Rubber seals have transformed into an important aspect of the aerospace industry, they play an essential role in ensuring the reliability, safety and working of the aircraft. These rubber seals give a wide array of advantages which makes them apt for aerospace usage.
Why are Rubber Seals Essentials?
Rubber seals offer excellent sealing performance as they offer high elasticity which enables it to adjust to irregular surfaces. They are one of the best sealing solutions as they offer resistance to vibration, they can dampen vibrations and minimize stress on its critical components. Rubber seals provide high chemical resistance to several oils, fuels, hydraulic fluids and several other chemicals that are used in aerospace applications.
Lightweight and Durable
Rubber seals offer reduced weight; they’re majorly lighter than regular metal seals as this minimizes the aircraft’s weight and boosts fuel efficiency. They also provide elongated durability, resistance to wear and tear and the efficiency to withstand extreme environmental conditions.
Wide Range of Versatility
Rubber seals are used in a large array of aerospace applications in regards to gaskets, O-rings, sealing joints and many more. Rubber seals are also highly versatile as they can be adjusted to meet requirements of shape, size, hardness and material composition.
Cost Effectiveness
Rubber seals have lower manufacturing costs as it is inexpensive to manufacture in comparison to This results in reduced maintenance costs as they offer long lifespan and reliability.
The Different Types of Rubber Seals
The first kind is the silicone rubber seals, they offer strong resistance to high temperatures and oxidation with excellent electrical insulation properties. The next is nitrile rubber seals which provide good resistance to hydraulic fluids, oils and fuels and excellent mechanical properties and durability. Fluor elastomer seals offer resistance against high temperatures, chemicals and radiation. EPDM Rubber Seals provide resistance against weathering, ozone and heat with good electrical insulation properties.
The demands are increasing for technologically advanced rubber sealing solutions, some of the key trends to look out for are advanced materials like rubber compounds with better properties like enhanced heat resistance, resistance to chemicals and mechanical strength. Additive manufacturing is becoming popular as 3D printing is often utilised to curate specific and customised rubber seals. Smart seals are also increasing in popularity with the integration of sensors and electronics which helps in detecting leaks and optimising system operations.
