Rubber offers many benefits when chosen for the material of a part: durability, elasticity, strength, reliability, and more. If a component is not properly tested or if its rubber compound lacks proper chemistry, however, the part may be susceptible to fatigue and failure, thus neglecting to meet performance expectations.
The failure of a rubber part can be initially examined by considering its working environment, temperature tolerance, and mechanical performance.
- Working Environment: The performance of a rubber part depends heavily on its operating environment and material composition, which varies by function, such as resistance to corrosive substances, chemicals, or oils.
- Temperature Tolerance: Understanding a product’s temperature range is crucial for ensuring its performance and longevity, as rubber compounds are designed to operate within specific limits. Exposure to extreme temperatures can cause materials to expand, contract, and degrade, leading to fatigue, premature wear, and reduced effectiveness.
- Mechanical Performance: Friction, heat, improper installation, and lack of a preventative maintenance schedule can contribute to a part’s premature failure.
When assessing a customer’s part that is not meeting expectations, Molded Dimensions Group considers the working conditions of the part. Conducting material analysis and fatigue testing in the intended environment provides valuable information regarding which rubber compounds are suitable for the application. And understanding the role a part is intended to play is paramount to understanding how the part should be constructed.
The team also conducts a physical inspection, evaluating the part’s shape, weight, and feel, and an FTIR evaluation, a chemical analysis technique that identifies and characterizes a substance’s molecular structure. The leading causes of failed parts tend to originate in the formulation of the part’s rubber compound.
After these assessments, theories as to why a part failed can be developed, and possible solutions are tested—leading to the formulation of a part that will perform better for the customer.
If you have a rubber—or urethane or plastic—part that could use its performance enhanced, please request a quote today. We would love to transform your failing component into a reliable solution!
