Replacing worn-out rubber seals isn’t terribly difficult. It just takes time to do carefully so that the new seal lasts as long as it’s supposed to. Although it’s possible to do the job by hand in many cases, using power tools and other technology to assist you with doing the job just makes things easier.
1. Cleaning the Area
Removing the old rubber seal is generally done with a simple screwdriver to pry it away from the place where it was attached. When the seal is removed, there will be all manner of detritus left behind, including dirt, pieces of the old seal, and debris from any adhesive, silicone or otherwise, that kept the old seal in place. Where the technology comes in is in the cleanup. Use a powerful handheld vacuum to get most of the junk off of the places where the seal was attached. Then, use a sanding attachment and fine sandpaper on a drill to smooth the area before reapplying the adhesive and the new seal. In cases where a window is involved, always use specially designed glass suction cups to handle the window.
2. O-Ring Substitutes
Using equipment to measure the pressure that O-rings can stand will show their effectiveness. That same equipment can also measure the effectiveness of other materials. Static radial seals and axial face seals are two other options. Both can be made either of rubber or other materials. By replacing older O-rings with these newer alternatives, you can leverage sealing technology for greater efficiency and safety.
3. Picking the Right Rubber
Not every rubber seal is the same. Some are made from different materials than others. Neoprene rubber seals are useful at repelling oils while nitrile rubber seals resist damage from chemical sources, such as corrosion and breakdown. Silicone rubber seals resist ozone and ultraviolet light and are good for outdoor rubber seals like the windows in recreational vehicles. By using technology, new types of rubber seals have been created like those used for RV slide-outs and a number of other different applications.
4. Testing the Seals
In an industrial setting, it’s necessary to test the rubber seals to ensure that you have the right seals for the job. You’ll need to assess the rubber seals’ ability to withstand fluid exposure and temperature, both of which will enable you to determine the rubber seals’ durability. After all, your rubber seals will need to last for their rated lifetime for you to get the best results. So, by using high-tech testing equipment, you can effectively evaluate the rubber seals’ performance.
There are many types of rubber seals available for quite a few applications. There are flap seals for water resistance, slide-out seals for dust, dirt, and other debris, lid seals for noise pollution, and bulb seals for weatherproofing doors. Rubber seals have a large number of applications so it’s best to do your research to find the rubber seal that best meets your needs and choose a brand that will hold up. Additionally, you’ll find rubber seals used in automotive applications for sealing windows and windshields, providing a barrier against rain and wind while driving.