Aerospace Seals
Aerospace Seals
Rubber’s unique properties make it a highly effective sealing material for many industries. However, it is particularly valuable in aerospace applications, where reliable performance under extreme conditions is essential. Rubber offers an important combination of strength and flexibility while performing optimally in both extremely high and low-temperature environments.
Aerospace seals are found in many applications involving space exploration and aviation. From engine components to aircraft interiors, mission-critical equipment, and much more, aerospace rubber seals provide lasting protection and reliability. At RD Rubber Technology Corp., we specialize in elastomer seals for demanding applications found within the aerospace industry.
The Importance of Rubber Seals in Aerospace Applications
The aerospace industry requires components that can withstand extremely challenging conditions. Unlike many other materials, rubber offers an impressive combination of strength, flexibility, and durability. In applications where safety and reliability are paramount, elastomer seals deliver the necessary dependable performance.
Thermoset elastomers are used to create O-rings, gaskets, grommets, latches, and seals. Without these small components, aircraft could not function correctly. Molded rubber O-rings seal fueling systems, pumps, and valves while rubber pads offer vibration dampening, seal aircraft doors, and protect the cockpit and avionics.
Types of Rubber Aerospace Seal Applications
Since they are lightweight yet extremely durable, aerospace elastomer seals are used throughout an extensive number of applications. At RD Rubber, our seals play an important role in aircraft ventilation systems, engines, interior components, and much more. You can learn more about the most common applications for aerospace rubber seals below.
- Thermal Insulation and Protection
Aerospace equipment must function correctly at high altitudes, where it is exposed to very low temperatures. Since rubber maintains its physical properties even under extreme temperature fluctuations, it is an ideal material for ensuring thermal protection.
In addition, rubber's ability to withstand compression makes it an optimal choice for seals within pneumatic and hydraulic systems. Components like landing gear and wing flaps can close tightly, compressing the seals without damaging them.- General Mission-Critical Equipment
Since rubber is a fire-retardant and grounding material, it is an excellent solution for protecting crucial electronic components and other mission-critical equipment. Rubber seals also play an important role in keeping contaminants out of instrument panels, cockpit electrical systems, and other motion control, navigation, and communication systems. In addition, they protect printed circuit boards from the risks associated with extreme altitude.
Technical Benefits Of Rubber Aerospace Seals
Aerospace rubber seals and gaskets fill the spaces between mating surfaces on commercial, civilian, and military aircraft. Depending on the specific application, they offer numerous technical benefits, such as:
- Extreme temperature sealing performance
- Environmental sealing
- Fuel and oil resistance
Technical Specifications & Standards for Aerospace Seals
Elastomer seals used in the aerospace industry are subject to numerous safety and quality requirements. The standards for aerospace seals are issued by the Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE). They cover everything from product shelf life restrictions to design recommendations and more.
- AS5316
AS5316
This aerospace standard covers elastomeric seal components. It offers a control document for organizations that require one and provides information on shelf-life restrictions that are consistent with the data from the age control cumulative experiments. In addition, AS5316 outlines the requirements for traceability and proper storage for elastomeric seal components. It also includes a technical paper that addresses seals specifically, rather than other types of rubber components.
- Mil-G-5514
Mil-G-5514
The Mil-G-5524 specification outlines basic design criteria recommendations for gaskets, packings, and packing and gasket glands. It also covers related features for use in hydraulic equipment systems that have been designed in accordance with the MIL-H-5440 classification. However, Mil-G-5514 is only used for legacy applications and not new aircraft designs. New applications obtain seal glad requirements from either AS4716 or AS5857.
- AS4716
AS4716
This SAE standard specifies the gland or groove design criteria. It also outlines specifications for dynamic and static O-ring seal glands, in addition to other seals. Under this criteria, glands are sized to ensure sufficient squeeze for effective sealing while still allowing adequate operation in dynamic operations. However, this standard does not apply to static external applications, which must instead meet AS5857 requirements.
- AS5857
AS5857
This SAE standard outlines the standardized gland design criteria and dimensions for elastomeric seal glands for static applications. Under this standard, glands are sized to facilitate increased squeeze compared to AS4716. This results in more effective sealing under low temperatures and low seal swell conditions.
- AS6235
AS6235
The AS6235 standard outlines the standardized gland design dimensions and other criteria for static face seals used within internal pressure and external pressure hydraulic and pneumatic aerospace applications. These glands are designed using AS568 size elastomeric O-rings with Class 2 tolerances at nominal operating pressures up to 3000 psi (20690 kPa). They are also circular in shape and do not utilize anti-extrusion (backup rings).
Aircraft Seals for the Aerospace Industry by RD Rubber
RD Rubber specializes in manufacturing rubber seals that meet the aerospace industry's rigorous demands. We work with a wide range of thermoset elastomers and implement complete material traceability as part of our quality management system. With over 35 years of experience, our team can help you develop a quality rubber seal that meets all of your specifications. To learn more about our aerospace seals, reach out to our team for more information.
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