For Extreme Temperature Applications, Silicone Seals are the Answer!
EPDM is a very effective and cost-effective material for seals and components in equipment like appliances, HVAC, commercial vehicles and windows and doors that need to operate in a wide range of high and low temperature environments.
When anticipating the potential for extreme operating temperatures, such as 160° F for an extended period or even 400° F momentarily, it is advisable to opt for silicone as a more durable solution. Other materials may deteriorate under such conditions, leading to failures and warranty issues. Silicone blends are available that can function reliably in temperatures as low as -100° F (-73° C) or as high as 450° F (232° C).
Some manufacturers may dismiss the need for silicone, assuming their product’s sealing solution specifications from years ago are still adequate. However, advancements in materials and changes in manufacturing trends can significantly impact operating temperatures. Upgrades in motor power or the trend towards product miniaturization can alter internal heat profiles, potentially leading to higher internal temperatures than originally anticipated. Components may now need to handle the same amount of energy over a smaller area, and that concentrated heat could mean there are now higher internal temperatures being generated than there were before.
These unnoticed changes can silently contribute to reduced product lifespan and increased warranty claims. It is crucial to reassess the materials used, especially if the specifications have remained unchanged for an extended period.
Many Other Applications for Silicone
While extreme temperature performance is a key reason that manufacturers turn to silicone, there are a number of other reasons to consider the material as well. For example, Silicone is highly effective in providing flame and smoke resistance and acting as a thermal barrier without requiring flame retardant chemical additives, which can pose issues. In fact, this is a common customer need that our company, Cooper Standard ISG, has a range of materials that are already certified for demanding regulations such as UL555S. Specifying them can give you great performance, save you time in development and increase your speed-to-market.
In window and door applications, the temperature performance of silicone may be in demand for use in very hot or very cold climates, but we are also seeing high interest in silicone for sustainability reasons as well. Because of silicone’s eco-friendly nature and minimal ingredients, window and door manufacturers are considering this as a go-to material to meet the demands of their customers working to meet goals such as those set by the Living Building Challenge and the Green Building Initiative.
The increasing shift towards vehicle electrification has led to a growing need for silicone in battery and electric vehicle applications. Silicone plays various crucial roles, such as shielding the battery from external elements, managing heat generated by the battery system, and facilitating thermal conductivity to recover and transfer heat to other vehicle systems.
Silicone is a Versatile Performer
In addition to its inherent temperature and flame and smoke resistant properties, silicone blends well with other chemistries and can be compounded to provide a host of other performance properties. For example, I personally have created blends of silicone for customers that add thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, antimicrobial properties and more. The latter property is in-demand in hospital settings, as well as offices, retail locations and other public buildings as well. Silicone also takes colors very effectively and can be blended to match the product or corporate colors for aesthetics or marketing purposes.
Cooper Standard ISG stands out as a supplier that produces its own silicone and custom blends internally, ensuring exceptional quality control and consistent product quality over extended durations. This approach enhances availability, reliability, production efficiency, and accelerates customers' time to market. In essence, our expertise lies in delivering the benefits of silicone seals and components to our industrial clients, and we are ready to assist you. Feel free to reach out to explore the opportunities further.