Elastomer Design

PRECIX® Elastomer Seals

Selection of the correct elastomeric material for sealing is key for successful performance. Primarily, seal properties are determined by the broad chemical family of the elastomer selected. Compounding of the elastomer by Precix chemists results in secondary properties such compression set or hardness that allows your application to outlast the competition.

To help with your elastomer selection, you can find a list of our available elastomers here.

While this information is meant to provide general guidelines, please consult Precix experts for your specific needs. Precix’ in-house Chemists are eager and waiting to assist you with finding the elastomer that will fit your needs!

When designing the best material and seal for your application, please consider O-ring Design Criteria.

The elastomeric O-Ring is our most common seal. It is used in products ranging from toys, appliances, and
automobiles, to aircraft and space vehicles. The reasons are that it is extremely effective if properly selected, has a simple configuration is light in weight, and is easy to install.

An O-Ring functions as a seal through the mechanical deformation of the elastomeric material by the mating metal or plastic surfaces. This deformation, or shape change, starts approaching the configuration of the gland and effectively blocks the passage of liquids or gases.

Although the O-Ring configuration is simple, the design input must include many factors.

SERVICE CONDITIONS

What fluids will the O-Ring be exposed to over its life?
How much heat is involved? (continuous or spikes)
What low temperatures will the O-Ring see?
Will the part be exposed to ozone?
Will the O-Ring be exposed to low or high pressure?
Other considerations such as weathering, flame resistance, etc.

TYPE OF SERVICE

Will the part be used in a static or dynamic environment?
If used dynamically, will the movement be reciprocating or rotary?

TYPE AND SIZE OF SURFACES TO BE SEALED

Small or large surface
Piston or rod
Flange, face, plug or cap seal

OTHER DESIGN INPUT CONSIDERATIONS

Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (Design FMEA)
Life expectancy
Cost
How much stretch or compression is required?
What will be the shape of the gland and the gland dimensions?
What surface finish should be used?
Will back-up rings be required?
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) results, if required

MANUFACTURING AND ASSEMBLY

Design for Manufacturing considerations
Design for Assembly considerations

SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

What customer specifications are required?
What verification and validation criteria must be met?
What governing body standards will be used?
What government and/or environmental, health and safety standards must be considered?

STANDARD OR SPECIAL O-RINGS

Will a standard AS568 size be acceptable, or is a custom size required?
Will a standard Precix material be acceptable, or is a special formulation required?

DIMENSIONAL SYSTEM

Will Metric, English or another dimensional system be used?

MARKING/COLOR

Will color be required for inventory control or to prevent misapplication? *
Will special marking on the O-Ring be required?

PACKAGING

What specific packaging requirements are required?
While the above listing is detailed, it is not meant to be all inclusive. The design input stage is critical to be sure that all considerations have been appropriately studied.

*Most standard O-Ring materials are black in color.

Explore our design, engineering and production of rubber and urethane products:

Rubber Compounds

Learn more about our rubber compounds.

Learn More

Urethane Compounds

Discover our urethane compounds.

Learn More