Manufacturing tolerances play a critical role in the quality and functionality of components, particularly those made from rubber. Even slight deviations in dimensions can cause significant issues such as improper fit and reduced performance, leading to increased costs and project delays. This is especially true for rubber grommets, which are nonlinear elastic components commonly used as sealants, gaskets, and insulation covers in automotive and industrial applications. Typically manufactured from EPDM rubber with varying Shore hardness, grommets must maintain precise geometry to ensure sealing integrity and protect adjacent parts. Dimensional inaccuracies can result in failures such as buckling or misalignment, compromising both functionality and durability.
This study proposes a digital simulation methodology for early-stage evaluation of grommet robustness, reducing reliance on physical prototypes. Using a stochastic design of experiments (DOE) approach, the influence of critical geometric parameters on grommet performance is assessed under variable manufacturing conditions.
Buckling, identified as the primary failure mode, along with other functional metrics, is analyzed across a spectrum of dimensional tolerances. These insights support more efficient design workflows and enhance the robustness of rubber grommets in real-world applications.