ARPM releases updated sealing OS-3 sealing standard

Indianapolis, IN – ARPM announced the newly updated sealing standard, OS-3. This publication presents the fundamental requirements of rubber microhardness measurement procedures necessary to obtain uniform results. The purpose of this publication is to present the fundamental requirements of rubber microhardness measurement procedures necessary to obtain uniform results.

Greg Vassmer, ARPM technical coordinator for dynamic seals explains, “The hardness of small components (microhardness) is difficult to measure but necessary to ensure that a component meets performance requirements. Microhardness measuring devices developed in recent years have improved the accuracy of the equipment, but operator skill and technique are still critical. ARPM has now updated its OS-3 guideline, the only place a supplier or user of rubber seals can go to get an industry approved understanding of how to apply these microhardness devices to the small and many times odd-shaped components molded from rubber. In the guideline are discussed the operating principles, specimen preparation, test settings and the sources of variation for the resulting measurements. If you are training a new operator, working to understand measurement variation or need to standardize measurement methods, OS-3 is the place to start.”

ARPM members access this and other publications for free with their membership. Non-members can find this publication and other industry standards at arpminc.com/publications.