Abrasion
What is abrasion?
Abrasion refers to the progressive wear of an elastomer when its surface is moved across another surface under load. With each cycle of movement, minute particles of material are shed. Over time, this alters the cross-section of the O-ring, impairs its sealing performance, and can cause the seal to fail. The extent to which a material is subject to abrasion depends on the elastomer, its hardness, the surface finish of the mating surface, and the lubrication.
Why Abrasion Is Important for O-Rings
In static applications, abrasion plays virtually no role because the seal does not move. It becomes a critical factor in dynamic applications such as piston or rod seals. In these cases, abrasion resistance determines the seal’s service life. A smooth, finely machined mating surface, appropriate hardness, and sufficient lubrication significantly reduce abrasion. Anyone designing a moving seal should therefore consider abrasion from the outset, as it is one of the most common causes of wear.
- Abrasion is the mechanical loss of material caused by friction against a mating surface.
- It primarily affects dynamic applications, and hardly any static seals.
- Surface finish, hardness, and lubrication determine the extent to which an O-ring wears down.
For moving seals, it’s worth checking the hardness and material specifications in the product lineup. Refer to the tolerance specifications for the appropriate surface finish of the mating surface.
You can find the right material for your application in our product range.