Industrial foam tapes have gained a lot of traction in the automotive assembly, overtaking screws, welds and rivets and other fasteners used to bring together components. The reason for this evolution is clear: Acrylic foam tape delivers a bond that lasts the life of the vehicle, while enhancing design aesthetics and improving the ease of installation. In the following, we’ll cover the benefits of these acrylic foam tapes and top products for automotive applications.

3M^™ Acrylic Foam Tapes for Automotive: The Benefits

3M^™ acrylic foam tape was a game changer for the automotive industry for transforming the performance and production efficiency of joining two components.

With no welding or machining required, acrylic foam tape saves on skilled labor. The absence of metal screws makes components lighter, which is favorable for fuel efficiency, and reduces noise. Paired with the sound absorbing core, acrylic foam tapes provide a quieter, more pleasant ride for the end user.

Another advantage of using 3M^™ acrylic foam tape is how it improves the appearance of automotive components with a smoother, streamlined aerodynamic design. There’s no drilling into painted or clear coat surfaces, which in turn reduces the appearance of rust in the long term.

Properties of 3M^™ Acrylic Foam Tapes for Automotive Applications

The mechanical properties of Acrylic Foam Tapes by 3M^™ make it a durable, reliable option for automotive applications. Acrylic adhesive resists degradation from exposure to weather, including temperature fluctuations, UV rays and moisture during the life of the product.

Its foam core is designed to dissipate forces when exposed to high stress load.

This product is also industry approved. Since 1978, 3M^™ acrylic foam tapes have met product and design engineering requirements for automotive applications.

Top Applications of 3M^™ Acrylic Foam Tape

• Attaching trim parts
• Bonding seals throughout the car body
• Door and window seals
• Door cladding and inlay
• Roof rails
• Spoiler
• Rocker panel / body side molding
• Parking sensor retainers

Selected 3M^™ Acrylic Foam Tapes

3M^™ Acrylic Plus Tape Series PT1000: This black, double-coated acrylic foam is designed to attach automotive exterior trim parts, including claddings and body side moldings. Some of its properties include high conformability with a high-strength core with low elongation properties and cold-temperature impact resistance.

3M^™ Acrylic Foam Tape GT7100: Commonly used for attaching emblems, nameplates, moldings, step pads and other automotive trims. When applied to traditional paints, this gray, acrylic foam tape has excellent adhesion. It demonstrates excellent conformability and wet out on a range of automotive applications. It maintains adhesion through shrinkage and elongation caused by temperature changes, while simultaneously maintaining good stress relaxation properties. Provides very good final adhesion and peel strength and performs well in a wide range of weather, solvent and temperature exposures.

3M^™ Acrylic Foam Tape RT8000: Developed specifically for attaching trim and other exterior parts. Its acrylic adhesive formula is designed to provide excellent adhesion to traditional auto paint as well as advanced paint systems. It’s strong enough to support heavier parts, including spoilers and claddings, while providing stress relaxation during exposure to high loads.

Automotive Acrylic Tape Solutions from SRP

Find the solutions for any automotive design with SRP’s extensive design knowledge, reinforced with our longtime partnership with 3M^™. As a 3M^™ preferred converter, we have access to 3M^™ technical support with specialists in every industry, so we can pinpoint the solution for even the most complex and challenging design.

Send us your CAD file and project requirements to get a prompt and hassle-free quote. Contact us today.

When choosing a custom converter for mass production of gaskets, it is essential to delve deeper and understand their competencies and business practices.

In today’s competitive market, striking the right balance between value and quality is crucial. When choosing a custom converter for mass production of gaskets, it is essential to delve deeper and understand their competencies and business practices. By examining certain key areas, exceptional converters can deliver exceptional value through efficiency. At SRP, these areas of focus have allowed us to provide outstanding results for our customers.

Materials Selection

Material selection is a critical aspect where an experienced custom converter can save you time. We can pinpoint the precise pressure-sensitive adhesive and foam material for the job — the one that performs best for the application, while enhancing the durability, functionality and quality of the end product. Look for converters with preferred partnerships with multiple suppliers, demonstrating a high level of expertise with their products. At SRP, our longstanding partnerships with top brands like 3M^™ reflect the trust and confidence they have in our ability to represent their brand effectively.

Testing

Testing and prototyping are essential steps in the process, and a converter’s approach should facilitate rather than hinder these stages. Understanding the converter’s prototyping process, machining capabilities, and timelines for producing and shipping samples is vital to ensure a smooth and efficient development process.

Tolerance

Making the right call on the tolerance range of your part is essential to managing your costs. Whenever you die-cut foam and sponge material, some variability in the dimensions is expected between parts. The reason is when the machine cuts into the flexible material, it causes material compression, deflection and concavity. When you’re calculating specifications for soft components, you’ll want to adopt a tolerance range that’s probably wider than what you would normally choose for a hard component. But a skilled custom converter can calculate the optimal tolerance range for your gasket. This results in higher volumes of high-quality parts while minimizing material waste and production time.

Machining

Efficiency is at the core of lean manufacturing practices. Selecting the right machining process for specific materials is key. Different foams and sponges used in gasketing require tailored approaches to achieve the desired outcomes. By designing a production plan centered around efficiency, quality and waste reduction, a custom converter can help you optimize costs without compromising on the final product.

Communication

Effective communication and collaboration are fundamental to successful partnerships. At SRP, our independent structure allows us to prioritize clear communication, ensuring fast and reliable responses at every stage of your project. With a single focus on creating exceptional parts from flexible materials, we eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, providing you with a seamless experience. When you call us at any stage of your project — quote, update, order change, problem-solving — you’ll always have access to fast answers.

When you partner with an exceptional converter like SRP, you can achieve exceptional value through efficiency. From start to finish, we’ll help you achieve high-quality results while optimizing costs so you can deliver the best possible product for your customers. Contact us today!

In the world of flexible material cutting, the choice between kiss cutting and die cutting can significantly impact the outcome of a project.

In the world of flexible material cutting, the choice between kiss cutting and die cutting can significantly impact the outcome of a project. Tolerance requirements, the efficiency of the method and material considerations all play a pivotal role in determining the most suitable method for machining custom parts from your chosen material.

In the following, we’ll outline the differences between kiss cutting and die cutting, along with some of the core factors that inform which machining method we choose for your part.

Kiss Cutting vs. Die Cutting: What’s the difference?

Die cutting is a term that’s often used to describe machining custom shapes from a material. The most common method uses a sharp steel die to cut shapes from the layers of foil, film, foam and adhesive. Kiss cutting is one of several die-cutting methods, and it’s often used to create a roll or sheet of peel-and-stick gaskets on a release liner.

Die Cutting

• Die cutting is a term that’s sometimes used interchangeably with through-cuts, which is when the die punctures through all layers of material, and meets the metal anvil.
• Flatbed die cutting is the most standard and oldest method for cutting identical shapes out of rolls and sheets of foam, tape and other flexible material.
• Much like a cookie cutter, the sharp-edged die or a steel rule is pressed directly into the material using a hydraulic press until it meets the metal anvil on the other side.
• After cutting, the part is completely separated from the remaining matrix, or waste material.

Kiss Cutting

• The counterpart to through-cuts, as the die does not pass through all layers of materials.
• The die is calibrated to end the cut at the very top layer of material that needs to remain uncut. For most kiss cuts, the uncut material would be the release liner. Once the cut is made, the matrix, or waste material, is cleared away, leaving the shapes on a liner.
• The most common machine method for kiss cutting is a rotary die press. But kiss cuts can also be achieved with a software-guided laser cutter, where the beam cuts down into the specified depth of the material.

Other considerations when choosing between die cutting and kiss cutting

There’s no one cutting method that suits every job. That’s why we plan production around what achieves the highest quality at the best value to you. Here are just some of the top considerations that factor into the decision of which machining method is best to produce your part.

Tolerance Requirements and Material Considerations

For parts that require a tailor fit with little deviation, flatbed die cutting will achieve the most precise dimensions with sharper edges, as the cuts are performed straight into the material.

Rotary die cuts made with a cylindrical die are less suited for thicker foams and sponge materials, particularly for jobs with narrow tolerance requirements. In these instances, flatbed die cutting can provide an alternative that produces the results you’re looking for. However, for thinner materials, rotary die cutting and laser cutting can yield tight tolerances.

Which Method Is Most Efficient?

Rotary die cutting can produce a higher output in less time than flatbed diet cutting, whether used to make kiss cuts or through cuts. (Rotary die cutting is capable of achieving both.) As the cylindrical die rolls over the material, it’s constantly producing shapes, making it ideal for high-volume jobs.

When used for making kiss cuts, rotary die cutting is a method that also makes assembly more efficient. When the gaskets and other types of adhesive-backed parts are presented on a release liner — whether on a sheet or a roll — the parts are easy to remove, easier to handle and require no sorting.

Flatbed die cutting, on the other hand, is more ideal for through cuts and kiss cutting thicker materials. It offers a rapid changeover, but the machining is slower than the rotary method as the hydraulic press stamps out one shape at a time.

When done well, kiss cutting is highly efficient and keeps material waste to a minimum. However, kiss cutting requires highly skilled machinists and ongoing monitoring for quality control and to make sure the die is achieving those precise cuts. Otherwise, cuts that are too shallow can ruin the parts on the liner.

By understanding these differences and considering the specific needs of each job, it’s important to make informed decisions that lead to the best quality results. With the guidance of experienced converters like SRP, achieving precision and efficiency in shaping flexible materials becomes a reality. Contact us today to discuss your latest project!

At SRP, we understand the significance of selecting the best-performing materials for fabricating custom gaskets and seals for EV battery systems.

The transportation industry is on the cusp of a major evolution, with electric vehicles (EVs) leading the way. As the market continues to accelerate, the choice of gasket and sealing materials becomes increasingly critical. We’ll explore the reasons behind the shift from internal combustion engines to lithium-ion-powered cars and delve into the essential role gaskets and seals play in ensuring the performance and safety of EV battery systems.

The growth of the electric vehicle market

To set the stage, let’s consider the remarkable growth of the electric vehicle market. As of October 2022, there were 1.9 million EVs in operation in the United States, accounting for 0.7% of the total 281 million vehicles on the road. Projections by S&P Global Mobility suggest that by 2030, four out of every ten vehicles on the road will be electric.

This surge can be attributed to various factors, including government incentives, expanding battery manufacturing capacities, increased consumer demand for eco-friendly options and the declining costs of lithium-ion batteries.

The importance of battery performance and safety

With the future of transportation at stake, ensuring the success of EVs is paramount. Battery performance and safety are pivotal factors in achieving this success by preventing thermal runaway, achieving consistent and reliable battery range, and maintaining charging performance. EV battery systems must withstand demanding conditions, requiring rugged gaskets and seals that protect against temperature extremes, UV exposure, wind, moisture ingress and sudden impacts.

Key performance criteria for gaskets and seals in EV vehicles

To meet the performance and safety requirements of EV battery systems, gaskets and seals must excel in several areas. These criteria include:

• Vibration absorption
• Isolation of extreme heat or fire incidents
• Optimization of overall performance
• Protection against temperature impact and environmental ingress
• Thermal insulation for heat-sensitive components
• Fire protection and shielding against EMI interference
• Compression set resistance throughout the product’s lifespan

SRP: Your Trusted Resource for Custom Gaskets and Seals

At SRP, we understand the significance of selecting the best-performing materials for fabricating custom gaskets and seals for EV battery systems. Through our preferred partnerships with top brands of adhesives, films and elastomeric materials, we ensure the highest quality die-cut components. Our experienced team can fabricate these materials to your exact specifications and deliver them directly to you.

Applications of gaskets and seals in EV batteries

We provide a range of die-cut solutions for gasket and sealing applications for EV batteries, including:

• Battery packs
• Sealing for battery modules
• Battery covers
• Venting caps
• Cooling plate and liquid delivery system
• Battery cells
• Terminal isolation

Gaskets and seals play a pivotal role in meeting the performance and safety requirements of EV battery systems. By selecting the right materials for your components and die-cutting them to your exact specifications, we can help ensure the longevity, reliability and efficiency of EV battery systems. To learn more about our offerings and how we can enhance your EV battery systems, contact the experienced team at SRP.

Streamline the decision-making process by consulting with the experts who are equipped to identify the best VHB^™ foam tape for your application.

VHB^™ foam tape elevates design and function for a plethora of products. That’s why a wide cross section of industries, including consumer electronics, medical devices, commercial vehicle manufacturing and architecture, have recognized the multiple advantages of VHB^™ tape for its enhancements to product design, ease of assembly and long service life.

Because VHB^™ is designed to take the place of screws and rivets, choosing the right 3M^™ VHB^™ foam tape product is a critical step in the design process. With multiple VHB^™ foam tapes in the 3M^™ lineup, a product designer can easily get caught in a rabbit hole of technical sheets and analysis.

Streamline the decision-making process by consulting with the experts who are equipped to identify the best VHB^™ foam tape for your application. SRP is a longtime custom converter of VHB^™ tape, and our engineers and product experts have the knowledge and training around these adhesives to help you make informed selections.

Why VHB^™ tape?

VHB^™ tape is one of the most remarkable products to emerge from the 3M^™ line of adhesives. In 1980, 3M^™ Company introduced an acrylic foam tape capable of joining dissimilar materials and holding them securely in demanding and changing conditions. The name was descriptive and simple: Very High Bond, or VHB^™ for short.

Today, the value of VHB^™ remains strong, providing a high-performance bond that’s durable enough to replace traditional fasteners, like screws, rivets and welds.

Benefits of VHB^™ tape

• Maintains strength and reliability for the life of the product
• Withstands UV light, moisture, solvents, high and low temperatures, and temperature cycling
• Lightweight and bonds instantly
• Absorbs shock and dampens vibration
• Forms a secure bond between dissimilar materials

[Download our eBook: Custom die-cut solutions for electronics and appliances with 3M^™ VHB^™ tape]

SRP and 3M^™ VHB: Your solution for high-performance bonding

When your product design is down to choosing and acquiring the best VHB^™ product, SRP’s full-service custom converting capabilities have you covered, from final VHB^™ tape selection to prototyping to fabrication. Here’s an overview of the services and value we offer.

Expert tape selection

Product selection of your VHB^™ tape requires analysis to ensure a fail-safe bond, and that’s where SRP’s expertise and problem-solving abilities come in.

SRP is a longtime 3M^™ Preferred Partner. Not only does our partnership enable us to source VHB^™ directly from 3M^™ at the best prices, but it’s built our unmatched expertise across the VHB^™ product line. Over the decades, we’ve developed an extensive knowledge base of VHB^™ tapes and how they’re designed to perform in multiple applications.

During the selection process, we’re fully equipped to provide data-driven guidance on the best products for your design. But we’re also one step away from the source of the solution, allowing us to work directly with top product experts at 3M^™ to find the answers.

Fabrication and formatting

SRP will design a process to fabricate your VHB^™ to create the exact part you need, in a format that’s ready for assembly.

Slitting: Cut rolls of VHB^™ into custom widths with the option to slice into custom-length strips for ease of fastening panels, trim, sign and lighting components as well as attaching windows to housing.

Laminating: Create a custom product by layering VHB^™ with other materials needed for assembly and fastening for electronics and appliances.

Die cutting: Cut VHB^™ adhesive into unique shapes at high repeatability that conform to your most stringent tolerance requirements. Rotary die cutting offers the option to kiss-cut VHB^™ tape to a liner for a peel-and-stick option, which we can format on a roll or with tabs for ease of handling and assembly.

Our years of experience from converting VHB^™ is a value add for you, because we’ll draw on our successes to meet and exceed your expectations. [Introduce and hyperlink to the medical device VHB^™ study]

Prototyping

Need a test product? We offer flexible prototyping options before you commit to a final design and product selection. Our prototypes are manufactured in-house and we’ll ship them right to your door.

VHB^™ solutions from SRP

When your design calls for the bonding power of VHB^™, draw on the expertise of SRP. From expert analysis to fabrication solutions, our custom converting services will bring your product over the finish line.

Send us your CAD file and project requirements to get a prompt and hassle-free quote. Contact us today.

Neoprene is a material that can be found in a variety of industries and applications due to its versatility. It is especially common when it comes to custom gaskets and pressure-sensitive seals. In a previous article, we covered the different types and applications of neoprene gaskets, and now we will expand on why neoprene is classified as such a superior gasket material.

Solid Neoprene Vs. Neoprene Sponge

The first order of business when understanding neoprene and its applications is to differentiate between solid neoprene and neoprene sponge.

Solid neoprene is, as one can imagine, much more dense and compact than neoprene sponge. This increased density results in a form of neoprene that is more resistant to tears and cannot be compressed as easily, which results in a higher level of durability. Solid neoprene is a good option for use in applications that necessitate a higher level of strength or an increased rate of wear and tear.

Neoprene sponge is a foam-like version of neoprene, and the type of neoprene we specialize in here at SRP. This variation is much softer and easily compressible, making it a perfect option for uses in gaskets or seals that necessitate a complete seal. In addition to its sealing properties, neoprene sponge also excels at vibration and sound insulation.

Multiple resistances

Whether a project calls for solid neoprene or neoprene sponge, one of the biggest advantages of using neoprene is the material’s natural resistance to many different variables that the gasket may experience. Both forms exhibit very similar properties with only slight variations, which we will explore below.

Weather

Neoprene is extremely suitable for outdoor environments due to the material’s low oxidation rate. This means, of course, that water and other non-toxic liquids have very little effect on the material’s degradation in the long run.

In addition to water resistance, neoprene is also a high-rated material in its defense against sunlight and UV damage. In terms of pure temperature, neoprene can withstand temperatures as low as -50F and as high as 275F. While it is best to not push the material to its extremes, this temperature range shows that neoprene is an extremely versatile material for nearly any outdoor condition imaginable.

Compression

In addition to being extremely durable and tear-resistant, neoprene rubber performs very well under compression. Its natural elasticity makes it a perfect option as a gasket that experiences or will experience moving parts or compression forces.

Solid neoprene and neoprene sponge have slightly different compression rates, with solid neoprene being less compressible and neoprene sponge being more compressible. Therefore, if compression rate is a crucial variable to your application, it is important to make the distinction.

Chemical and oil

Neoprene naturally defects petroleum-based substances such as various oils and greases, and can even stand up against certain mixtures that include alcohol and different mixtures on the extreme ends of the PH scale.

Cushioning and protection

Expanding further on neoprene’s compression resistance, the material can easily be customized to fit perfectly between the needed components, and provides an extremely tight yet flexible seal. Usually, neoprene comes in at 40-80 on the durometer scale, meaning it is a great option to withstand compression forces and avoid any potential leaks or operational failures.

Once again, this is where solid neoprene and neoprene sponge differ slightly, with solid neoprene being less compressible.

We can help

Neoprene is a great option for gaskets due to its multiple resistances, the cushioning and protection it provides, the lightweight properties, and ease of use and installation.

At Standard Rubber Products Co. (SRP), we custom design gaskets and seals using a variety of materials for customers in many industries. We’re proud to say we’ve been serving our customers for more than 70 years. We work with a variety of industries: electronics, industrial, automotive, medical, HVAC, lighting, aviation, aerospace, furniture and more.

Our dedicated team of engineers is ready to assist you with your next project and provide you with the expertise and quality materials for parts and components that meet your exact specifications.

SRP is also a 3M^™ Preferred Converter. When you’re looking for the best peel-and-stick backing for your custom die-cut neoprene gasket, our unmatched technical expertise will guide you to the best choice.

Contact us today and let our experts guide you to your custom gasket solution.

At SRP, our processes are built on quality and efficiency. Through our design review, intelligent solutions for your toughest challenges and efficient design for manufacturing, you get top-quality gaskets at the best value.

In the following, we’ll show you how SRP meets these objectives from start to finish.

Step 1. CAD file review

All projects begin with reviewing your design in a CAD file. After reviewing your inputs – dimensions and specifications – we’ll determine if we have everything needed to proceed with the project. Our team can convert your design into one of our desired formats. SRP also provides in-house design adjustments as part of our services, so if something changes along the way, we have it covered.

SRP preferred CAD formats: DXF, PDF, DWG, STEP

Step 2. Material Selection

SRP is your trusted resource for identifying the best materials for the job. Our decades of experience and up-to-date technical training with top brands means you don’t have to worry about wasting money and material on gaskets that won’t work.

• Solutions: Can’t find what you need? When you’re faced with tight supplies, proprietary products and out-of-production materials, SRP will search for alternative materials that meet the performance standards.
• Value: The SRP team is skilled at flagging over-spec’d projects and recommending more economic options. As an independent business, we get it: finding cost savings can make a big difference for your profits.

Read: Acrylic vs. silicone thermal gap pads: Are you over spec’d?

Step 3. Design for manufacturing

In our design for manufacturing your gasket, we’re working to identify the fabrication process that gets the highest yield of usable gaskets at the lowest cost. We consider multiple factors: design, materials, volume, specifications, production speed and format.

Tolerance review: At this stage, we may flag the tolerance requirements to protect your yields and costs. Because all too often, a design comes in the door with the tight requirements you’d expect for a metal fabrication project. However, rubber and foam gaskets can often get by with looser requirements that account for the stretching and movement during production. We’ll work with you to find a tolerance range that suits the material and stays inside your quality requirements.

Read: Mind the tolerance: The less obvious way to save time and money on custom gaskets

Step 4. Material acquisition

SRP has preferred partnerships with the industry’s top brands of adhesive, foams, rubber and silicone including 3M^™ and Rogers Corporation. You can count on the quality because we source everything directly from the manufacturer. Our partnership allows us to provide you with multiple advantages, including priority delivery and the best prices.

Step 5. Fabrication

SRP is an independent business with a focus on making quality projects for our customers. We’re always looking for tech updates and process changes to boost efficiency. When you call us for updates and adjustments, you can get answers immediately because SRP keeps everything in-house.

Step 6. Shipping

Once your order is finished, we’ll package and ship it to your requirements. If you have special requests for packaging and labeling, all you have to do is ask.

Problem solving, top quality and value: That’s the SRP way

SRP has created a frictionless process to making gaskets that’s focused on finding solutions and maximizing value.

Get started on your custom gasket and request a quote today.

When deciding on a custom gasket for your product, there are a number of factors that must be examined before placing an order. Any misstep in the design and consideration process, no matter how small, can result in severe problems and even system failures down the line.

To ensure a proper seal that stands up to any condition, a technical review of your chosen material is critical before making the final selection.

Below, we’ll dive into five key considerations for your custom gasket materials, and why they matter.

5 Variables to Consider Before Choosing a Gasket Material

It boils down to thinking about how the gasket will be used and the conditions it needs to stand up to.

1. Temperature

Temperature is one of the most important factors to consider when deciding on a custom gasket. There are two main areas to focus on. First, factor in both the internal and external temperatures the gasket will be experiencing. This, of course, not only includes things like the weather and any outdoor temperature extremes, but also the internal temperature and makeup of the device itself. What the gasket is keeping in or out, in other words.

Next, let your temperature findings guide you on what type of material the gasket will be made of. There are materials on the market that have a limited temperature range, or only excel on the high or low end of the temperature spectrum. Making sure you pick a gasket material that covers the entire temperature range it will be exposed to is crucial.

2. Environment

Factoring in environmental stressors does include temperature, but there are more noteworthy variables than just heat and cold. Some of the most important to be aware of are:

• Chemical resistance: Think about the fluids that the gasket will be holding in. Are they corrosive or toxic? Are there any external chemical risks? These factors can drastically impact the longevity of the gasket.
• UV: Consistent exposure to UV rays can quickly compromise a gasket.
• Moisture: Moisture from either internal or external sources can cause some gasket materials to corrode and deteriorate.
• Function: Will the gasket be static throughout its lifetime? Or will it be exposed to movement and/or vibration?

3. Compression set

Compression set refers to a gasket’s ability to return to form after being exposed to a high compressional force. This is a crucial variable because, over time, gaskets that are exposed to force and have a minimal ability to return to form (otherwise referred to as a high compression set) can result in gaps or leaks.

If your gasket will be exposed to compressional force, considering gasket materials that can easily return to form (or, those with a low compression set) is an important variable to reduce the possibility of operational failure.

4. Durometer

Simply put, the durometer reading is used to determine the hardness or softness of a given gasket. This number goes hand in hand with compression set, because the softer the material is, the higher compression set it has, and vice versa.

The durometer scale is referred to as a “shore” number, and ranges on a scale from 0-100. Softer gasket materials will register closer to “0”, while harder materials will register closer to “100”.

It is important to pick a gasket material that is soft enough to adequately create a seal between two joints, yet hard enough to be minimally affected by compressional force.

5. Industry and product standards

No matter what industry you are working in — be it automotive, aerospace, military, pharmaceutical or otherwise — there are standards and requirements for the material of your gasket. Making sure you decide on a gasket that adequately fits your project needs, while also remaining in compliance with your industry, can be a tricky process.

Let the experts at SRP guide you toward the perfect gasket solution for your business. With over 70 years of experience, we will work with you to custom fabricate a gasket that fits your needs.

Adhesives can quite literally be the glue that holds operations together. Whether it’s tape, glue or a spray, adhesives can be found in nearly every industry due to their bonding strength and flexibility for numerous uses.

In the context of gaskets, using adhesives can prolong the life of the gasket and increase the effectiveness of the system as a whole. Recently, we wrote about The Top 5 Considerations For Custom Gasket Materials. Considerations for selecting the right adhesives for these gaskets follow much of the same thought process. Five considerations when choosing adhesives for custom gaskets, and why they matter.

1. Temperature

One of the first considerations to think about in selecting an adhesive for custom gaskets is to establish the temperature range it will be exposed to. There are two different aspects to focus on.

First, it is important to think about both the external and internal temperatures the adhesive will be experiencing on a day-to-day basis. This would include any potential outdoor weather extremes, as well as the internal temperature of what the adhesive, and by extension, the gasket, is keeping in.

Once that has been established, it is time to turn your attention to what type of adhesive you intend to use, and more specifically, what it is made of. There are a number of effective industrial adhesives on the market, but not all of them boast the same temperature tolerances. Selecting an adhesive that is effective for the entire potential temperature range it will be exposed to is crucial for your application.

2. Surface and substrate condition

To select a proper adhesive, considerations need to be made on the different substrates that will be attached to each other.

The first step is to analyze the properties of the substrate that may affect adhesion. Substrates can be rigid, flexible, smooth, coated with a certain chemical or material, and everything in between. These variables can all influence how well the adhesive performs.

Next, it’s important to account for the type of substrate itself. Metals, coppers, foams, polycarbonates, and a host of other materials can all be found in or around a gasket, so picking an adhesive that performs well with the surrounding materials it will encounter is an important aspect.

3. Method of application

Determining exactly how the adhesive will be applied to the custom gasket system can easily narrow down viable adhesive options.

If the adhesive will be applied by hand, there can be roadblocks to certain methods of application. Would it be feasible to use tape? Maybe a spray or glue is more practical? If the adhesive will be applied by an automatic process, maybe there is only a handful of feasible adhesive options during production.

Coming to terms with how the adhesive will be applied can narrow down choices based on practicality and ease of use alone.

4. Environment

Going almost hand-in-hand with temperature considerations when choosing a gasket adhesive are the environmental factors. Some of the most important to be aware of are:

• Chemical resistance: There is a possibility that the adhesives used in a gasket system could be exposed to the fluids or chemicals that the gasket will be holding in. Are they corrosive or toxic? Certain chemical resistances should be factored in when deciding on a proper adhesive if there is potential for exposure.
• UV: Consistent exposure to UV rays can easily compromise any exposed adhesives that do not have adequate UV resistance.
• Moisture: Moisture from either internal or external sources can come in contact with adhesives in a gasket system and could potentially compromise the seal.
• Function: Will the gasket be static throughout its lifetime? Or will it be exposed to movement and/or vibration? This will be an important factor when selecting a proper adhesive because if movement and vibration are present on a day-to-day basis, specific adhesives will need to be used.

5. Compressional forces

Compression set refers to a gasket’s ability to return to form after being exposed to a high compressional force. This is a crucial variable because, over time, gaskets that are exposed to force and have a minimal ability to return to form (otherwise referred to as a high compression set) can result in gaps or leaks.

The compression set of the gasket can greatly influence the type of adhesive used in the project. If the gasket will be exposed to high compressional forces, the chosen adhesive will need to be able to withstand the constant pressure and release of the system. Improper consideration on this front can result in the use of adhesives that quickly break down and compromise the gasket system.

We can help

Deciding on a proper adhesive for your custom gasket can be a complicated process. Whether you have questions about adhesives used in the gasket system or questions about the gasket itself, we can work with you to find a solution that fits your needs perfectly. SRP is proud to be a Preferred Converter for 3M^™ Adhesives and Tapes.

Contact us today.

The function of an electrical enclosure gasket is to not only protect electronic components from outside elements such as weather and UV rays, but to also prevent electrical hazards from escaping the unit.

The function of an electrical enclosure gasket is to not only protect electronic components from outside elements such as weather and UV rays, but to also prevent electrical hazards from escaping the unit. The proper gasket will provide a tight seal in both indoor and outdoor enclosure applications, and have the ability to withstand the life of the product.

Ensuring the Proper Performance of an Electrical Enclosure Gasket

One of the most important aspects of an electrical enclosure gasket is ensuring the gasket passes specific application requirements. Most electrical enclosure applications need to comply with certain types and ratings such as NEMA, UL and IP (Ingress Protection).

To pass such inspections, you need to consider the following variables:

• Temperature: What temperature range will the enclosure gasket be exposed to? It is important to consider both the external temperature conditions as well as the potential internal temperature range.
• Location: Going hand in hand with temperature, consider if the application will be in an indoor or outdoor environment. Of course, an outdoor electrical box gasket will experience more demanding conditions than an indoor electrical box.
• UV Resistance: Will the enclosure gasket be exposed to UV rays? An oft-overlooked aspect, UV rays have the potential to deteriorate enclosure gaskets at a much quicker rate.
• Flame Resistance: Will the enclosure gasket come in close contact with flames or other extreme heat sources? If so, considerations about proper flame rating will be important.
• Outgassing: Outgassing is a common problem related to plastics, rubbers and other elastomers in which gasses get released from these solid materials. Outgassing should be properly planned for, as unexpected outgassing can cause harm to the electrical components in the electrical enclosure gasket.
• Gap Spacing: Take into consideration the area that needs to be filled by the gasket. Different areas and compression set needs can influence the type of gasket used in the application.
• Gasket Function: Most importantly, think about the main requirements of the gasket itself. What protection will the gasket need to provide? Protections from air, liquid and vibration are all common, and determining the most important variable is a crucial step when deciding on a gasket and an electrical enclosure.

Material Selection for Custom Electrical Enclosure Gaskets

Once the above variables have been properly addressed, the material selection process will become much easier. There are a variety of materials to choose from when it comes to providing the perfect seal in enclosures, and finding a good balance between optimum performance and cost-effectiveness is important. It’s easy for gasket suppliers to recommend a material that over-performs the requirements in an effort to charge more, so it is crucial to perform proper due diligence for your specific application before engaging with suppliers.

Common materials used for custom electrical enclosure gaskets include the following:

• Closed Cell Sponge Rubber: Closed cell sponge rubber gaskets such as neoprene or EPDM offer a high tear strength and multiple temperature and chemical resistances, while also performing very well under compression.
• Cellular Urethane: Cellular Urethane gaskets feature fantastic flexibility and durability, but do not stand well under extremely high temperatures. So, if high temperature and flame resistance is a priority for your project, it is best to look elsewhere. However, if these are not priorities, cellular urethane can be a great choice.
• Polyethylene: Polyethylene is a foam gasket that offers extreme flexibility for thickness, chemical resistance and temperature range. This is a very lightweight material that will hold up to numerous applications.
• PORON Polyurethane: PORON Polyurethane is a flexible material boasting an excellent compression set, chemical resistance and low-outgassing properties. This material is very easy to fabricate and die-cut, offering numerous varieties of thicknesses and applications.
• BISCO Silicone: BISCO silicone is a fantastic option for durability. This material is resistant to temperature, UV and ozone, while also meeting the most stringent UL flame ratings.

All materials can be supplied adhesive backed with a pressure sensitive adhesive if required. SRP is a 3M^™ Preferred Converter. When you’re looking for the best peel-and-stick backing for your custom die-cut electrical enclosure gasket, our unmatched technical expertise will guide you to the best choice.

What Are the Risks Associated with an Underperforming Seal?

Needless to say, an improper or underperforming seal on a gasket can cause disastrous problems for your application. A few common risks include:

• Unexpected Costs: Underperforming or fully compromised gaskets can cause damaged electronic components in an electrical enclosure. This can result in not only the cost of replacement, but the maintenance associated with replacing and monitoring newly installed equipment.
• Systematic Errors: Underperforming seals can result in damage to nearby electrical components, which can cause system errors and other potentially catastrophic problems for your application and overall operations.
• Quality Concerns: In addition, compromised gaskets and underperforming seals can result in quality concerns from enclosure manufacturers, and even potential loss of UL enclosure rating.

SRP Can Help With Your Next Project

Since 1951, SRP has been supplying custom electrical enclosure gaskets to top companies in the industrial, electronic, HVAC and telecommunications industries. We can be a valuable partner to work with to find the perfect solution for your next project.

For more information, please visit our enclosure gaskets page. You can also get in touch with us at info@srpco.com.