What do you need to know about the shelf life of O-rings？
Not all O-rings have the same shelf life as the material deteriorates at different rates. O-rings play a crucial role in many types of equipment, and if seals are stored improperly or exceed their service life, they may fail. O-ring failure may result in equipment damage, unplanned downtime, and safety hazards.
What is shelf life?
Shelf life refers to the maximum expected duration of a properly packaged seal between manufacture and use. The shelf life varies depending on the type of O-ring or industrial seal. When the storage time of a seal exceeds its shelf life, even under ideal conditions, it can no longer be used for its intended purpose.
To maintain sealing within the expected shelf life, it is necessary to provide a storage environment free from light, oxygen, ozone, and chemicals. Overheating, freezing temperatures, and physical impacts may cause permanent damage to the elastomer, rendering it unusable.
Before installation, it is necessary to check the elastomer products to confirm that they are in good working condition. Hardening, softening, stickiness, cracking, and discoloration all indicate possible issues with the seal.
Factors affecting the shelf life of O-rings
O-ring material is not the only factor affecting the shelf life of industrial seals. Operating and storage conditions can shorten its service life, and rubber can crack, harden, soften, or degrade, making it unsafe. In addition, most O-rings have a widely accepted shelf life, which helps manufacturers prevent catastrophic failures caused by old seals.
The environmental factors that affect the shelf life of O-rings include stress and strain on the seals, humidity, light, radiation, temperature, and ozone. Contact with various other materials can also affect O-rings, including elastomers, liquid and semi-solid materials, dust, and metals.
Shelf life and storage recommendations for O-ring materials
A shelf life guide for O-rings has been released based on the materials used. If stored properly, the shelf life of O-rings is as follows:
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Shelf Lifetime |
Unlimited (25 Years) |
15 Years |
5 Years |
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Material |
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Storage Conditions |
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If you need help navigating this process to find the seal that suits your project, please consult DMB seal team. We have over 15 years building relationships with global seal manufacturers, providing you with thousands of types of seals, gaskets, O-rings, and other special products suitable for any application.
