There is no “one size fits all” material that works for every seal application. That’s why we’ve developed The Engineers’ Guide to Selecting an Extruded Seal Material. It provides stats and specs for dozens of extrusion materials and will guide you through the most critical considerations so you can make the best choice possible for your unique application.

Buzzes, squeaks, and rattles (BSRs) are 100% preventable, yet they remains a major source of warranty claims. This is typically the result of improper material friction characteristics, chemical reactions, and/or environmental factors. To prevent seal chatter, take a look at the surrounding system.

• To what, and how, will the seal be attached?
• What is its proximity to other components?
• Will it be exposed to extreme temperatures, chemicals, or ozone?

Once you have an understanding of the application’s environment, you can predict potential BSRs and determine the best method of prevention. Some of the most common solutions include the application of a slip-coat, blending a slip-agent directly into the seal material, and applying flock tape or spray to exposed surfaces.

Staining and bleeding have long plagued rubber seal applications. Fortunately, you can prevent it.

Staining happens when additives in the rubber have some solubility with a mating surface; such is the case with the infamous rubber-footed table stain in the linoleum-floored kitchen. You can prevent this by creating a barrier between the mating materials.

Bleeding is the seepage of rubber additives, namely oils. There are some rubber compounds that are resistant to bleed, but the only way to prevent it entirely is to use an alternative material such as TPV.

This phenomenon is referred to as “blooming,” and occurs when compounding agents in the rubber migrate, or bloom, to the surface. This is due to the agents’ limited compatibility with the rubber elastomer. It affects the tensile strength, adhesion properties, and appearance of your part.

Depending on your seal application, you may have numerous alternatives to rubber. The most common is TPV, a rubber-like material that can be processed and recycled like plastic, but without the stain, smell, and blooming you see with rubber. It’s like a simplified rubber, allowing for more flexible part design, quicker manufacturing, reduced part/system costs, and weight reduction. Some other alternatives to rubber include TPO, TPU, TPZ, and PVC among others. To help you navigate the sea of options, we’ve developed the The Engineers’ Guide to Selecting an Extruded Seal Material.