2.2.5.4 Sealing of the Joint or Assembly
For an assembly to perform effectively, sealing can be critical. Sealing means keeping the environment or media on one side of an assembly and out of the joint. This is important in some situations, as atmospheric moisture can lead to water ingress between joining surfaces and induce corrosion. Keeping fluids inside or outside of an assembly can be a critical requirement for an application, e.g. water storage tanks, filter housings, shipping containers, rail carriages and medical devices. Joining methods such as welding, bonding and brazing are preferred where sealing is required. Fasteners and rivets can be selected if sealing is not a priority.