The choice of material affects the sealing solution in various ways, both directly and indirectly. In many installations, there are operating conditions that only become apparent when you methodically review the requirements. If you want to reduce risk and ensure the correct specifications from the start, a professional assessment is a sound investment.
Do you need an expert’s perspective on material selection and a more reliable basis for decision-making? Get in touch!
Seal Engineering AS operates a materials laboratory equipped with advanced testing equipment, and our polymer experts conduct tests and analyses of, for example, the causes of failures. Through our commitment to R&D, we have excellent control over the composition and properties of the materials.
Seals face tough demands to withstand, for example, higher pressures and temperatures, while requirements for functionality and long service life are also increasing. This means that some of the more “traditional” materials are no longer as suitable as they used to be. Advances in materials science are resulting in new and improved materials tailored to these increased demands.
General information on plastics and rubber
Elastomers are polymer materials with elastic properties, meaning they can be stretched significantly and then return to their original shape. These materials have an amorphous structure with a low degree of crystallization, which gives them their flexibility and elasticity. Common examples include natural rubber and synthetic rubbers such as nitrile rubber (NBR), butadiene rubber (BR), and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), which are available in a wide variety of subtypes.
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) combine the properties of elastomers with the processing characteristics of thermoplastics, giving them both elasticity and thermoplasticity. TPE materials can be melted and molded at high temperatures, and they are more readily recyclable. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is an exampleof a TPE.
Technical plastics refer to a broad category of plastic materials used in technical and industrial applications due to their mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. Examples include polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM), and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).
Engineering plastics are often used in the automotive industry, electronics, machine parts, and medical equipment.
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Elasticity: Elastomers and TPEs have high elasticity, while engineering plastics generally have lower elasticity
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Processing: TPEs can be molded at high temperatures like thermoplastics, while elastomers are typically vulcanized. Engineering plastics can also be molded at high temperatures. All material groups can be machined, though this requires specialized machinery and expertise
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Applications: Elastomers are often used in tires, seals, and hoses. TPE is used in products that require both flexibility and moldability, such as cables and soft grips. Engineering plastics are used in applications that require high strength and durability, such as machine parts and electronic components
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