<![CDATA[Uniform heat distribution during the post cure process is essential for maintaining the dimensional stability and mechanical properties of automotive rubber products. The damper configuration in a post cure oven influences air circulation, which may affect the quality of cured O-rings. This study aimed to compare the effects of Half-Open and Full-Open damper configurations on O-ring quality characteristics, including Inner Diameter (ID), Thickness, and Hardness. An experimental comparative design was employed using 60 O-ring specimens, consisting of 30 specimens for each damper configuration. Product characteristics were measured using a digital vernier caliper, dial thickness gauge, and Shore A durometer. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Shapiro–Wilk normality test, Levene's test, independent sample t-test, and process capability analysis (Cp and Cpk). The results showed that both damper configurations produced O-rings within the specified quality limits. Independent sample t-tests revealed no statistically significant differences in Inner Diameter (p = 0.116), Thickness (p = 0.195), or Hardness (p = 0.147). However, the Half-Open configuration exhibited lower process variation and higher Cp and Cpk values, indicating superior process consistency compared with the Full-Open configuration. These findings suggest that the Half-Open damper configuration is preferable for improving process stability and maintaining consistent product quality during the post cure process in automotive rubber manufacturing.]]>
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