Lubrication for Rubber Seals: Why It Matters

🔧 Lubrication for Rubber Seals: Why It Matters

Friction and abrasion can severely affect the performance and lifespan of rubber seals. Proper lubrication is the key to minimizing wear and ensuring smooth, damage-free installation. While lubrication benefits seals throughout their service life, it is most crucial during installation, where it helps reduce the risk of tearing, pinching, or surface damage.



💡 Why Use Lubricants on Rubber Seals?

Lubricants make installation easier and extend seal longevity by:

  • Reducing friction

  • Preventing surface damage

  • Enhancing ease of fitting

  • Supporting long-term performance

🧪 Types of Lubricants for Rubber Seals

Choosing the right lubricant depends on when and how it’s applied. The three main types are:

1. Internal Lubricants

  • Mixed directly into the rubber compound before molding

  • Reduces overall friction throughout the seal

  • May "bloom" to the surface over time for added lubrication

2. Temporary External Lubricants

  • Applied after molding

  • Liquid-based and removable

  • Ideal for short-term use and easy assembly

3. Semi-Permanent Coatings

  • Applied by dipping, spraying, or vapor deposition

  • Chemically bonded or baked on for long-lasting performance

  • PlastochemRubber uses advanced coatings that outperform old Teflon-based options, which tend to flake and cause contamination

🧩 Choosing the Right Lubricant: What to Consider

Before selecting a lubricant, evaluate the following:

  • Temperature Tolerance: Ensure the lubricant performs within the required temperature range

  • Stability Under Friction: Should not soften or harden during use

  • Water Resistance: Especially important in wet environments

  • Chemical Compatibility: The lubricant must not degrade or swell the rubber material

  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure certifications like NSF (potable water), FDA (food-grade), or USP/ISO (medical)

🛠️ How to Apply Lubricants

Apply a thin, uniform layer over the entire seal surface for best results. Here are some common methods:

  • Hand or Brush Application: Simple and effective

  • Dipping: Ensures full coverage, especially for complex parts

  • Shaking in a Lubricant-Filled Bag: Great for bulk processing of small seals

✅ Pro Tip: Even internal lubricants must be evenly distributed to protect the seal throughout.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why can’t I use any lubricant for rubber seals?

A: Because different rubber materials react differently to lubricants. Incompatible lubricants can cause swelling, hardening, or softening, leading to seal failure.

Q2: What happens if I use a lubricant not suited for high temperatures?

A: It may degrade, evaporate, or become ineffective, causing increased friction and premature seal wear.

Q3: Can I use water as a lubricant?

A: While water can offer temporary slip, it provides no lasting protection and may cause swelling in some rubber materials.

Q4: What makes plastochemRubber coatings better?

A: We’ve moved away from Teflon coatings that flake or crack. Our advanced coatings are more durable, long-lasting, and safer for sensitive applications.

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