Rubber seal products, or O-Rings, are used in a multitude of different industries. A large percentage of these are used in static seal applications where the O-ring is held in place and where elasticity and resistance to abrasion or friction are not as important. However, many O-rings are also used in dynamic applications where product surface moves in relation to the seal. These dynamic applications are much harder on O-rings and, without proper prevention, can cause them to fail. O-ring failure can lead to catastrophic results in many products, and as such, manufacturers must be very attentive to the ways in which they can extend the life of their O-rings to ensure that their products have the best chance at maintaining required rates of performance. Today, Coating Systems will discuss some methods manufacturers should factor in when preparing their O-rings for production.
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Choosing the Right Rubber Compound
Depending on the industry you work in, it is important to choose the right rubber compound for your O-rings. For instance, silicone is a popular material for O-rings because it can withstand low temperatures without becoming brittle. However, if you are designing for a dynamic seal, Silicon is usually a bad choice as it does not have good oil or solvent resistance. Another compound, Neoprene, is popular in the refrigeration industry because it has an excellent resistance to ammonia and freon. Doing a little research into the properties of rubber compounds and how they may react to possible chemical or environmental factors is a key component of preparing your O-ring for success. Experts at Coating Systems can help you to choose the right compound and coating application for your industry.
Proper Lubrication
Once the correct rubber compound has been chosen, it is important that you choose the correct lubrication for your O-Ring. Whether you are going to be using them in a static or dynamic seal choosing the right lubrication can extend the life of your O-rings by a large factor. At Coating Systems we generally recommend a dry film lubricant for static seal O-rings. Some of the common dry lubricants include CSILON, TM001 A, Emralon 310, and McLube 419. These dry lubricant coatings do not form a chemical bond to the base substrate of the O-ring. As such this will extend the life of your O-ring but it may still require that they are replaced from time to time.
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For dynamic seals, it is essential to have a lubricant applied to your O-ring. The aim of applying a dry film lubricant for a dynamic seal is to protect your o-ring from resistance, compression, and general abuse. Many popular dry film lubricants like MOLYKOTE® are designed to rub off onto the component that the O-ring will come in contact with, lubricating both the O-ring and the contact surface. At Coating Systems, we often use Emralon 310, Klubertop 38-901, Molylube RH1208, and MOLYKOTE® for dynamic seal applications. Each has its own benefits depending on your industry’s requirements.
Need Help Deciding Which is Right? Contact Coating Systems
At Coating Systems we have worked with dozens of industries to ensure that their coating needs were met and their expectations were exceeded. If you need expert advice on the right protection for O-rings in your manufacturing job, contact us today.
