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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Are gaskets and seals the same thing? The answer can be confusing. They both make a seal to prevent leaks and guard against dust and particles. Both are made from flexible material, such as rubber, polyurethane or silicone. When you look at design and function, the distinctions start to emerge. In short, gaskets connect two separate pieces and create a seal through compression of the elastomeric material. A seal is usually fitted into the end of a shaft or a line to protect against leaks.

What’s a gasket?

While a gasket provides sealing function, these are some of the properties that distinguish it from a seal.

• Gaskets allow the connection between two components without the need to machine a metal part.
• Gaskets conform to the joint or flange, and maintain compression to block leaks and unwanted particles.
• Often used in static applications.
• Can be die cut from elastomeric materials into custom shapes to fit the parts.

What’s a gasket made of?

A gasket is part of a sealing system, and it has three main components:

• Flanges or joint, which is the flat surface the flexible material conforms to.
• Gasket, which is the die cut elastomeric material.
• Fasteners, which hold clamping force to maintain compression.

All three work together to create gasket compression to establish a seal. The compression is created by the clamping force of the gasket, and that pressure causes the elastomeric material to compress tightly.

How do you choose a material for a gasket?

Compression set resistance is one of the top considerations when choosing a gasket material, because the material’s ability to spring back to its original shape correlates with its sealing ability. As compression set creeps in over weeks, months and years, the gasket can gradually lose its ability to block leaks and contaminants.

Finding the right material requires factoring in the material’s hardness and the amount of pressure so you can achieve the protection and performance you expect. (A custom converter can help you identify the best material for your application.)

But in addition to compression set resistance, exposure to other elements, such as dust, excess heat, sunlight and solvents, can impact the material’s performance over time.

Excessive heat and ultraviolet rays can harden certain soft materials, so it loses conformity with the flange, which leads to leaks.

What’s a rubber seal?

Unlike gaskets, seals are most often used to prevent leaks in active applications and are fitted between moving or rotating parts, such as pumps, shafts and other engine components. If you think of the classic flat, round O-ring, that’s a seal.

Seals are often used to prevent leaks and are fitted to the end of a shaft or for sealing hydraulic lines. Seals are also used in bearings.

Rubber seals include:

• O-rings
• Valve stem seals
• Rotary seals
• Mechanical seals

As you’re designing your custom gasket, there can be confusion around the terms gaskets and seals. When it’s time to finalize your materials – the foam rubber and the pressure-sensitive adhesive backing – SRP has more than 70 years experience in custom gasketing. Call us today to get your project going.

This is where you determine tolerance range of your custom-cut flexible part, because no one wants to waste time sorting out ill-fitting pieces that won’t work. By defining the tolerance of your custom-cut flexible material, you’re establishing how much the cut can stray from the base measurement – without affecting fit and performance.

The problem with defaulting to the tightest tolerance

At the design stage, it’s common for an engineer to indicate the tightest and narrowest tolerance range the material is capable of. They might make that call based on technical data provided by the material manufacturer. Occasionally, design-aided software inserts the tightest range by default.

Choosing the tightest range can seem like the best route to a high-quality product with the best performance. After all, you want to look good to your team. But not all projects require the top-level precision. There are countless times when you can go with a wider tolerance range, and there will be no effect on quality and performance of the gasket. It’s better to find the range that meets the needs of the conditions and application.

Bottom line, it’s not always critical to use the tightest tolerance. Defaulting to the narrowest tolerance without considering other options can raise costs and delay delivery.

Outcomes from using too-tight tolerance ranges:

• Additional inspections during production, which can lead to stoppages.
• Higher scrap rate of finished products that fall outside the tight range.
• Higher material costs to make up for the scrapped products.
• More frequent changeovers and stoppages for things like inspections, tooling adjustments, and the addition of material to make parts.

Now that you know that defaulting to the narrowest possible tolerance range can add unnecessary costs to your finished product, it’s well worth the time to identify the best range for the project.

When you have an opportunity to spend less and get something faster, why not take advantage and show the team how you did so?

Expertise you can trust

At SRP, we often recognize situations where the project manager or engineer identified a too-tight tolerance range. When we do, we’ll call it to our customer’s attention, and advise them to take a second look at calculating the best range for the material and application.

Custom projects call for a custom cut and a custom tolerance range. Taking the extra step to calculate a tolerance range that’s suitable for the project will make a big impact on costs and timeline. In a time when supply chain issues are delaying deliveries and increasing costs, taking this extra step can keep your costs in line.

SRP is a proud member of the 3M Preferred Converter network. Being a Preferred Converter means we get priority access to the best materials in the industry at the best pricing, backed with technical expertise to help you identify the best material for the project.

Learn more about our custom gasket and converter capabilities. Contact SRP and request a quote.

The gasket is a small and mighty piece that holds everything together in your product. But when your rubber gasket also has to resist high heat, choosing the correct material can be a complex decision.

What to know when choosing heat-resistant rubber

Elastomeric materials are sensitive to temperature, light, oxygen, moisture, heat and mechanical pressure. Choosing an elastomeric material that can stand up to these tough conditions will ensure a lasting gasket, not to mention the safety of the end user. Otherwise, the material will age, crack and eventually fail to hold the seal.

• If your product has to clear testing to meet ASTM standards, one may include thermal aging testing of your chosen rubber material. This provides the data on how your gasket would perform while resisting deterioration in high heat conditions.

It’s important to understand that if the material survives the thermal aging test, that doesn’t mean its performance abilities are intact. Other measurements in standards testing include compression set testing along with tensile and elongation testing. These evaluate whether the high-temperature environment causes deformity in the material.

• Compression set: This test shows much of the elastomeric properties a material retains after exposure to high heat. Longer tests can reveal if the high-temperature rubber gasket material is capable of maintaining its seal.
• Tensile and elongation: This metric shows whether the materials can retain their normal breaking point when stretched with pressure.

What temperatures can rubber materials stand?

Compared to metal and composite materials, elastomeric materials have a lower operating temperature. As a rule, anything with an operating temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a high-temperature rubber gasket material. As a starting guide, here’s a list of some of the most common sheet elastomeric gasket materials we work with and their maximum operating temperature.

• Natural Rubber: 180 F
• Nitrile (Buna-N): 250 F
• Butyl: 250 F
• Neoprene: 220-280 F
• EPDM: 250-300 F
• Fluoroelastomer (also called fluorocarbon): 400 F (as high as 600 F for shorter periods)
• Silicone: 500 F

Fluorocarbon vs. silicone: What’s the difference?

When it comes to finding the perfect heat-resistant flexible material for your gasket, it often comes down to fluorocarbon and silicone. In addition to high heat resistance, the material should also hold up well to compression pressure and weather.

Silicone is the standard when considering a high-heat rubber material, as it can withstand operating temperatures up to 500 F before it starts to degrade.

Fluorocarbons also withstand high operating heat up to 400 degrees. But fluorocarbons have a couple of advantages over silicone:

• Higher tensile strength, which would make it the better option for high-pressure applications.
• Better resistance to fuels, solvents and chemicals.

When you’re selecting your materials for your custom gasket, the materials experts at SRP are here to help.

Learn more about our custom gasket and converter capabilities. Contact SRP and request a quote.

As you finalize the design for an EMI gasket, there are many layers of consideration to work through, so you choose the materials that deliver the performance and protection you need to meet safety requirements without blowing the budget. That can mean searching for an adhesive that can seal or hold a component in place, but also helps create a barrier against electromagnetic interference and leaking. The problem solving that goes into an EMI gasket design can be deceptively complex, though the objective is simple.

What are EMI gaskets used for?

All electronic devices emit electromagnetic interference, and one solution to prevent EMI leakage is creating a shielding gasket. Too much exposure to EMI interference leaking from a device can be dangerous, potentially causing an injury. Not only that, EMI leakage can also disrupt devices, causing disturbances, data loss and system failure. When it comes to maintaining critical systems, the design and material selection of EMI shielding gasket material can’t be left to chance.

An EMI gasket seals the enclosure of the device’s electronic components, blocking any gaps to contain the EMI interference and keep the end user safe. Creating a product that safely seals in EMI leakage requires choosing the right materials, from gap filler to adhesive.

How do you choose EMI shielding gasket material?

Answering these questions at the design stage can narrow your selection of the right materials.

• What is the radiated emission spectrum?
• Which specifications or requirements does it need to meet for shielding effectiveness?
• What is the device’s environment like? That is, would your gasket be exposed to weather conditions, chemicals or solvents? If you choose a material that is incompatible with the environment, that can affect the lifespan of the gasket.
• What type of gap filler do you need to build out your gasket?

While these questions focus on the performance of the material, you’re also evaluating cost.

Your choice of custom converter is just as critical as selecting the right material.

Get expert feedback on EMI gasket materials

When looking for a custom converting partner to create your EMI gasket, make sure your choice of gasket material is backed up with technical expertise to give you the feedback you can trust. That’s where choosing a converting partner that’s also a 3M Preferred Converting network can save you time and effort, getting you to the production stage more quickly.

SRP is a 3M Preferred Converting partner, which means our staff maintains a high level of skill and expertise with 3M materials because our partnership gives us access to training. If you’re stumped on the final selection, or need alternatives to meet your budget, our experts are here to help. For in-depth answers, we can even loop in a 3M representative on a conference call, so you can have complete confidence in your EMI gasket design.

SRP can also make prototypes of your custom converter. Once your design is finalized and quoted, we can quickly create the prototype samples you need so you can run tests on the effectiveness of your gasket seals.

Learn more about our custom gasket and converter capabilities. Contact SRP and request a quote.

Like every other converter of flexible materials, SRP has been forced to extend project delivery dates. The shortages and long lead times for the arrival of materials, from silicone rubber to adhesives, are not limited to specific regions and companies. Everyone’s feeling it. Here’s our assessment: *Crazy*. In our decades in the business, this is all new territory.

As we make our way back to pre-pandemic production schedules, it will take equal measures of patience and agility on all our parts. Problem-solving is our way of life. These supply chain headaches don’t change that.

What’s causing custom order delays?

The root causes of our current market challenges are complex and far-reaching. But the COVID-19 pandemic kicked off a chain reaction that’s still in play. Labor shortages, raw materials and inflation are all things that are feeding into the availability of adhesives and foam rubber.

• Production shortfalls: Lack of availability of raw materials that make the products we use is causing significant delays with our suppliers. As an example, some orders of BISCO products are quoted at 26 weeks (six months); sometimes longer.
• Logistics logjams: The ongoing shortage of warehouse workers and truck drivers continues, and the container shipping backlog at major ports is slowing the delivery of raw materials and finished products.
• Price increases: One of the core challenges everyone faces is the pricing volatility of flexible materials. This means price changes on our finished product are highly likely. At SRP, we always apply our experience and capabilities to identify the most efficient means of production to create a high-quality product. But like any business, we must also adapt pricing to cover our expenses.

Solution: How is SRP being proactive?

This is a difficult environment for anyone doing business. When you’re accustomed to great products in efficient timelines, these developments are hard for us to live with. (No one likes being the bearer of bad news.) If you choose SRP as your custom converter, please know we’re constantly monitoring the situation. We’re also evaluating our processes and seizing every opportunity to expedite orders.

Increased production pace

At SRP, we’ve temporarily extended our production schedule. As back-ordered materials arrive, we expedite delayed orders to get them in your hands as soon as possible. We’re not outsourcing any aspect of the product; we still do it all in-house.

Increased communication

Our top priority is restocking our inventory. That’s why we’ve increased our contacts with our supplier partners so we get up-to-date information on the arrival of back-ordered material. Once we get a confirmed date, we’ll pass that along to you, so your project plans are always accurate and always up to date.

Proactive planning

Getting ahead when we can is another thing we can do to make progress and smooth out the ripple effects. Even if you’re still waiting, take a good look at your future production needs and place the order now. That way, you can get back on track. If we can have enough advance notice, we’ll be more successful at having the material ready to start your project on schedule.

One final tip: Call us!

In normal times, we maintain a full inventory at SRP. But just because there’s a backlog in materials doesn’t mean *all* shelves and bins are bare and empty. If you’re looking for something, call us and ask. We might just have that exact grade and thickness you’re looking for in stock.

Give SRP a call or request a quote today.