Gaskets, Seals, O-Rings & Elastomer Components worked example

Compression Set Margin at 22% allowed compression set limit: a worked example

This worked example runs the compression set margin numbers for a tougher week than the baseline: 22% allowed compression set limit instead of the typical 30%. Estimate compression set margin for elastomer seals by comparing the allowed compression set limit with the measured or expected compression set value.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Allowed compression set limit: 22 % (the input this scenario stresses; the baseline uses 30)
  • Measured compression set: 22 % (held at the documented default)
  • Compression set reference basis: 100 % (held at the documented default)

Working through the calculation

  • The calculation starts from the formula this tool documents: Compression set margin points = allowed compression set limit - measured compression set.
  • Compression set margin works out to 0 % at these inputs, and this is the headline figure for the scenario.
  • Compression set margin points works out to 0 value at these inputs.
  • Allowed compression set limit works out to 22 value at these inputs.
  • Measured compression set works out to 22 value at these inputs.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where allowed compression set limit sits at 30% and the headline result is 8 %, this scenario comes in 100% below the baseline at 0 %.
  • Use it when qualifying a compound or releasing a lot, to confirm measured set sits safely under the allowed maximum. A result at this level usually justifies acting on the stressed input before touching anything else, because every other figure in the table is downstream of it.

Results at a glance

  • Compression set margin: 0 % (headline result)
  • Compression set margin points: 0 value
  • Allowed compression set limit: 22 value
  • Measured compression set: 22 value

Run it with your numbers

  • To rerun this with your own numbers, open the live Compression Set Margin calculator, set allowed compression set limit to your actual value, and adjust the remaining inputs to match your operation.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.