Seals are critical to the function of a device. For instance, seals prevent sweat and water from entering wearable devices, keeping them free from corrosion, shortage, and failure. Meanwhile, sealing devices maintain parts and components in tip-top shape and reduce the risk of product damage.
When creating a sealing device, the main task is to join two parts so that no thin fluids like water or air can pass through the joint. However, liquids and gasses can press through the narrowest crevices and move in different directions. In addition, even the slightest pressure from these fluids can cause large forces that can distort a component.
Creating a sealing device design could be challenging, but seals don’t often receive proper analysis and attention during the design phase. Since seals control unwanted leakages of liquid and gasses in various components — pumps, valves, pipe fittings, vacuum seals, etc. — failing to utilize the appropriate seal often results in reworking the piece and delays manufacturing and delivery.
This article will dive into the importance of selecting the suitable seal for different applications and the key considerations when designing a sealing device.
Line Identification
Before finding and selecting the appropriate materials for the sealing device, the first step is to identify where the seal will be placed. For an effective seal, engineers must envision a line between the rigid parts that halt the fluid. This will help them see if there are gaps that will prevent the seal from working.
Material Selection
The next step in designing a sealing device is determining the appropriate material for the seal, depending on the specific application or purpose. The first thing to consider when choosing the material is closing force requirements. For this factor, engineers can choose from the following applications:
- Sponge Cross-Section: This is typically used for applications with low closing force, such as door seals and other consumer-type products.
- Dense Section: This is ideal for applications in the industrial setting, like bolting two components together or those demanding a great deal of interference between the two surfaces.
Meanwhile, engineers should also examine the environment — temperatures, chemicals, ultraviolet, and ozone pressure — where the sealing device will be applied and how the seal will be attached. The latter involves seals that require compressions, adhesives, or mechanical attachments.
Design Criteria
Once the material has been selected, the process will move forward to the designing phase. Here, the design should incorporate the following considerations:
- Dimensional requirements
- Friction
- Temperature
- Pressure
- Chemical compatibility
Compression Application Design
Some seals and gaskets are attached using a compression fit into a channel. This application should ensure a 15% to 25% compression in the sponge section channel to hold the seal in place. On the other hand, a 2% to 10% compression is necessary for dense sections.
Adhesive Attachment Application Design
The attachment surface for adhesive applications should be wider than 1/8” to ensure proper binding. Further, the adhesive placement must be done on a flat surface on the seal and substrate.
Mechanical Seal Attachment Application Design
The seal design for mechanical seal attachment should ensure that it will not interfere with the compression of the seal. Hence, an accommodation must be made for inserting the mechanical attachments like staple, nail, and clip.
Products at Arizona Sealing Devices
If you’re looking for a sealing device that would cater to your designs, we at Arizona Sealing Devices are the right people for the job!
Since 1989, we have been offering O-ring supplies for various industries. Our extensive experience has also allowed us to expand our offerings to military and standard gaskets, sheeting, backup rings, quad rings, oil seals, clamps, cord stock, caps, plugs, and custom molded parts.
Contact us to learn more about our products or speak with qualified professionals to address your needs!