Published
by Rogers Corporation
Elastomeric Material Solutions, Enclosure Institute
Welcome to the Enclosure Institute™, your go-to resource for mastering enclosure design and sealing solutions.
In this blog, we explore a foundational concept in gasket engineering: understanding the difference between static and dynamic seals.
This distinction has significant implications for how a seal is expected to perform over time, and it plays a crucial role in selecting the right materials for durability, maintenance requirements, and long-term enclosure protection.
One of the most important questions to ask in enclosure design is: Will the seal stay closed for most of its life, or will it open and close repeatedly?
The answer determines whether you're designing a static or dynamic seal.
Institute InsightRegardless of static or dynamic, improper placement of your sealing gasket can cause the seal to fail.
Image property of Rogers Corporation
A static seal is compressed once and stays in place. It is not designed for regular opening and closing, with servicing only performed by technicians when necessary. Common examples of static seals include:
Design Implications:
Institute InsightIn static seals, gasket performance is only as good as the initial compression. The material must maintain its shape and seal without the benefit of regular re-compression.
But what if the enclosure is meant to be opened and closed frequently? That’s where dynamic seals come in.
A dynamic seal, on the other hand, is one that is expected to open and close multiple times while maintaining its ability to reseal effectively. These seals must withstand repeated compression cycles and return to their original shape to ensure long-term performance.
Examples of dynamic seals include:
Image property of Marian Inc
Image property of Marian Inc
Design Implications:
Institute InsightDynamic applications can involve thousands of open-close cycles. Choose materials with proven low compression set and excellent stress relaxation properties like PORON® polyurethanes and BISCO® silicones.
To ensure long-term performance, a dynamic seal must exhibit the following properties:
These properties work together to ensure that each time a dynamic seal is compressed and released, it performs like new. In contrast, materials with poor compression set resistance and high stress relaxation may lose their sealing capability after repeated use—leading to gaps, leaks, and reduced protection.
Institute InsightEngineers should always review long-term performance data, including compression set, stress relaxation, and real-world cycle testing under representative conditions.
Dynamic sealing introduces several mechanical challenges:
A common design example is an access panel with two hinges and a latch—similar to a door. In these cases, the sealing force is only applied at three points instead of continuously around the perimeter. If the enclosure lacks sufficient rigidity, the panel may warp or lift at the corners, creating leak paths.
Institute InsightDon’t rely on initial sealing alone. Evaluate how your chosen material performs after thousands of cycles, not just on day one.
A successful sealing design depends on balancing enclosure requirements with material performance. Materials like PORON® polyurethanes and BISCO® silicones offer excellent compression set resistance and low stress relaxation, making them ideal for both static and dynamic applications.
By selecting the appropriate material, engineers can ensure long-lasting, reliable sealing performance, whether the application demands a one-time factory seal or a reusable enclosure that opens and closes regularly.
Sealing challenges can make or break an enclosure’s performance. Whether you're designing for environmental protection, long-term reliability, or compliance with industry standards, selecting the right materials and understanding effective sealing strategies are critical. That’s why Marian Inc. and Rogers Corporation have partnered to bring you the Enclosure Institute™ — a free learning platform designed to help engineers navigate the complexities of enclosure sealing.
Gain exclusive access to:
The Enclosure Institute™ is designed for engineers at all levels, whether you're new to enclosure sealing or looking to refine your expertise.
Enroll today to take the next step in mastering enclosure design:
Explore more blogs on enclosure design best practices:
With nearly 200 years of material expertise, 70 years of fabrication development, decades of partnership, and thousands of applications designed together, Marian and Rogers bring unmatched knowledge to enclosure sealing. By combining Rogers’ high-performance materials with Marian’s precision converting capabilities, we deliver custom-engineered solutions that enhance durability, reliability, and performance.
Whether you need expert guidance, high-quality materials, or precision-fabricated components, our partnership ensures your enclosures meet the highest industry standards while optimizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
If you have a specific enclosure challenge and need expert guidance, Marian’s team is ready to help. Contact Marian directly for tailored recommendations and support.
Published on Aug 06, 2025
