Molded Elastomeric Press-in-Place Gasket Stability

Press-in-place gasket stability is required to maintain consistent and predictive sealing compression in a sealing joint utilizing a housing groove and a mating component sealing surface. Without proper balance between height of the groove and height of the gasket, the sealing joint can be compromised. Hence, automotive engineers balance design variables with the desire to achieve long term sealability and gasket stability. The percentage of gasket out of groove was varied to study the interactions of this design control and the resultant deviation of gasket centerline to the groove centerline. Finally, an optimal percentage of gasket out of groove is recommended.