Specification Grade Silicones

A-A-59588 Silicone

A-A-59588 silicones from ElastaPro meets the requirements of specific classes and grades within A-A-59588, a defense and aerospace specification published by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). This standard replaces the older ZZ-R-765E specification and is sometimes written as MIL-SPEC A-A-59588, AA 59588, AA59588, or A A 59588 instead.

Choose these specification grade silicone materials as solid silicone sheet or uncured silicone compound in the durometers, sizes, and colors that you need.

A-A-59588 Silicone Solid Sheet

ElastaPro produces A-A-59588 solid silicone sheets in thicknesses ranging from .010” to .500” with widths of up to 60″. These materials arrive ready for fabrication and are ideal for applications that require precision and consistency. Key characteristics include:

  • High tensile strength and excellent elongation properties.
  • Low compression set, ensuring dependable sealing over time.
  • Outstanding resistance to ozone, UV light, and oxidation.
  • Thermally stable in extreme temperature ranges, making it suitable for demanding environments.
  • Compliance with FDA 21 CFR 177.2600, making it safe for food and medical uses.

Use A-A-59588 solid silicone sheet to create gaskets, seals, and other components that need to perform reliably under pressure and over extended periods. These materials are valued for their exceptional durability and offer high resistance to environmental factors, including UV light, ozone, and extreme temperatures.

AA-59588 Silicone Uncured Compound

For manufacturers requiring flexibility in shaping and curing, the uncured A-A-59588 silicone compound provides a versatile option. Delivered ready for curing, this material can be customized to specific applications while maintaining its adherence to industry standards. Whether used for molding, extrusion, or laminating, it offers the same high-performance characteristics as the solid sheets.

A-A-59588 Silicones from ElastaPro

ElastaPro’s AA-59588 elastomers are specification grade silicones. Some also meet AMS and other specifications.

A-A-59588 Class 1A Silicones

ElastaPro makes AA-59588 Class 1A silicones with low temperature resistance. This extreme low temperature silicone is often used in aerospace applications and maintain its integrity in harsh aerospace environments.

A-A-59588 Class 1B Silicones

ElastaPro makes AA-59588 Class 1B silicones with low temperature resistance and low compression set at high temperature.

A-A-59588 Class 2A Silicones

ElastaPro makes AA-59588 Class 2A silicones with high temperature resistance.

A-A-59588 Class 2B Silicones

ElastaPro makes AA-59588 Class 2B silicones with high temperature resistance and low compression set.

A-A-59588 Class 3A Silicones

ElastaPro makes AA-59588 Class 3A silicones with low temperature resistance that are also tear and flex resistant. These silicones also comply with AMS 3345. This high strength extreme low temperature silicones combines high tensile strength and low-temperature resistance for applications that require robust performance in extreme conditions. It’s a popular choice for aerospace and high-tech applications.

A-A-59588 Class 3B Silicones

ElastaPro makes AA-59588 Class 3B silicones that are tear and resistant. These materials also comply with AMS 3347 because of their increased tensile strength. This high strength silicone offers enhanced strength while still providing excellent sealing capabilities.

A-A-59588 vs. ZZR765

The table below compares AA-59588 to the ZZR765 specification that it replaced.

A-A-59588 1A ZZR765
A-A-59588 1B ZZR765
A-A-59588 2A/2B ZZR765
A-A-59588 3A ZZR765
A-A-59588 3B ZZR765
Click to ExpandA Deep Dive Into AA 59588: Standards, Compliance, and Industry Implications

Key Criteria of A-A 59588

The standards of A-A 59588 are comprehensive and cover various aspects to ensure the quality and performance of silicone rubber materials used in critical applications. Here are some of its key criteria:

  • Material composition: Ensuring the correct composition is crucial for maintaining the material’s desired properties. A-A 59588 specifies the chemical composition, such as the types and proportions of raw materials used in its formulation.
  • Physical properties: Elements to look at may include tensile strength, elongation at break, hardness, tear resistance, and compression set. These parameters are critical for assessing the material’s durability and suitability for specific applications.
  • Performance characteristics: A-A 59588 outlines the performance requirements for silicone rubber materials in various conditions, ensuring they function reliably in demanding environments. These characteristic requirements include resistance to temperature extremes, exposure to harsh chemicals, and performance under compression.
  • Flame resistance: A-A 59588 may specify flame resistance tests and criteria to ensure that the material does not propagate flames or emit harmful gases when exposed to fire.
  • Electrical properties: The standard may include criteria for electrical resistance, dielectric strength, and other electrical characteristics. This ensures the material’s suitability for insulating and protecting electronic components.
  • Environmental resistance: A-A 59588 may specify requirements for the material’s resistance to environmental factors, such as ozone, UV radiation, and moisture.
  • Testing methods: The standard provides guidelines on testing methods and procedures to evaluate the material’s compliance with the specified criteria, ensuring consistency and accuracy in material properties.
  • Traceability: A-A 59588 may require manufacturers to maintain strict traceability and lot control procedures. This ensures that materials produced in different batches or lots consistently meet the specified criteria.
  • Requalification: In some cases, silicone rubber materials may need to undergo requalification at specified intervals or after certain environmental exposures to ensure ongoing compliance.

Industries Governed by A-A 59588

Compliance with A-A 59588 is not just a regulatory obligation but a strategic imperative. Here are some industries covered by A-A 59588 standards:

Aerospace and Defense

A-A 59588-compliant silicone rubber materials are indispensable in sealing, insulating, and protecting sensitive components in aerospace applications. These materials must endure extreme temperatures, resist harsh chemicals, and maintain their integrity over time. Non-compliance can result in catastrophic failures, endangering lives and missions.

Automotive

The automotive industry relies on A-A 59588 standards to ensure the durability and safety of vehicles. Silicone rubber components that meet these standards are used in critical applications like gaskets, seals, and wiring harnesses. They provide excellent resistance to heat, oil, and environmental factors, enhancing the reliability and longevity of automotive systems.

Electronics

A-A 59588-compliant materials are instrumental in safeguarding delicate electronic circuits. Silicone rubber’s electrical insulating properties make it ideal for encapsulating and protecting sensitive components. Adherence to these standards is crucial to prevent malfunctions, fires, and costly recalls.

Healthcare

Silicone rubber materials that follow A-A 59588 standards are used in various medical devices and equipment, including seals and gaskets for fluid handling. Compliance is essential to ensure patient safety and the effectiveness of medical treatments.

Renewable Energy

As renewable energy sources like wind and solar power continue to grow, materials guaranteed by A-A 59588 standards are becoming more instrumental in component manufacturing for this industry. High-quality products have better longevity and performance, contributing to sustainable equipment use.

ElastaPro: Your Partner for A-A 59588 Compliance

Trust ElastaPro Silicone Sheeting for all your silicone rubber material needs! Our A-A 59588-compliant products prove our commitment to quality and excellence. With over 20 years of experience, we have solidified ourselves as industry veterans in silicone sheeting, compounding, and technology. Our goal is to maximize exceptional and innovative manufacturing techniques to continuously meet and exceed your expectations.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you meet the highest quality and performance benchmarks for your products.