A-A-59588 Silicone Sheeting & Continuous Rolls | All Classes & Grades
ElastaPro A-A-59588 silicone rubber is engineered to meet U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and Department of Defense (DoD) commercial item descriptions for military, defense, and aerospace gasket manufacturing. Manufactured in the USA at our AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified facility, our A-A-59588 (formerly ZZ-R-765) silicone materials are available in solid sheet rolls, cut sheets, and uncured compounds across all 6 specification classes.
What is the A-A-59588 (MIL-SPEC) Silicone Specification?
A-A-59588 (commonly referenced as AA-59588 or MIL-SPEC AA-59588) is the governing Commercial Item Description (CID) covering six distinct classes of silicone rubber graded by durometer (hardness), temperature capability, compression set, and tear strength. It officially replaced the legacy military specification ZZ-R-765E.
Whether you are die-cutting aircraft door seals, converting dynamic engine mounts, or molding military electrical enclosures, ElastaPro provides full batch traceability, lot-tested compliance, and complete Certificates of Analysis (COA) with every shipment.
A-A-59588 Specification Matrix: Classes, Grades & Performance
Selecting the correct class and grade depends on your operating temperature extremes, flex-fatigue requirements, and compression set limits:
| Class | Primary Performance Characteristic | Available Grades (Shore A) | Temperature Operating Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1A | Extreme Low Temperature Resistance | 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 | -100°F to +425°F (-73°C to +219°C) |
| Class 1B | Extreme Low Temp + Low Compression Set | 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 | -100°F to +425°F (-73°C to +219°C) |
| Class 2A | Extreme High Temperature Resistance | 25, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 | -80°F to +425°F (-62°C to +219°C) |
| Class 2B | Extreme High Temp + Low Compression Set | 25, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 | -80°F to +425°F (-62°C to +219°C) |
| Class 3A | Low Temp + High Tear & Flex Fatigue Resistance | 30, 50, 60 | -103°F to +400°F (-75°C to +204°C) |
| Class 3B | High Tear & Dynamic Flex Resistance | 30, 50, 60, 70, 80 | -94°F to +400°F (-70°C to +204°C) |
Detailed Class Descriptions for Gasket Converting & Engineering
A-A-59588 Class 1A & 1B (Low-Temperature Grades)
Utilizing extreme low-temperature phenyl silicone chemistry, Class 1 materials remain flexible down to -100°F (-73°C). Class 1B incorporates specialized cure additives to deliver ultra-low compression set under high heat, making it ideal for high-altitude aerospace gaskets subject to thermal cycling.
A-A-59588 Class 2A & 2B (High-Temperature & General Purpose)
Formulated with high-purity methyl-vinyl silicone, Class 2 elastomers excel in continuous high-heat environments up to 425°F (219°C). Class 2B is the preferred material for general military and industrial static flange gaskets requiring long-term sealing pressure retention without excessive stress relaxation.
A-A-59588 Class 3A & 3B (Tear-Resistant & Dynamic Flex Grades)
Classes 3A and 3B represent high-strength silicone formulations engineered to pass the DeMattia Flex Resistance Test (ASTM D813) and Die B/Die C Tear Tests (ASTM D624). Designed for dynamic applications—such as aircraft door seals, engine mounts, dynamic bellows, and vibration dampers—these materials resist tear propagation even under thousands of flexural cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions About A-A-59588 Silicone
What is the difference between A-A-59588 and ZZ-R-765?
A-A-59588 is the modern Commercial Item Description (CID) that superseded the older federal specification ZZ-R-765E. The classes and grades directly cross-reference (e.g., ZZ-R-765 Class 2B Grade 50 corresponds directly to A-A-59588 Class 2B Grade 50).
Which A-A-59588 class should I specify for dynamic flex applications?
A-A-59588 Class 3A and Class 3B are specifically formulated for high tear strength and flex-fatigue resistance. If extreme cold resistance down to -103°F is needed, choose Class 3A. If standard tear resistance down to -94°F is sufficient, select Class 3B.
Does ElastaPro supply certified test reports with A-A-59588 orders?
Yes. Every shipment includes a complete Certificate of Analysis (COA) verifying physical properties—including durometer, tensile strength, elongation, tear resistance, and compression set—tested per applicable ASTM standards.
Can A-A-59588 silicone sheets be supplied with PSA backing?
Yes. We offer factory-laminated acrylic or high-temperature silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) on continuous rolls or cut sheets for easy peel-and-stick mounting.
