Elastomers are the predominant base materials for sealing elements. They are dimensionally stable, but at the same time highly elastically deformable.
Rubber-elastic behavior essentially means that the sealing element can deform flexibly when external forces, especially pressure, are applied. After being relieved of this external force, an elastic workpiece returns to its original shape.
This elasticity is crucial for sealing applications, as it enables the sealing elements to reliably close the sealing gap, which varies due to tolerances and thermal influences. The components obtain their elastic resilience during vulcanization, which produces the necessary molecular cross-linking.