Seals for vehicle engineering

Seals for vehicle engineering

Seals are central functional elements in vehicle engineering. They separate media, damp vibrations, protect components from environmental influences and ensure the lasting function of moving and non-moving components. In modern vehicles, seals are used in virtually all assemblies – from the engine compartment through the chassis to interior and body components.

In vehicle engineering, seals are used under high requirements. Temperature changes, media contact, mechanical load and long service lives act on the material simultaneously. The precise matching of material, geometry and manufacturing process to the respective area of application is therefore decisive.

martan gummi supplies technical seals for applications in vehicle engineering that are designed for industrial series processes, reproducible quality and defined tolerances. Both standard profiles and custom-manufactured sealing solutions are used. For more in-depth information, see technical seals.

Areas of application of seals in vehicle engineering

Seals are used in vehicle engineering in various assemblies. Depending on the installation situation, the requirements for material, dimensional stability and resistance vary considerably. A clear classification by area of application makes it easier to select suitable sealing solutions.

Engine and drivetrain

In the engine and drivetrain area, seals provide sealing against liquids and gases while at the same time withstanding high thermal and mechanical loads. Typical applications are housing seals, flange gaskets and seals in auxiliary units.

Chassis and underbody

Seals in the chassis and underbody area protect components from water, dirt, road salt and stone impact. Here, abrasion resistance, ageing resistance and reliable function under dynamic load are the focus.

Body and interior

In body and interior applications, seals provide protection against moisture, draughts and noise. They contribute to acoustic decoupling and support the long-term tightness of doors, flaps and feed-throughs.

Depending on the area of application, different materials and profiles are used. An overview of suitable materials and designs is provided by the page on rubber profiles.

Materials for seals in vehicle engineering

The selection of the suitable material is a central factor for the function and service life of seals in vehicle engineering. Different media, temperature ranges and mechanical stresses require specifically matched elastomers.

EPDM

EPDM is frequently used in vehicle engineering for applications with exposure to weather, ozone and ageing. The material is particularly suitable for seals in exterior areas as well as for body and interior applications without permanent contact with oils or fuels.

NBR

NBR is used above all where resistance to oils, greases and fuels is required. Typical applications are found in the engine compartment, in hydraulic systems and in fuel-carrying components.

FKM

FKM elastomers are used for highly loaded applications with elevated temperatures and aggressive media. They are suitable for demanding areas of application in the drivetrain and in the vicinity of thermally loaded assemblies.

The material selection is always application-related and takes normative requirements into account. A more in-depth overview of common elastomers can be found in the section Elastomers.

Manufacturing and custom sealing solutions

In vehicle engineering, seals are frequently designed on a project-specific basis. In addition to the material, geometry, tolerances and unit volumes play a central role. Manufacturing must be reproducible and be able to be integrated seamlessly into industrial series processes.

Series and special production

Depending on the application, seals are manufactured as standard profiles, moulded parts or individually developed solutions. Custom seals are based on defined installation spaces, functional requirements and logistical framework conditions.

Tolerances and quality

In vehicle engineering, tight dimensional tolerances and constant material properties are required. Consistent quality ensures that seals function reliably even at high unit volumes and that assembly processes remain stable.

martan gummi supports customers in the design and manufacture of individual sealing solutions for industrial applications. Supplementary information can be found in the section Special custom-made products.

Quality assurance and requirements of the vehicle industry

Seals for vehicle engineering are subject to increased requirements for process reliability, traceability and consistent product quality. Even minor deviations can influence the function of adjacent assemblies and lead to increased maintenance effort.

Reproducibility and series capability

For use in the vehicle industry, stable series production is decisive. Material characteristic values, dimensions and surfaces must remain constant over the entire production period. This applies in particular to safety- or function-relevant applications.

Documentation and technical evidence

Technical seals are frequently used with accompanying documentation. This includes material-related data, test reports and application-specific approvals. Clean documentation makes integration into existing quality and supplier processes easier.

Further information on quality requirements and technical framework conditions can be found in the section Quality.

Advice and project support in vehicle engineering

The selection and design of suitable seals in vehicle engineering requires early technical coordination. Already in the development and design phase, targeted advice can improve functional reliability, cost-effectiveness and process stability.

martan gummi accompanies projects from the first technical enquiry through material and profile definition to series delivery. The focus here is on clear technical requirements, reproducible solutions and reliable cooperation.

For specific applications in vehicle engineering, martan gummi offers structured technical advice and supports the selection of suitable seals and profiles. For this purpose, use the direct contact via the page Contact.

Summary: seals for applications in vehicle engineering

In vehicle engineering, seals perform central tasks for sealing, for the protection of components and for ensuring the functionality of complex assemblies. Different areas of application require precise matching of material, geometry and manufacturing quality.

martan gummi supplies technical seals for applications in vehicle construction and in the supplier industry. The focus is on industrial series capability, reproducible quality and application-related material selection – from standard solutions to custom designs.

A structured overview of further industries and fields of application is provided by the page Areas of application.

Frequently asked questions about seals in vehicle engineering

Which seals are used in vehicle engineering?

In vehicle engineering, profile seals, moulded seals, flat gaskets and custom special seals are used, among others. The selection depends on the installation situation, media contact, temperature range and mechanical load.

Which materials are suitable for seals in vehicle construction?

Frequently used materials are EPDM for applications exposed to weather, NBR for oil- and fuel-resistant areas as well as FKM for areas of application subject to high thermal and chemical loads. The material selection is always application-related.

Are custom seals possible for series applications?

Custom seals are common in vehicle engineering. They are designed for defined installation spaces, tolerances and unit volumes and conceived for reproducible series production.

What requirements does the vehicle industry place on seals?

The vehicle industry places high requirements on dimensional accuracy, material consistency, process reliability and documentation. Seals must function reliably over long service lives and be able to be integrated stably into series processes.

Does martan gummi support the selection and design of seals?

martan gummi supports the technical selection and design of suitable seals for applications in vehicle engineering – from material definition to series delivery. Further information can be found in the section Advice.