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 A-A-59588 elastomers are specification grade silicones. Some also meet AMS and other specifications.
A-A-59588 specification categorizes silicone into six alphanumeric classes. Within these classes, grades are defined by their Shore A hardness. There are other differences as well. For example, Class 1A focuses on low-temperature resistance, while Class 2B adds high-temperature resistance and low compression set.
A-A-59588 Classes
- Class 1A: Low-temperature resistant silicone.
- Class 1B: Low-temperature resistant with a low compression set at high temperatures.
- Class 2A: High-temperature resistant silicone.
- Class 2B: High-temperature resistant with a low compression set.
- Class 3A: Low-temperature, tear, and flex resistant silicone.
- Class 3B: Tear and flex resistant silicone.
A-A-59588 Grades
Within each class, grades are assigned numerical values that indicate the material’s hardness, measured in Shore A durometer.
- Grade 30: 30 durometer (the softest grade)
- Grade 40: 40 durometer
- Grade 50: 50 durometer
- Grade 60: 60 durometer
- Grade 70: 70 durometer
- Grade 80: 80 durometer (the hardest grade)
A-A-59588 Class and Grade Example
An example of a material specification is A-A-59588, Class 2B, Grade 60, which would specify a silicone that is high-temperature resistant, maintains its shape under stress at high temperatures (low compression set), and has a specific Shore A hardness of 60.
A-A-59588 Class 1A Silicones
A-A-59588 Class 1A silicones are intended for use where resistance to extremely low temperatures is required. The A-A-59588 specification defines this as approximately -73°C (-100°F). Class 1A materials can also resist extreme high temperatures of approximately 210°C (425°F); however, their length of service at high temperatures is less than that of A-A-59588 Class 2 materials.
A-A-59588 Class 1B Silicones
A-A-59588 Class 1A silicones are intended for use where resistance to extremely low temperatures is required. The A-A-59588 specification defines this as approximately -73°C (-100°F). Class 1A materials can also resist extreme high temperatures of approximately 210°C (425°F); however, their length of service at high temperatures is less than that of A-A-59588 Class 2 materials.
Note that A-A-59588 Class 1B silicones have low compression set at high temperatures.
A-A-59588 Class 2A Silicones
A-A-59588 Class 2A silicones resist extreme high temperatures of approximately 219°C (425°F). They also have low temperature resistance, but only to about -62°C (-80°F).
A-A-59588 Class 2B Silicones
A-A-59588 Class 2A silicones resist extreme high temperatures of approximately 219°C (425°F). They also have low temperature resistance, but only to about -62°C (-80°F). Unlike like Class 2A materials, however, A-A-59588 Class 2B silicones have low compression set. In other words, they have high resilience.
A-A-59588 Class 3A Silicones
A-A-59588 Class 3A silicones provide resistance to extremely low temperatures of approximately -75°C (-103°F). Importantly, these military and aerospace silicones also resist tearing and flexing.
A-A-59588 Class 3A silicones also resist extreme high temperature environments to approximately 204°C (400°F). Applications include engine mounts and exhaust hangars.
A-A-59588 Class 3B Silicones
A-A-59588 Class 3B silicones also resist tearing and flexing, but their resistance to extreme low temperature is less than that of Class 3A materials. With A-A-59588 silicones that meet the requirements of Class 3B, the temperature range is approximately between -70°C (-95°F) and 204°C (400°F). Applications include aircraft door seals, window seals, and vibration mounts.
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 |
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.
