As essential tools for ensuring tamper-evidence and traceability in product distribution, secure transport, and warehouse management, security seals have evolved into a diverse range of products tailored to the specific needs of various industries.
While we recognize security seals when we see them, few people are familiar with the specific types available. In reality, there are many common varieties—such as bolt seals, cable seals, and plastic seals. Let’s take a closer look at these common types and their primary applications.
Bolt Seals
Bolt seals are specialized seals designed with pre-cut holes to accommodate bolt-based fastening structures; they serve the dual purpose of sealing and securing components via bolts. Common materials include EPDM rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, and PTFE. They provide dustproofing, waterproofing, sound insulation, and shock absorption, while precise positioning via the bolt holes prevents the seal from shifting or detaching. They are widely used in industrial equipment, logistics and transportation, the automotive industry, and many other sectors.
Cable Seals
Cable seals are critical accessories in industries such as power and telecommunications, ensuring that cables remain hermetically sealed. They protect cables from moisture and oxidation while providing dustproofing, waterproofing, electrical insulation, and corrosion resistance; in some applications, they also offer flame-retardant properties. Notably, they can be tested with a megohmmeter prior to use; compliant products must exhibit an insulation resistance greater than 10 MΩ.
Plastic Seals
Plastic seals are flexible, strip-like sealing components made from thermoplastic materials such as PVC, TPE, or TPV. Their primary function is to fill gaps and provide waterproofing, dustproofing, sound insulation, and shock absorption, making them highly adaptable to a wide range of applications.
There are, in fact, many other types of security seals—such as instrument seals, padlock seals, and barrier seals—though we will not detail them all here. The scope of application for security seals is vast, touching upon virtually every aspect of our daily lives.
