How to Order Custom-Cut Rubber Sheet: Width, Duro, and Thickness

Why every roll starts with three numbers

At SoCal Rubber nothing sits on a shelf pre-cut. Every roll and sheet is made to order in the width, durometer and thickness you ask for. That is good news for your part, because you get exactly the material the job needs. It also means the quote can only be as accurate as the specification you send. This guide walks through the three numbers, the compound choice, and what to include so the quote comes back right the first time.

1. Width

Width is the dimension across the roll. Give it in inches. If your part is cut from sheet, tell us the widest finished piece you need, or the sheet size your shop is set up for. A roll wider than your cutting table costs you time and offcuts. A roll narrower than your part costs you a second order.

If you are replacing material you already use, measure the old stock rather than reading an old purchase order. Rubber relaxes and swells in service, and the number on the order is the one we cut to.

2. Durometer (Duro)

Durometer measures hardness on the Shore A scale. Our rolls and sheets are available from 35° to 85° Shore A. A lower number is softer. A higher number is harder.

• Softer (35°–55°): compresses more and follows uneven surfaces. It seals with less bolt load.
• Middle (60°–70°): the common gasket range. It balances conformity with shape retention.
• Harder (75°–85°): holds its shape under pressure and resists crush and wear.

If you are not sure, tell us what the part does. A flange gasket, a bumper pad and a skirting strip each want a different hardness, and we recommend one every day. Our guide on 70 vs. 60 durometer rubber covers the two most common choices side by side.

3. Thickness

Thickness is given in inches or fractions of an inch. It sets how much the material can compress and how much load it carries. Thicker stock takes up more gap and absorbs more impact. Thinner stock fits tighter assemblies and cuts cleaner in a die. Send the nominal thickness you need. If a tolerance matters to the fit, say so on the request and we will quote to it.

Pick the compound for the environment

The three numbers describe the shape. The compound decides whether the part survives where it lives. We stock eight materials, and each one is engineered for a specific job:

• EPDM (-40°F to 270°F) resists heat, ozone and chemicals. First pick for insulation, gaskets and outdoor work.
• Neoprene (-30°F to 250°F) offers temperature resistance and strong adhesion to metals. Suited to industrial and hazardous environments.
• Nitrile (-30°F to 250°F) is built for hydrocarbon service. It resists solvents, gasoline and oils.
• Silicone (95°F to 430°F) handles high temperatures. It is non-toxic and odorless, so it fits food and beverage use.
• Viton® (-30°F to 540°F) takes extreme heat and aggressive chemicals. Common in aerospace and industrial settings.
• SBR with fabric insertion (-20°C to 80°C) is highly durable. It withstands water, steam, dust and sand.
• Red rubber is an economical choice for gaskets, seals and pads in general industrial service.
• Natural gum rubber brings flexibility, high resilience and strong abrasion resistance to liners, pads and seals.

Two questions settle most compound choices. What fluid or air does the part touch, and what temperature does it see? Tell us both and we will point you to the right material. For a fuller comparison, read how to choose the right rubber sheet on our guides page.

What to put in the quote request

A complete request gets a complete quote. Include:

1. Compound, or the environment if you want a recommendation.
2. Width, durometer and thickness.
3. Quantity, as linear feet, number of sheets, or number of finished parts.
4. Any tolerance, color or finish requirement.
5. Your delivery location, so the lead time is real.

For a molded or stamped part, attach the drawing or spec sheet instead. Our molded and stamped parts are quoted individually against your drawing, from prototype quantities through production runs.

How the quote comes back

Send the request through the Get a Quote form, email sales@socalrubber.com, or call (714) 602-6515. You receive a detailed quote with an accurate lead time. Material ships from our warehouse at 3303 E. Miraloma Avenue, Suite 185, Anaheim, CA 92806, and we serve customers across the U.S. West Coast. Distributors and wholesalers are welcome.

Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm Pacific. If a job is urgent, call rather than email, and have the three numbers ready.