Guide to Seal Installation

Expert advice on seal installation

The first step to having an efficient and lasting part is getting a precise, custom manufactured seal for your application. Anyhow, errors happen during installation of the seal, which leads to failure, no matter what the quality of the seal was in the first place.

Make sure the seal and assembly equipment are clean

Cleanliness of seal and equipment helps to establish a solid, safe, efficient and lasting sealing performance. Particles of dust and dirt get caught in the intersection during the time of installation, this will colossally influence sealing performance. Therefore, make sure the seal itself is clean and free from dust, to clean it use a lint-free cloth. Additionally, make sure that all equipment used to install it is also thoroughly cleaned and free from debris.

Avoid sharp edges

Remember to inspect the application for any defects or sharp edges as damaging the seal during assembly can cause seal collapse (failure). The surface of assembly should also be free from grime and grease, use a lint-free cloth for this task too.

Lubricate the seal

Before installation, most seals need to be thoroughly lubricated. There is a selection of lubricants available from our Bondloc range from anti-seize products to silicone, food-safe and Molykote lubricants that thrive in the most difficult applications. The correct lubrication for the seal is conditional on the elastomer material used to make a seal.

Heat the seal up

In order to make assembly much simpler and enhance flexibility, warming the seal a little is advisory.  To do that, you can submerge the seal in a warm lubricant making sure that the temperature is adequate to the elastomer material temperature resistance. Once warm, make sure not to overstretch it whilst installing. Do not, under no circumstances, heat up the seal in a microwave! As little as few seconds can overheat the elastomer! Also, do not heat the seal in a stretched position, this can lead to crosslinking and the seal can get permanently disfigured.

Use the correct equipment

Using the wrong tools whilst assembling a precision elastomer can damage the seal itself or cause dens/gashes. Any damage or deformity to the seal during this process is going to worsen once it’s under stress. This will, in turn, result in premature failure of the seal. To protect its durability, make sure to use adequate tools and take time, do not rush during the installation process. You can find some of the O Ring installation accessories here.

If you require additional information on our range of products and/or services, please contact a member of the team.

E & OE. M Barnwell Services endeavour to make sure that all content is correct. Manufacturing partners have provided this information.