A seal cannot be evaluated independently from its groove and mating surfaces. The same silicone profile may perform differently when squeeze, stretch, surface finish or fastener loading changes.
Provide the full interface
Include the seal drawing, groove, opposing surface, housing material and assembly stack. Mark whether the seal is static or moving and whether pressure acts from one direction or both.
Separate critical dimensions
Silicone deforms during measurement. Identify which cross-sections, sealing beads and locating features are critical, then agree on the measurement method and fixture. Applying tight tolerances to non-functional flexible features may add cost without improving the seal.
State the environment
- Operating and peak temperature
- Water, oil, cleaner, chemical or gas contact
- Pressure or vacuum and expected leak test
- Compression duration, motion and cycle count
- Outdoor UV, ozone or aging exposure
These inputs help determine whether silicone is appropriate and which formulation, hardness and geometry should be sampled.