Axial Seal Retention
Seal retention is often required when applications require a seal to be installed in a vertically oriented or upside down groove. A problem arises when the seal will not stay in the groove prior to the mating hardware compressing it into place. Or, the seal shifts from position in the groove, becoming pinched or damaged when the mating plate compresses the seal. Sometimes the O-ring falls out of the groove during the shipping process.
Sometimes, a bit of interference can be designed between the outer diameter of the O-ring and the outer diameter of the groove. This may create retention, though due to the tolerances on both the O-ring and the groove, the retention will likely be inconsistent.
Some find success using a thick lubricant, such as O-Lube, to act as a temporary glue. Definitely this is a great option if the seal material is compatible and the application temperatures will not break down the lubricant.
Dovetail & Half-Dovetail
A solution for retention with an O-ring is to change from a rectangular groove shape to either a dovetail or a half dovetail.
EZ-Lok Seals
EZ-Lok seals install easily and retain well in standard dovetail grooves.
Diamond Seals & H-Seals
Diamond seals are designed with retention ribs to provide periodic interference with straight-walled grooves.
Friction Fit Spliced Profiles
Spliced profiles are designed and manufactured for proper sealing position held in the groove by friction.