The Secret to IP68: Why "Compression Set" is the Most Critical Rubber Spec
When designing "waterproof wire harness connectors" or "outdoor electronic enclosures," engineers often obsess over tensile strength but overlook the rubber's most vital vital sign: Compression Set.
Simply put, this is the rubber's "memory."
The Principle of Sealing Rubber seals (like O-rings or wire grommets) work by being compressed. This creates a rebound force that fills the microscopic gaps between mating surfaces, blocking water entry.
When Memory Fails If a material has a poor (high) compression set, the rubber will "forget" to rebound after being squeezed under heat or pressure for a long time. It becomes flat. Once that rebound force is gone, the seal fails, leading to "connector moisture ingress failure."
Material Science To achieve "long-lasting waterproof sealing," especially for IP67/IP68 ratings, we often use peroxide-cured EPDM or platinum-cured Silicone. These curing systems create a more stable molecular cross-link structure that retains 90% of its rebound force even after years of compression.
Conclusion: Seal failure usually doesn't happen because the rubber breaks; it happens because the rubber gets "tired." At Fuqiang, we perform rigorous high-temperature compression set testing on every batch to ensure your product remains leak-proof throughout its lifecycle.
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