ASTM D6546-15

4.1 When more than one elastomer seal material is tested, the test methods yield comparative data on which to base judgements as to expected service quality. Suggested in-service property change limits are provided. Property changes beyond these limits will indicate limited service life of the elastomer seal.

4.2 These test methods attempt to simulate service conditions through controlled aging and evaluation of property changes but may not give any direct correlations with actual part performance since actual service conditions vary widely. These test methods yield comparative data and indications of property changes of the elastomeric seal material under ideal service conditions. These test methods can be used for quality control purposes, for engineering assessments, for service evaluation, and for manufacturing control. The information from these test methods can be used to anticipate expected service quality.

1.1 These test methods cover the procedure for measuring physical properties of elastomer seals in the form of O-rings after exposure to industrial hydraulic fluids and thermal aging. The measured properties are then compared to the physical properties of elastomer seals that have not been exposed to the industrial hydraulic fluids and thermal aging. The changes in these properties form a basis for assessing compatibility when these changes are compared against the suggested limits in Table 1.

1.2 While these test methods involve the use of O-rings, they can also be used to evaluate the compatibility of the elastomeric compounds of specialty seals with industrial hydraulic fluids and their resistance to thermal aging. The compounds can be molded into O-rings for evaluation purposes.

1.3 These test methods provide procedures for exposing O-ring test specimens to industrial hydraulic fluids under definite conditions of temperature and time. The resulting deterioration of the O-ring material is determined by comparing the changes in work function, hardness, physical properties, compression set, and seal volume after immersion in the test fluid to the pre-immersion values.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.