This is the first of two articles about parts that fail and why. Rubber components are generally known for their durability, elasticity, strength, and reliability. However, when subjected to certain conditions, the rubber material is susceptible to fatigue and failure. These can be avoided through proper testing and good chemistry, but if a part does fail to meet your performance expectations, how do you determine why?
Technically, there are a number of possible causes related to a rubber part failure, but three leading indicators would come from knowing the component’s working environment, tolerance for temperatures, and mechanical performance. Let’s look at each area:
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