Expert knowledge on materials, test methods, failure analysis and applications

If a seal fails significantly before its age-related service life limit due to a lack of elastic re-deformation, a high permanent deformation is the cause of failure.

Sealing gaps that are too large along with many other causes can trigger extrusion, which is sometimes also referred to as gap intrusion.

This type of damage mainly occurs with dynamic seals and can have many different causes.

Rubber poisons such as copper or manganese can rapidly accelerate elastomer aging. EPDM is often affected by the dezincification of brass in hot water applications.

A properly designed installation space is essential for obtaining a functioning seal. Even small details can make the crucial difference

This type of damage is caused by sudden and severe fluctuations in pressure or temperature and can cause serious damage to the seal.

This is an often-underestimated cause of damage, although it could be largely avoided by using lubricants and assembly aids. After all, approx. 10% of all seal failures are caused by assembly damage.

This is a serious error. It can be caused by inadequate vulcanization, superimposed compounds, impurities, the demolding process, post-processing steps or shrinkage of the material.

Although the damaging effect of ozone on many elastomers has been known for over 150 years, it still causes seal failure. Ozone cracking always occurs perpendicular to the direction of stress.

Overheating of sealing materials in most cases leads to embrittlement and premature seal failure.

The use of sealing materials in incompatible media can cause chemical degradation or excessive swelling, which should be avoided in any case.

The performance of a damage analysis is not only a matter of material and microscopic examination but also needs to be dealt with systematically.