Protecting Seals and O-Rings is Critical to Your Robot’s Longevity

In industrial robotics, seals and O-rings play a crucial role in ensuring smooth and reliable operation. They prevent leaks and keep external metalworking fluids out of robot cavities, so it is critical to protect these components.

However, some corrosion inhibitors found in ferrous-based coolants and lubricants contain amines, which can significantly damage these rubber components. Constituents such as monoethanolamine and triethanolamine are examples of corrosive inhibitors. It is important to review the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) to see if these inhibitors are present in the coolant or lubricant so you can take the necessary steps to protect your seals and O-rings.

Why Protection is Important

Once exposed to amines, the rubber in seals and O-rings undergoes chemical changes that weaken its physical properties. These changes involve the breakdown of sulfur cross-links within vulcanized rubber, which is essential for maintaining elasticity and strength. As a result, the rubber can swell, soften, and lose its mechanical integrity, eventually causing them to fail.

Even at relatively dilute concentrations, amines can cause the rubber's long molecular chains to break into shorter segments. This process, known as chain scission, severely reduces the rubber's tensile strength and stretchability, making it far less effective as a sealing material. For industrial robots, this degradation can lead to significant operational problems. The compromised seals and O-rings may no longer provide an adequate barrier against fluids and cell contaminants, leading to leaks that can damage sensitive components or cause bearing failures. Coolant seepage into a robot’s gearbox or bearing will dilute and compromise oils and greases. This jeopardizes the robot's reliability, potentially resulting in costly downtime and unexpected maintenance demands.

Images Courtesy of Cross Company Greensboro, NC.

Moreover, the presence of amines can speed up the aging process of rubber seals and O-rings in industrial robots. Amines can act as catalysts for oxidative degradation, promoting the formation of free radicals that further deteriorate the rubber's structure. This accelerated aging manifests as hardening, cracking, and loss of flexibility, which are detrimental to the performance of sealing components. The same can be said for some rubber and plastic-based electrical cable coatings. For industrial robots operating in environments where amine-containing substances are common, this means a shorter lifespan for their seals and O-rings, leading to more frequent replacements and higher maintenance costs.

Communication with Your OEM and/or Integrator is Critical

While the specific coolant or lubricant needed may not be known during robot selection, open dialogue with the robotic OEM or integrator is critical. For example, if it is understood that the robot's primary function will be tending a CNC machine working with ferrous metals, a preliminary survey of available coolants and lubricants can identify any amine content.

To ensure the longevity and efficiency of robotic systems and to determine if a protective robot cover is needed, it is crucial to consider the compatibility of rubber materials with amine-containing chemicals.

The Right Robotic Cover Will Protect Your Investment

A Roboworld Robosuit® is designed to provide comprehensive protection for industrial robots in harsh environments, including those where amine-containing chemicals are present. A Robosuit® will provide:

  1. Chemical Resistance: Roboworld Robosuits® are made from materials specifically engineered to resist chemical exposure. These suits provide a barrier, preventing amine-containing substances from directly contacting the robot’s seals, O-rings, and other critical components. This reduces the likelihood of chemical degradation and prolongs the life of the rubber parts.
  2. Physical Protection: In addition to being chemical resistant, the Robosuit® offers physical protection from other environmental factors, such as dust, debris, and abrasive particles. This helps maintain the robot's operational integrity in various challenging conditions.
  3. Thermal Stability: Many Robosuits® are also designed to provide thermal protection, which can be crucial in environments where temperature fluctuations could exacerbate the chemical reactions between amines and rubber. The suit helps mitigate additional stress on the seals and O-rings by maintaining a more stable internal temperature.
  4. Custom Fit and Coverage: Robosuits® are custom-fitted to the specific robot model, ensuring that all vulnerable parts are adequately covered without impeding the robot’s functionality.
  5. Extended Maintenance Intervals: By providing robust protection, a Robosuit® can significantly extend the intervals between required maintenance checks and part replacements. This reduces downtime and lowers the overall maintenance costs associated with operating industrial robots in harsh chemical environments.

Robosuit® Image Copyright Roboworld® 2024.

A Roboworld Robosuit® is a crucial protective layer for industrial robots, shielding them from the damaging effects of amine-containing chemicals and other environmental hazards. This helps ensure the reliability and longevity of the robots’ seals and O-rings, maintaining their performance and reducing maintenance costs.