Waterproof sealing solutions for consumer electronics: structural selection ideas for silicone rings/gaskets

Watertight sealing for consumer electronics: Start with the "target" to make it clear

Before you do a waterproof seal, make it clear:

  • Protection objective: protection against splashes, sprays, short-term immersion in water or higher requirements
  • Use environment: sweat, alcohol wipe, outdoor rain, temperature difference
  • Assembly method: screw locking, snap, ultrasonic, gluing, etc.

Common Seal Structure Combinations

1) Silicone ring (ring seal)

Suitable for: Continuous sealing around the periphery of the housing

Concerns: groove design, compression, assembly scratches

2) Silicone gasket (sheet/frame)

Suitable for: covers, face shells, shaped profiles

Focus: corner fit, flatness, positioning structure

3) Localized sealing + structural waterproofing

Suitable for: holes, buttons, connectors

Concerns: conductive paths, drainage design, assembly consistency

6 Key Points for Structure Selection

  1. Stability of compression: Effective compression maintained after tolerance stacking
  2. Guide angle and chamfer: Reduces assembly scratches and rolled edges
  3. Positioning and error proofing: Avoid shifting, reversing, or missing seals.
  4. Contact surface quality: Flatness, roughness, burr control
  5. Hole Position and Breakpoint Handling: Corners, screw holes, and splices are more prone to leakage
  6. Batch assembly consistency: Fixtures, Processes, Inspection Points

How does the material work with the hardness?

  • Needs to fit better: medium softness can be considered and compression optimized
  • Large gap/pressure shock: consider higher hardness and control extrusion
  • Frequent disassembly and reassembly: focus on tear and assembly damage resistance

Suggested Validation Methods

  • Prototype assembly verification: assembly force, scratching, positioning
  • Waterproofing verification: spray/immersion/airtightness by target level (specify conditions)
  • Temperature cycling: retesting after hot and cold cycles
  • Scrub resistance (if applicable): alcohol/cleaner wipe to observe appearance and sealing
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