Rubber strip Industry Knowledge Extension
The key role of rubber strips in automobile sealing systems and selection guide
1. The key role of rubber strips in automobile sealing systems
Waterproof and dustproof
Prevent rain and dust from entering the car compartment and improve driving comfort.
Typical applications: door seals, window guides, sunroof seals.
Sound insulation and noise reduction (NVH performance)
Absorb vibration, reduce wind noise and road noise transmission, and improve quietness.
Key parts: door frame seals, engine compartment seals.
Buffering and shock absorption
Provide buffering when the door is closed to avoid direct metal collision and extend the life of components.
Insulation and energy saving
Improve the air tightness of the car compartment and reduce air conditioning energy consumption (especially important in electric vehicles).
Aesthetics and aerodynamics
Hide seams, optimize body lines, and reduce wind resistance (such as frameless door seals).
2. Key factors in the selection of automotive rubber strips
Material selection
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber): excellent weather resistance (-50℃~150℃), ozone/ultraviolet resistance, mainstream choice.
TPE/TPV (thermoplastic elastomer): recyclable, lightweight, but slightly inferior to EPDM in long-term aging resistance.
Silicone rubber: high temperature resistance (200℃+), used in high-temperature areas such as engine compartments.
Structural design
Hollow sponge structure: good elasticity and sound insulation (commonly used for door frame sealing strips).
Solid and dense structure: strong wear resistance (used for window guide grooves).
Composite coating: low-friction coating on the surface (such as polyurethane) improves the smoothness of glass lifting and lowering.
Performance test standards
Durability: fatigue test simulating more than 100,000 times of door opening and closing.
Environmental adaptability: high and low temperature cycle (-40℃~90℃), salt spray test.
Sealing: water tightness (rain test), air tightness (wind pressure test).
Matching with the body
Installation method: snap-on, adhesive or embedded (need to match the body sheet metal tolerance).
Color and surface treatment: coordinated with the body color (such as black, gray matte).
3. Common problems and solutions
Noise problem: The rubber strip is aged and hardened or the coating is worn → Choose EPDM with lubricating coating.
Seal failure: The designed compression is insufficient (usually 20%~30% compression ratio should be reserved).
Become brittle at low temperature: Ultra-low temperature formula (such as adding plasticizer) should be selected in cold regions.