ASTM D2000 Solid Silicone Sheeting & Uncured Compounds
ElastaPro manufactures a complete line of ASTM D2000 solid silicone sheeting and uncured silicone compounds engineered to meet the standardized classification system established by ASTM International and SAE International (SAE J200). The ASTM D2000 specification provides a line callout system for automotive, industrial, and defense engineers to specify exact physical properties, durometer hardness, tensile strength, heat resistance, and compression set parameters for elastomeric materials.
Silicone rubber falls under the “FC”, “FE”, and “GE” material designations within the ASTM D2000 classification matrix, reflecting its exceptional thermal resistance, ozone immunity, and low-temperature flexibility. Every batch of ElastaPro ASTM D2000 silicone is Made in the USA at our Santa Fe Springs, California facility under an AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system and shipped with a complete Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Decoding ASTM D2000 Silicone Callouts (FC, FE, GE)
The ASTM D2000 system uses a combination of letters and numbers to define elastomeric material type, class, hardness, tensile strength, and performance requirements:
| ASTM D2000 Designation | Material Type & Class Description | Thermal Rating & Operating Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| FC Designation | High-temperature, low-compression-set silicone | +200°C (+392°F) continuous heat resistance; excellent compression set |
| FE Designation | Extreme temperature & weather-resistant silicone | +200°C to +225°C (+392°F to +437°F) continuous rating; low-temp flexibility to -75°C |
| GE Designation | High-temperature, extreme low-temperature silicone | Superior extreme sub-zero flexibility with high thermal stability and weatherability |
Example Callout Breakdown: ASTM D2000 M4GE607 A19 B37
- M: Metric units
- 4: Grade number (defines suffix requirements)
- GE: Material Type & Class (Silicone rubber)
- 6: Durometer hardness (60 ± 5 Shore A)
- 07: Minimum tensile strength (7 MPa / 1015 psi)
- A19: Heat resistance test criteria (225°C for 70 hours)
- B37: Compression set test criteria (22-25% max set)
Key Performance Advantages of ASTM D2000 Silicone
- Broad Temperature Stability: Maintains elastomeric elasticity and seal integrity from extreme sub-zero environments down to -100°F (-73°C) up to continuous high heat exceeding +450°F (+232°C).
- Ozone & Weathering Immunity: Total resistance to atmospheric ozone degradation, severe outdoor weathering, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- Low Compression Set: Resists permanent deformation under persistent bolt pressure, ensuring reliable static flange seals over long service life.
- Converter Ready: Easily converted via die-cutting or waterjet cutting, and available with factory-applied Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) backings.
Target Industry Applications
- Automotive Under-the-Hood Seals: Engine valve cover gaskets, turbocharger hose liners, and thermal insulation barriers.
- Industrial Equipment Flanges: High-temperature fluid seals, pump gaskets, and environmental enclosure barriers.
- Heavy Machinery & Transportation: Shock mounts, vibration isolation pads, and weather-sealing strips.
- Aerospace & Defense Sub-Assemblies: Mil-spec environmental gaskets and avionics enclosure seals.
Note: ElastaPro also provides other specification grade silicones for these and other applications.
Frequently Asked Questions About ASTM D2000 Silicone
What is ASTM D2000, and how does it classify silicone rubber?
ASTM D2000 is a standardized classification system for rubber materials. It uses a coded line callout (such as ASTM D2000 GE607) to define the material type, durometer, tensile strength, and specific performance attributes like heat resistance or compression set. Silicone is categorized primarily under the “FC”, “FE”, and “GE” type and class designations due to its unique high-temperature and extreme low-temperature capabilities.
What is the difference between FC, FE, and GE designations in ASTM D2000?
All three designations represent silicone elastomers, but they differ in thermal ratings and oil swell characteristics. “FC” callouts emphasize high heat resistance and low compression set. “FE” callouts specify broader temperature ranges with enhanced resistance to thermal aging. “GE” callouts are selected for extreme low-temperature flexibility paired with elevated heat tolerance.
Can ElastaPro compound silicone to match custom ASTM D2000 line callouts?
Yes. ElastaPro specializes in custom silicone compounding. If your engineering drawings specify a complex ASTM D2000 line callout with specific suffix requirements (e.g., specific fluid immersion, tear strength, or compression set limits), we can compound and manufacture solid sheet or uncured stock to meet those exact parameters.
Can ElastaPro supply ASTM D2000 silicone with pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA)?
Yes. ElastaPro ASTM D2000 solid silicone sheeting can be supplied in continuous rolls or pre-cut sheets with factory-applied Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) backings. Options include general-purpose acrylic adhesives or high-temperature silicone-based adhesives protected by a peel-off release liner.
