Storage guidelines for elastomeric materials according to DIN 7716 and ISO 2230

/in , /by

The shelf life of elastic materials is not unlimited. Sometimes we feel the need to keep elastomeric components for a long time to ensure its availability in case of an urgent technical service. 

We highly recommended to follow the storage guidelines in accordance with DIN 7716 for products made of elastomeric materials to make sure that they maintain their initial properties.

Some highlights to follow to achieve the maximum shelf life:

    1. The storage space should be dry, cool, as dust-free as possible.
    2. Temperature should not exceed -10 °C to +15 °C. In any case, the upper limit may not be exceeded of +25 °C. 
    3. The articles must be protected from any source of heat and condensation. The ideal relative humidity is less than 65 %. 
    4. Store your rubber components in hermetically sealed packaging to protect them from UV radiation and ozone. 
    5. Do not store rubber close to flammable and corrosive products such as fuels, lubricants, acids, disinfectants, solvents or other harmful chemicals.

For further details, please read DIN 7716 standard.

These storage guidelines are not exclusive to O-rings since they can also be used for any other products such as hydraulic seals, pneumatic seals or flat gaskets, among other. In the case of products manufactured with additional components, such as metals, it is advisable to check whether the metal is free of rust or any other observable defect.

Storage times for elastic materials are defined by ISO 2230 are as follows:

Classification Initial storage period without technical inspection Extension storage period after technical  inspection
Group A 5 years 2 years
Group B 7 years 3 years
Group C 10 years 5 years

Group A of elastomers: BR; NR; IR; SBR; AU and EU.
Group B of elastomers: NBR; H-NBR; X-NBR; IIR; BIIR; CIIR; CR; ACM; CO and ECO.
Group C of elastomers: CM; CSM; EPM; EPDM; FKM; FFKM; Q; FQM; PMQ; PVMQ; MQ and VMQ.

Some considerations for the storage of elastomeric materials

The storage period of elastic materials can be extended after the time indicated in the table above if the product is subjected to a proper inspection. Similarly, the life of an elastomer material may be shorted before the stated storage times expire if stored incorrectly. In this sense, we refer to the recommendations of DIN 7716.

All these values should be taken with the utmost caution. Elastic materials derived from rubber (elastomers) need to have their optimum quality properties. This is especially relevant if they are to be used under harsh conditions, such as with aggressive chemicals, in demanding applications, in high or low temperature environments or under high pressures or vacuum systems.