In our last article, “Why Do Rubber Tracks Fail from Impact Damage? How Wuxi ChuncoTech Rubber Absorbs Shocks Without Tearing” , we solved impact damage problems. Today, we address a failure that affects industrial machinery in oil-prone environments: rubber vibration isolators that swell, soften, or crack from oil exposure. If you have ever asked “why do my compressor mounts look swollen and mushy,” oil contamination is the culprit. Compressors, engines, pumps, and hydraulic power units often leak oil. Standard natural rubber and EPDM isolators absorb oil, swelling and losing strength. The isolator no longer supports the machine properly. At Wuxi ChuncoTech Rubber, we manufacture oil-resistant rubber vibration isolators using NBR and HNBR compounds that resist oil attack. Here is what causes oil damage—and how our isolators survive in oily environments.
The Oil Damage Mechanism: Swelling and Softening
Many rubber materials are not compatible with petroleum-based oils. When natural rubber or EPDM contacts oil, the oil diffuses into the rubber. The rubber swells (increasing in volume) and softens (losing modulus). A swollen, soft isolator can no longer support the machine's weight. The machine settles, creating misalignment. The isolator may also extrude out of its mounting.
Why do standard isolators fail in oily environments?
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Wrong material: Natural rubber and EPDM are not oil-resistant.
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Oil leakage: Compressors, engines, and hydraulic systems leak oil.
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Mist and vapor: Even without direct contact, oil mist in the air (from vents or leaks) deposits on isolators.
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Cleanup solvents: Kerosene, diesel, and other cleaning solvents attack rubber.
How Wuxi ChuncoTech Rubber Prevents Oil Damage
NBR (nitrile) compounds: We use NBR for general oil resistance. NBR resists swelling and softening from petroleum-based oils, diesel, and gasoline. Hardness and modulus remain stable.
HNBR for high-temperature oil resistance: For compressors and engines that run hot (120–150°C), we specify HNBR. HNBR resists oil attack at temperatures where NBR would harden.
FKM for aggressive oils: For synthetic oils, phosphate esters, and chemical-laden fluids, we use FKM. FKM is virtually unaffected by most industrial oils.
Oil-resistant covers: For isolators that need both oil resistance and vibration isolation, we mold NBR or HNBR covers over a natural rubber core. The cover faces the oil; the core provides isolation.
Real-World Result: Compressor Isolators Last 5 Years
A compressed air station had multiple large compressors that leaked small amounts of oil. Standard natural rubber isolators swelled and needed replacement every 12 months. They switched to Wuxi ChuncoTech Rubber HNBR isolators. After 5 years of continuous service in the oily environment, no swelling or softening was observed. The station saved over $15,000 in isolator replacements and downtime.
Your Oil-Resistant Isolator Partner
Wuxi ChuncoTech Rubber manufactures oil-resistant vibration isolators for compressors, engines, pumps, hydraulic power units, and industrial machinery. We offer NBR (general oil resistance), HNBR (high-temperature oil resistance), FKM (aggressive oils), and oil-resistant covers over natural rubber cores. As part of our industrial rubber products portfolio, we provide custom isolators for any machine type. Our one-stop rubber solutions include material selection guidance based on your specific oil exposure.
Visit our website at https://www.chuncotechrubber.com/ to request an oil-resistant isolator consultation or to order samples. Let us keep your machinery stable—even in oily environments.