How do you find the right seal? We shed light on the matter.

Choosing the right sealing material is a critical factor in the longevity, efficiency, and safety of any application that uses seals. Whether in the automotive industry, construction, food production, or countless other sectors, an incorrectly selected seal can lead to costly failures, production downtime, and even hazardous situations. However, given the multitude of available materials and specifications, finding the optimal solution is often challenging. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the key considerations and make the right decision for your specific application.

What is important when looking for the right material?

Finding the right sealing material requires a careful analysis of the operating conditions and specific requirements of your application. Several key factors play a crucial role:

1. Media resistance: The sealing material must withstand the media it comes into contact with. This includes both liquids (e.g., water, oil, acids, alkalis, fuels) and gases. Insufficient media resistance can lead to swelling, shrinkage, dissolution, or embrittlement of the material, which impairs its sealing function.

2. Temperature range: Each sealing material has a specific temperature range within which it maintains its optimal properties. Both the minimum and maximum operating temperatures must be considered. Extreme temperatures can negatively affect the elasticity, strength, and sealing performance of the material.

3. Pressure load: The seal must be able to withstand the pressure prevailing in the system without failure or permanent deformation. The maximum operating pressure and potential pressure peaks are important parameters in material selection.

4. Mechanical loads: In addition to pressure, other mechanical loads such as tensile, shear, or torsional forces can act on the seal. The tear strength, elongation, and abrasion resistance of the material are important in this regard.

5. Environmental conditions: External environmental conditions can also affect the service life of a seal. These include, for example, UV radiation, ozone, moisture, and weather influences.

6. Service life and reliability: Depending on the application, the requirements for the service life and reliability of the seal vary. In safety-critical areas or in installations with difficult access, a long service life is essential.

7. Cost: Material costs naturally also play a role in the selection process. However, it's important to weigh the cost of the material against the potential cost of failure due to an unsuitable seal.

8. Standards and conformities: In certain industries or for special applications, sealing materials must meet certain standards and conformities (e.g. FDA for food contact, KTW for drinking water, fire protection standards).

Which questions are important for my application?

To find the right sealing material, you should ask yourself a few crucial questions in advance:

• Which media come into contact with the seal (chemical composition, concentration, temperature)?

• What temperatures prevail during operation (minimum, maximum, temperature fluctuations)?

• What pressure acts on the seal (maximum operating pressure, pressure peaks)?

• What mechanical loads is the seal exposed to (tension, shear, torsion, vibration)?

• What environmental conditions is the seal exposed to (UV radiation, ozone, moisture, weather)?

• What are the requirements for the service life and reliability of the seal?

• Which specific standards and conformities must be met?

• What geometric requirements does the seal have (shape, dimensions, installation space)?

• What budget is available for the sealing materials?

  
  

The detailed answers to these questions form the basis for a well-founded material selection.

What can happen if the wrong material is selected?

The use of an unsuitable sealing material can have serious consequences:

• Leaks: The most obvious consequence is the failure of the seal and the leakage of the sealed medium. This can lead to production downtime, environmental damage, and safety risks.

• Corrosion: Incompatible materials can react with each other or with adjacent components and cause corrosion.

• Wear: An unsuitable material can wear out faster, resulting in more frequent maintenance and seal replacement.

• Contamination: In sensitive areas such as the food or pharmaceutical industries, incorrect material can lead to contamination of the product.

• Malfunctions: The sealing function may be impaired, which can lead to malfunctions of the entire system.

• Higher costs: In the long run, the costs of repairs, downtime, and replacing inferior seals can significantly exceed the initial cost savings from material selection.

How can Rexio help me find the correct sealing material?

REXIO® GmbH & Co. KG has over 30 years of experience in the field of silicone profiles, TPE profiles, edge protection, and various other seals. With over 35,000 innovative product solutions developed and produced from all elastomers, we offer a wide range of materials and shapes for a wide variety of applications.

Even though Rexio is not a manufacturer itself, we have a deep understanding of material properties and application requirements. Our experienced team will be happy to assist you in selecting the optimal sealing material for your specific needs. We take the time to carefully analyze your requirements and provide you with individual, specialized, and personalized advice.

Our range of services includes:

• Comprehensive advice: We help you answer the important questions about your application and consider all relevant factors when selecting materials.

• Wide product range: We offer a variety of sealing materials and shapes to find the right solution for every application.

• Individual solutions: If required, we also develop customized sealing profiles that are precisely tailored to your requirements.

• Fast and reliable delivery: We value short delivery times and high product quality.

• 
  

Visit our product section to learn more about our offerings and submit an inquiry or request a personalized consultation. We look forward to helping you find the perfect sealing solution for your application.

What are the differences in sealing performance in relation to Shore hardness or shape?

The sealing effect of a seal is significantly influenced by various factors:

Shore hardness: Shore hardness is a measure of the hardness of a material. It is expressed in various scales (e.g., Shore A, Shore D).

• Softer materials (lower Shore hardness): Adapt better to uneven sealing surfaces and provide good sealing at low contact forces. However, they are more susceptible to deformation and less resistant to high pressures.

• Harder materials (higher Shore hardness): Are more resistant to high pressures and deformations. However, they require higher contact forces to compensate for unevenness and ensure a reliable seal.

  
  

The choice of the correct Shore hardness depends on the surface condition of the sealing surfaces, the operating pressure and the permissible contact forces.

Shape: The shape of the seal is crucial for its function and sealing effect. A wide variety of standard profiles (e.g., O-rings, rectangular profiles, groove profiles) as well as customized special shapes are available. The choice of shape depends on the geometry of the components to be sealed and the specific requirements of the application. A well-chosen shape ensures optimal force distribution and reliable sealing.

In which industries is it particularly important to find the right material?

In some industries, choosing the right sealing material is particularly important because malfunctions can have serious consequences:

• Chemical industry: Seals with high resistance to aggressive acids, alkalis, and solvents are used here. Seal failure can lead to dangerous leaks and environmental damage.

• Pharmaceutical industry: In this industry, the highest purity standards and resistance to sterilization processes are crucial. Incorrect materials can lead to contamination.

• Food industry: Seals must be food-safe and must not release harmful substances into the products. Hygiene and easy cleaning are also important aspects.

• Automotive industry: Seals in vehicles must withstand extreme temperatures, pressures, and a wide range of fluids. Safety and reliability are of utmost importance here.

• Aerospace: This industry has extremely strict requirements regarding material quality and reliability due to the high safety risks.

• Medical technology: Seals in medical devices must be biocompatible and function precisely.

• Power generation: In power plants and other energy facilities, seals are often exposed to high temperatures and pressures.

  
  

In all of these industries, the wrong choice of material can result in significant costs, safety risks, and reputational damage. Careful selection of the right sealing material is therefore essential.

Conclusion

Selecting the right sealing material is a complex process that requires a detailed analysis of the application conditions and specific requirements. By answering the key questions, considering material properties such as media resistance, temperature range, and Shore hardness, and adhering to relevant standards and conformities, you can ensure you find the optimal sealing solution for your application.

REXIO® GmbH & Co. KG is happy to assist you with this important decision with our many years of experience and our broad product portfolio. Contact us for a personalized consultation and discover the diverse possibilities in the field of high-quality sealing profiles.

Contact us now