Oven seals are a critical component of commercial ovens which ensures that heat is contained within the designated heating space, and prevents the uncontrolled release of volatiles and heated products into the surrounding workspace. Common to laboratory, industrial and commercial ovens is a need to reach high temperatures, often above 200 °C. Thus, it is critical that the sealing material selected can withstand such high temperatures for extended periods of time to avoid sealing failure.  

Of the available elastomeric materials suitable to form seals, silicone rubber is widely regarded for its exceptional heat resistance and low flammability. Typically, silicone rubber can withstand working temperatures up to 250 °C, and does not exhibit autoignition until temperatures above 450 °C. This working temperature range can also be increased up to 300 °C, with select use of heat resistant additives. In addition to these properties, silicone is widely regarded as an excellent sealing material due to its low compression set and ability to be manufactured in a variety of different hardnesses, typically between 20-90 ShA. These mechanical properties allow silicone to be used in low sealing pressure applications and retain its sealing ability over extended periods of time.  

Another substantial benefit of using silicone rubber as oven sealing materials is its FDA food safe compliance under FDA 21 CFR 177.2600. Food-grade silicone does not contain harmful volatile organic compounds, and is widely used as a clean, byproduct free alternative to organic and other synthetic rubber compounds, which makes it a popular choice among food processing industries. 

At Jehbco oven seals can be manufactured in simple premade designs or in custom manufactured profiles to perfectly fit the dimensions and seal groove designs of newer prototypes. Jehbco also uniquely specializes in food-grade heat resistant additives that allow seals to be used in up to 300 °C environments while maintaining its food grade compliance. Please contact us through the Jehbco website for more information on oven seals and our high temperature resistant silicone extrusions.