Pneumatic solutions for low-temperature applications are indispensable in numerous key industries, including medical technology, research, food processing, and industrial automation.
The reliable functioning of mechanical components at temperatures as low as -40°C places high demands on materials and design.
This makes specialized pneumatic components that are designed and tested for specific applications all the more important – ensuring maximum operational reliability and efficiency even under extreme conditions.

Choosing the right sealing material is crucial for the reliable operation of pneumatic components at low temperatures. Only specially formulated elastomers guarantee a lasting sealing effect and thus a long service life for the components – even at temperatures as low as -40°C.

A major problem is that many standard elastomers become brittle in cold conditions or lose their sealing function.

In addition, suitable materials for low-temperature applications are often not available as standard seals. In such cases, it is necessary to manufacture custom seals, including tooling.

Our solution: We select the appropriate sealing material specifically according to the requirements and, if necessary, manufacture the tools required for the production of customized seals.

This ensures that every component functions reliably, even under extreme conditions.

Suitable elastomers for -40°C

Elastomer	Temperature range (approx.)	Characteristics	Typical applications
NBR (Nitrilkautschuk, Low-Temp-Type)	-40 °C to +100 °C	Good oil and fuel resistance; special formulations required for low temperatures	Pneumatic seals, hydraulic systems
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber)	-45 °C to +130 °C	Excellent ozone, water and weather resistance	Seals, hoses, brake systems
VMQ (silicone rubber)	-60 °C to +200 °C	Excellent low-temperature flexibility, resistant to aging and UV radiation	Medicine, food technology, pneumatics
FKM (Viton® / fluorinated rubber – low-temperature type)	-40 °C to +200 °C	Excellent chemical and thermal resistance, low gas permeability	Chemical plants, automotive engineering
PU (polyurethane – thermoplastic)	-40 °C to +80 °C	Mechanically very resilient, abrasion-resistant	Pneumatic seals, hose coverings

 

The choice of the right elastomer always depends on the specific application. In addition to the temperature range, numerous other factors play a decisive role:

• Operating pressure: Different pressure resistances are required depending on the application.
• Switching frequency: Depending on their application, elastomers must be designed for a high number of switching cycles.
• Media purity: The chemical composition and purity of the media (e.g., compressed air, gases, liquids) influence the choice of material.
• Resistance to external influences: These include:
  • UV and ozone exposure
  • Moisture or aggressive media
  • Mechanical stress and abrasion
  • Compatibility with cleaning processes, e.g., in sterile or food technology applications

Only by taking a holistic view of all operating conditions can a suitable material be selected that remains both durable and functionally reliable.

At SFS-Fluid Systeme GmbH, we develop customized pneumatic solutions for reliable use in low-temperature ranges down to -40°C. Each component is specifically designed to meet the special requirements, constructed, and extensively tested during development.

Our portfolio includes all core components of pneumatics—tailored to your requirements:

• Compressed air cylinders with piston diameters from 4 mm to 125 mm
• Solenoid valves
• Slide valves
• Stop valves
• Check valves
• Pressure regulators