Seals for the automotive industry

Seals for the automotive industry

Seals perform central functions in the automotive industry with regard to tightness, safety and component protection. They are used in virtually all vehicle areas – from the engine compartment to chassis components through to doors, flaps and electrical systems.

What is decisive is the precise coordination of material, geometry and operating environment. Temperature changes, media contact, dynamic loads and tight tolerances place high demands on the elastomer used as well as on manufacturing quality.

Martan Gummi supplies technical seals for automotive applications in series and small-series production. The focus is on reproducible quality, material-appropriate design and a clear specification in accordance with the requirements of the automotive industry. The basis is formed by proven elastomers and defined manufacturing processes that enable reliable integration into existing assemblies.

For classification of adjacent product groups, the overview of the range of technical seals is a useful reference.

Areas of application for seals in the automotive industry

Seals are used in vehicle construction in a large number of technical assemblies. Depending on the installation situation, they perform sealing, protective or decoupling functions and must work permanently under defined loads.

Engine and drivetrain

In the engine compartment, seals are exposed to high temperatures, pressure conditions and aggressive media such as oils, fuels or coolants. Typical applications are housing seals, flange connections as well as seals on pumps and units.

Chassis and underbody

In the area of chassis and underbody, seals protect against water, dirt, salt and mechanical load. They contribute to the service life of bearings, joints and housings and support the corrosion protection of adjacent components.

Body, doors and flaps

In body applications, sealing profiles ensure sealing against wind, water and noise. At the same time, they compensate for manufacturing tolerances and support the closing function of doors, windows and flaps.

Electrical and electronic systems

Seals in the area of electrical and electronic components protect sensitive assemblies against moisture, dust and temperature fluctuations. They thus make an essential contribution to the functional reliability of modern vehicle systems.

A material- and application-appropriate design is decisive for the respective operating environment. Supplementary information on suitable materials can be found in the Elastomers section.

Materials for seals in the automotive sector

The selection of the suitable material determines the function and service life of a seal in automotive use. Decisive factors are temperature ranges, media contact, mechanical load as well as requirements for ageing and weather resistance.

Elastomer-based sealing materials

Elastomers are predominantly used in the automotive industry, as they are characterised by high resilience, good adaptation to component tolerances and versatile application possibilities. Depending on the composition, properties can be specifically tailored to the respective application.

Temperature and media resistance

Seals in the engine compartment or drivetrain must permanently withstand high temperatures as well as contact with oils, fuels or cooling media. For less stressed areas such as the body or interior, materials with a focus on ageing, ozone and weather resistance are available.

Suitability for series production and reproducibility

In addition to the physical properties, constant material quality plays a central role. Consistent compounds and defined manufacturing parameters ensure reproducible results over entire series production runs.

An overview of the materials used and their properties can be found in the section Elastomers.

Manufacturing and quality assurance

Seals for the automotive industry are subject to high requirements for dimensional accuracy, process stability and series consistency. Even minor deviations can influence the function of adjacent assemblies and lead to failure risks.

Series production according to specification

Production is carried out on the basis of clearly defined drawings, material specifications and tolerances. Depending on geometry and quantity, suitable moulding and manufacturing processes are used that enable consistent component quality.

Quality control and documentation

Structured quality assurance ensures that seals fulfil the required properties throughout the entire product life cycle. Inspections are carried out taking into account relevant characteristics such as dimensions, surface finish and material consistency.

Integration into existing processes

For industrial customers, reliable integration into existing supply and production processes is decisive. Clear specifications and reproducible procedures create the basis for a stable series supply.

For project-specific requirements and technical coordination, the direct route via the Enquiry is available.

Selection, design and collaboration

The successful implementation of a sealing solution begins with a clear technical definition. In addition to the installation situation, load profiles, media contact, ambient conditions and quantities must be taken into account at an early stage.

Technical design

A clean design encompasses material selection, cross-section, tolerances and installation conditions. The goal is functionally reliable sealing over the intended service life with consistent performance.

Sampling and approval

Before the start of series production, sampling is carried out on the basis of the defined specification. Sample parts serve for technical validation and approval for subsequent series production.

Long-term supply capability

For applications in the automotive sector, a stable supply chain is essential. Consistent materials, documented processes and clear contacts ensure supply over entire project durations.

In addition, the Services section provides an overview of development support and project-related collaboration.

Summary and next step

Seals for the automotive industry place high demands on material, design and manufacturing. Decisive factors are an application-appropriate design, reproducible quality as well as reliable integration into existing series processes.

Martan Gummi supports industrial customers with technically specified sealing solutions for automotive applications – from classification of the application case through to stable series supply.

For concrete technical coordination or a project-related enquiry, direct contact via the Project enquiry is available.

Frequently asked questions about seals for the automotive industry

Which requirements apply to seals in the automotive sector?

Seals in vehicle construction perform tasks in safety- and function-relevant assemblies. Decisive factors are temperature ranges, media resistance, mechanical load as well as tight tolerances. In addition, series consistency and documented quality are among the central criteria.

Which materials are typically used?

Elastomers are predominantly used in the automotive industry. The selection is made on an application-specific basis and is guided by thermal load, contact media and service life requirements. An overview of common materials is provided in the Elastomers section.

Are small series or project-specific seals also possible?

In addition to series applications, technical seals are also suitable for small series and project-related applications. The prerequisite is a clear specification of geometry, material and operating conditions.

How does approval take place before the start of series production?

Before series production, sample parts are manufactured and tested. These serve for technical validation as well as approval by the customer on the basis of the defined requirements.

How does a technical enquiry proceed?

The starting point is a project-related enquiry with details on the area of application, quantity and technical framework conditions. On this basis, technical coordination and design are carried out. Contact is possible directly via the Enquiry .