPro makes Type III high conductivity, carbon black filled materials. Applications include EMI gaskets, anti-static components, and conductive pads and seals.
Ask ElastaPro for Military Silicones and Fluorosilicones
Do you need military silicones and fluorosilicones in high or low volumes? Whether you need a 2-lb. lab sample or 200,000 pounds of production material, we’re ready to help. That’s not all either. In addition to adhesive lamination, ElastaPro offers roll slitting and product development services. Thank you for learning more about us, and we invite you to contact ElastaPro for more information.
