Engineers and product designers face increasing challenges in selecting the right sealing materials while balancing evolving regulations, demanding performance requirements, and industry-specific standards. In this interview, Apple Rubber's experts will discuss the latest trends in rubber sealing technology, material selection, and design best practices across medical, aerospace, chemical, and industrial applications. Attendees will gain practical insights to help improve seal performance, avoid common design pitfalls, and make more informed decisions when specifying rubber components for critical applications.
Overview
As industries like medical devices, aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturing continue to evolve, engineers are under increasing pressure to design sealing solutions that meet stricter performance requirements, comply with changing regulations, and perform reliably in more demanding environments. Material selection has become more complex, with new polymer technologies, PFAS regulations, low-temperature performance requirements, and application-specific standards all influencing design decisions. Choosing the wrong seal or material can lead to premature failures, increased maintenance costs, and product reliability issues.
In this expert interview, Apple Rubber's engineering team will explore some of the most common questions engineers face when designing with rubber seals and gaskets. Topics will include emerging trends in medical and aerospace sealing applications, the differences between FDA food-grade and medical-grade materials, considerations when using NBR in medical devices, advances in rubber polymers, approaches for reducing friction, UL-listed rubber compounds, improving low-temperature performance, and key design considerations for electrical sealing applications.
Drawing on decades of experience in rubber formulation, seal design, and manufacturing, Apple Rubber will share practical guidance and real-world insights that engineers can apply to their own products. Attendees will leave with a stronger understanding of today's sealing challenges and the knowledge needed to make more confident material and design decisions for critical applications.
Key Takeaways
- Learn how Apple Rubber has provided numerous years of design and manufacturing experience with rubber seals and gaskets
- Discover rubber formulation to part configurations
Speaker
John Tranquilli is the Materials Manager with thirty years of experience working alongside the executive team at Apple Rubber. John has a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Buffalo. John began his career in rubber compound development but is now involved in all aspects of the company. John is inspired daily by his wife and three children. John likes to hike, golf, and watch his daughter play college lacrosse in his free time.