Expert Witness
Smithers is one of the largest independent investigators of failed plastic and rubber products and components. Our highly qualified and experienced team provides support across every stage of a dispute.
Seal failure is rarely the result of a single factor. It often arises from a combination of stresses and conditions that require deep expertise to diagnose and prevent.
How Smithers Can Help
Our experts can:- Identify the root cause of seal, gasket, or o-ring failure
- Act as expert witnesses in dispute and litigation cases
- Recommend corrective actions to prevent repeat issues
- Provide specifications to strengthen future performance
- Advise on design improvements and material optimization
Common Causes of Seal Failure
Seal and gasket issues often stem from a mix of factors. The most frequent weaknesses include:- Incorrect material selection
- Poorly specified applications
- Excessive physical or thermal stress
- Chemical attack due to inadequate chemical resistance
How to Prevent Seal Failure
Prevention starts with the right choices at the design stage. For example, if a seal lacks the correct chemical resistance properties for the end-use environment - accelerated aging and degradation in performance can develop very quickly. Smithers helps clients:- Specify seals accurately for their intended application
- Select materials with the right chemical resistance
- Understand operating environments, fluid interactions, and stress conditions
- Predict service life and optimize design for durability