Jan. 26, 2021
Sealing rings play a crucial role in ensuring the proper functioning of various equipment and machinery. When it comes to sealing applications, choosing the right material is crucial to ensure the desired performance and durability. Two popular materials used for sealing rings are silicone and TPE (Thermoplastic Elastic). In this article, we will compare the performance of these materials to help you make an informed decision.
Silicone seal rings are made of a synthetic rubber material that has excellent resistance to high and low temperatures. Silicone is also highly flexible and has good compression set resistance, which means it can maintain its shape even after being compressed over time. These properties make silicone seal rings ideal for applications where temperature fluctuations and exposure to harsh environments are common, such as in automotive, aerospace, and medical industries.
The performance of silicone seal rings is impressive. Here are some of its key features:
1. Tensile strength: Silicone seal rings can withstand up to 1500 PSI of pressure and have a tear resistance of 88 LBS. They have excellent elasticity and compression ratio.
2. Resistance to neutral solvent: Silicone seal rings have good resistance to neutral solvents.
3. Heat resistance: Silicone rubber has much better heat resistance than ordinary rubber. It can be used almost forever at 150°C without any performance change, can be used continuously at 200°C for 10000 hours, and can be used for a period of time at 350°C. Silicone sealing rings are widely used in heat-resistant occasions, thermos sealing rings, pressure cooker rings, and heat-resistant handles.
4. Cold resistance: Silicone rubber still has good elasticity at -60°C to -70°C. Some special formulations of silicone rubber can also withstand very low temperatures and high and strong temperatures without deforming or producing harmful substances.
5. Resistance to ozone and oxide erosion: Silicone seal rings have excellent resistance to ozone and oxide erosion.
6. Electrical insulation: Silicone seal rings have excellent electrical insulation and do not yellow or fade with long-term use.
7. Compliance with standards: Silicone sealing rings meet the FDA and SGS standards. They also have corona resistance, arc resistance, high and low-temperature resistance, good aging resistance, and high-temperature resistance.
TPE seal rings are made of a thermoplastic elastomer material that combines the properties of plastic and rubber. TPE is known for its high elasticity, good compression set resistance, and low compression force. It is also resistant to many chemicals and has good weatherability. These properties make TPE seal rings suitable for applications where flexibility and shock absorption are important, such as in consumer electronics, household appliances, and so on.
Here are the following features:
1. Processing advantages: TPE materials can be processed using injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, hot welding, and have small tolerance and high precision. They are easy to process and come in a range of colors.
2. Elasticity: TPE seal rings have excellent elasticity, oil resistance, weather resistance, aging resistance, flexural resistance, ozone resistance, and chemical properties.
3. Environmental benefits: TPE materials can be recycled 100%, reducing the processing cost of products. They are the latest material to replace traditional rubber and are considered the latest environmental protection materials.
4. Reduced energy consumption: TPE processing saves mixing, mixing, and vulcanization, reducing energy consumption, labor consumption, and environmental damage compared to rubber processing.
Both silicone seal rings and TPE seal rings have their advantages. Silicone seal rings have excellent heat resistance, cold resistance, electrical insulation, and compliance with standards. TPE seal rings have excellent elasticity, oil resistance, weather resistance, aging resistance, flexural resistance, ozone resistance, chemical properties, processing advantages, environmental benefits, and reduced energy consumption.
When choosing between these two materials for your sealing ring needs, consider the specific requirements of your application and select the material that best meets those requirements. YEJIA manufactures high quality and wear resistant silicone seal rings, with in-house mold design and mold making teams, our factory has been certified by ISO13485, IATF16949, ISO9001 and ISO14001, if you're looking for a reliable manufacturer of silicone seal rings, welcome to contact us.
