Rubber Keyhole Profiles
Key Features
- Dovetail or anchor base provides secure fixing into compatible grooves or channels
- Hollow or solid bulb creates an effective compression seal
- Helps prevent water, dust, air and noise ingress
- Available in EPDM, silicone, neoprene and nitrile rubber
- Suitable for high- and low-temperature applications, depending on material
- Flexible and durable construction provides excellent compression recovery
- Bespoke sizes, shapes and hardness grades available
Product Description
The Rubber Company supplies high-quality rubber keyhole profiles, designed to provide effective compression sealing for doors, hatches, industrial enclosures and specialist equipment. Also known as keyhole rubber seals, dovetail rubber seals or keyhole extrusion profiles, these versatile products combine secure mechanical fixing with reliable sealing performance.
Our keyhole rubber seals feature a distinctive cross-section, typically comprising a dovetail or anchor-shaped fixing base and a rounded hollow or solid sealing bulb. The base fits into a compatible channel or groove, helping to hold the profile securely in position without the need for extensive adhesive bonding. When compressed, the bulb forms a flexible barrier against air, water, dust and noise ingress.
We can supply extruded rubber keyhole seals in a range of materials, including EPDM, silicone, neoprene and nitrile (NBR). Different profile dimensions, hardness grades and sealing configurations can be selected to suit specific operating conditions.
Whether you require a replacement rubber seal or a completely new profile design, our team can assist with material selection, profile matching and bespoke extrusion development.
Rubber Keyhole Profile Material Options
Selecting the correct rubber compound is essential for achieving long-term sealing performance. We can supply keyhole extrusion profiles in different materials to suit the required temperature range, environmental conditions and chemical exposure.
EPDM Rubber Keyhole Profiles
EPDM provides excellent resistance to weathering, UV exposure and ozone deterioration. It is particularly suitable for outdoor doors, hatches, vehicle seals and general industrial applications where long-term environmental resistance is required.
Silicone Keyhole Profiles
Silicone rubber offers excellent flexibility across a wide temperature range, making it suitable for high-temperature and low-temperature sealing applications. Specialist grades may also be available for applications requiring specific food-contact or regulatory compliance.
Neoprene Rubber Keyhole Profiles
Neoprene provides good general-purpose durability, weather resistance and moderate resistance to certain oils. It is commonly considered for industrial doors, machinery housings and equipment sealing applications.
Nitrile (NBR) Keyhole Profiles
Nitrile rubber offers good resistance to many oils, fuels and lubricants. This makes it suitable for machinery and industrial sealing applications where contact with petroleum-based substances may occur.
Bespoke Rubber Keyhole Profiles & Replacement Seals
Finding the correct replacement for an existing rubber keyhole seal can be challenging, particularly when the original profile has become worn, damaged or discontinued.
The Rubber Company offers a specialist profile matching and replacement service to help customers identify suitable alternatives. By reviewing an existing sample, technical drawing or dimensional specification, we can investigate available profiles and recommend potential replacement solutions.
Where a suitable standard profile is unavailable, we can also assist with bespoke rubber extrusion development. This includes reviewing profile geometry, material selection, hardness requirements and tooling options to manufacture a seal suited to your application.
Our bespoke extrusion capabilities can support both new product development and the replacement of existing rubber sealing components.
Need a Rubber Keyhole Profile?
Whether you need a standard rubber keyhole seal, a replacement for an existing profile or a bespoke extrusion manufactured to your specifications, The Rubber Company can help.
Send us your technical drawing, sample, photographs or dimensional requirements, and our team can review your application and discuss suitable sealing solutions.
Contact us today to discuss your rubber keyhole profile requirements.
FAQs
A rubber keyhole profile is an extruded sealing component featuring a rounded hollow or solid bulb and a dovetail or anchor-shaped fixing base. The base fits into a compatible channel or groove, while the bulb compresses against an adjoining surface to help prevent air, water and dust ingress.
Keyhole rubber seals are generally installed by pressing or sliding the fixing base into a suitably sized channel or groove. The mechanical fixing helps retain the seal without requiring extensive adhesive bonding. Correct channel dimensions and installation methods are important for achieving secure retention and effective sealing.
The most suitable material depends on the application. EPDM is commonly selected for outdoor weather sealing, while silicone is particularly useful for high- and low-temperature environments. Nitrile is often preferred where resistance to oils and fuels is required. Our team can assist with selecting a suitable compound.
Yes. We can assist with developing bespoke rubber keyhole extrusions to meet specific dimensions, sealing requirements and material specifications. Customers can provide technical drawings, existing samples or detailed measurements to help determine suitable profile designs and tooling requirements.
Our profile matching service can help identify suitable replacements for worn or discontinued rubber keyhole seals. We can assess physical samples, technical drawings and photographs with dimensions to investigate existing profile options or bespoke manufacturing solutions.
Certain rubber keyhole profiles can be used in high-temperature environments, depending on the material compound. Silicone rubber is commonly selected for applications such as industrial ovens and heated enclosures due to its thermal resistance. The exact operating temperature should be confirmed against the selected material grade.
Specifications
| Application: | Compression sealing in a variety of high & low temperature applications |
| Product: | Keyhole Seal |
| Hardness (Shore A): | 30° - 90° |
| Material: | EPDM, Silicone, Neoprene, FKM, Nitrile |
Potential Applications
- Refrigerated doors and cold storage equipment
- Industrial ovens and high-temperature enclosures
- Spray booth doors and access panels
- Horse boxes, trailers and vehicle compartments
- Industrial machinery and equipment housings
- Container doors, hatches and access openings
- Automotive doors, windows and restoration projects
