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.

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.

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.

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.

Die-cut PORON polyurethane foam is an excellent material for gasket design because it has an excellent compression set, while also working well with pressure-sensitive adhesives.

PORON can compress to more than half its thickness without losing memory, which makes it a long-lasting, effective seal in many applications. PORON polyurethane has a reputation for maintaining its compression set for the life of the product. When it comes to demanding applications, like aerospace, automotive or industrial, PORON is a highly reliable option to guard your product against leaks and other causes of the gasket failure.

Though a material like PORON has a sterling reputation for its compression set resistance, it’s critical to analyze the application to prevent gasket failure. Choosing the wrong foam density, hardness and thickness can lead to precisely that.

In the following, we’ll explain the compression set and how PORON polyurethane can help you minimize it.

[Read more about SRP’s PORON custom gasket capabilities]

What is compression set?

Compression set measures an elastomeric material’s ability to return to its original thickness after exposure to compression and high temperature for a specific amount of time.

Permanent set measures the extent of deformation after exposure to compression for a specific time.

Why does compression set matter?

When choosing the right material for gaskets, sealing and cushioning, factoring compression set is critical. But it’s also important to know how long the materials can stand up to squeeze. Would it need frequent replacement or will it last the life of the product?

In time, a loss of resiliency (or memory) can result in leaks or inability to absorb shock. The material’s long-term compression set resistance can be the difference between a successful product and a failed product.

When calculating compression set, you’re measuring resiliency – what percentage of thickness does it recover after compression? The range is 0% compression set to 100% compression set. The lower the percentage the higher the compression set resistance.

What causes compression set?

When the compression set of your elastomeric material is higher than expected, there may be underlying causes where the conditions exceed what the material can handle. For example:

• Temperature: Excessively high heat that leads to hardening and resiliency loss.
• Compression: Excessive squeezing (for example, over-tightening).
• Fluid: Material is incompatible with the fluids.

While considering these, consulting with an experienced fabricator of elastomeric materials can help you avoid these issues.

Why does compression set resistance matter?

Compression of the elastomeric material creates a seal protecting components from dust, dirt, moisture as well as solvents and chemicals. While most elastomeric materials can achieve a low compression rating, compression set gives you an indication of the life of the seal.

To maintain a good seal, you need a material that resists – or bounces back – from prolonged compression. However, prolonged compression can cause an elastomeric material to lose height over time. Compression creep doesn’t necessarily show up during materials testing.

PORON’s compression set resistance

PORON is a dense foam rubber made of uniform microcells with a compression set resistance that’s similar to silicone, making it a highly sought-after gasket material. These microcells allow the material to spring back to its original shape and thickness, even after a high force compression. It’s available in a range of thickness, hardness and density.

How do you choose the right PORON material?

Even though PORON is resistant to compression set, it’s still important to choose the appropriate density and hardness for your application. To guide you, PORON provides a Compression Force Deflection (CFD) Curve Tool that shows how the material performs in specific applications.

Adhesive-backed PORON solutions

SRP is proud to be one of 60 Preferred Converters for Rogers Corporation materials. Once you have your data and your selection of PORON materials narrowed, our technical experts can help you finalize your choice.

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

Contact an expert today.

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.

Choosing the strongest and best adhesive every time would certainly simplify your design process, but it’s not always cost effective. When it comes to choosing between pressure-sensitive tape vs liquid adhesive, it comes down to the application, and how the adhesive needs to perform under the conditions.

What will the gasket be exposed to? You’ll be considering factors like temperature, solvents and climate conditions. Which industry standards would the product need to comply with? Once you’ve completed a likely use analysis on the product, you can get started on choosing an adhesive.

Pros and cons of spray and liquid adhesives

Spray adhesives are the go-to for many industries and applications because they provide a strong, lasting bond for an attractive materials cost. Other advantages:

• Fast application, by spray, roll or brush for immediate assembly.
• Great coverage, especially if you’re applying it to an irregularly shaped surface.

But when you consider other factors of using liquid adhesives, this route can end up raising your production and materials costs.

• Liquid adhesives can be applied manually or by machine, meaning they come with operational and equipment costs.
• Liquid adhesives need time for curing and drying, which means it can be minutes or even more than an hour before the item reaches full handling strength.
• Liquid adhesives can add an extra step of cleanup, thanks to drips and spills.
• Liquid adhesives can leave odors and fumes in a work space, which requires additional venting to ensure a safe and pleasant work environment.
• When applied properly, liquid adhesives can provide a strong, lasting bond. However, they don’t always apply evenly, disrupting the bond and the performance of your product.

Why use pressure-sensitive tape in gasketing?

The big advantage of using pressure-sensitive tape for a gasket over liquid adhesive is efficiency. Pressure-sensitive tape saves time on the production floor while minimizing costs.

• A converter partner applies the pressure-sensitive tape directly to the surface of the gasket material before cutting the custom shape. Once you’re ready to apply the gasket to the substrate, simply peel the protective backing and place it on the surface, while applying pressure for a brief time.
• It’s versatile because an adhesive-backed gasket can be done manually or through automation.
• Curing time is also a key advantage. While the adhesives need time to gain full bonding strength, most PSAs reach handling strength immediately after handling.
• Consistency of coverage makes PSAs an attractive option. In the converting process, you’ll know the gasket has full, even coverage of adhesive. It eliminates the risks from gaps and bubbles.
• Appearance: In addition to leaving no drips, pressure-sensitive tape create a seamless bond between the gasket and material. If you’re looking to update your design, making your product lighter and more streamlined and attractive, PSAs can provide a solution across many industries.

To learn more, read The upside of using adhesive transfer tape in gasket bonding.

Working with a converter partner to create a custom cut, adhesive-backed gasket can improve your production processes. Bottom line, PSAs are more versatile, faster curing and they improve the appearance of your design. But are PSAs strong enough to do the job? PSAs are used across many industries, including demanding ones such as aerospace, automotive and industrial, so there’s a wide availability of highly engineered adhesives that come in PSA form that stand up to the toughest conditions.

For a deeper dive, read A quick guide to gasket adhesive tapes.

As you make the selection, working with a converter partner can help you select the best tape for your gasket that can achieve the protection and performance you’re looking for.

SRP is proud to be part 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. We pass these benefits on to our customers.

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

In addition to finding the right gasket material to link two unlike surfaces, finding the right fastener that holds everything together is the next step.

In the making of custom-made gaskets, adhesive transfer tape is the fastener of choice, especially once you compare this option to more traditional fasteners:

Mechanical Fasteners

Bolts, rivets and screws are the mechanical go-to because of the strength but also for the fact they create a bond you can see and feel. On the downside, mechanical fasteners add weight and bulk to your design. During assembly, they create an extra step of labor that requires equipment and a special skill set. Plus, over the life of the product, metal parts can loosen, causing annoying rattling and vibrations during use.

Liquid and Hot Melt Adhesives

Liquid and hot melt adhesives are an effective means to create a strong, lasting bond between two unlike substrates, whether it’s metal to plastic or acrylic to silicone. However, this option requires specialized equipment in-house. Also, drying and curing add time to the production schedule.

Welding

This option provides all the strength of a mechanical fastener, but the result is that slim profile that we like to see. However, welding requires skilled labor, and can’t create bonds of equal strength when joining two dissimilar surfaces.

Why use adhesive transfer tape in gasket bonding?

Adhesive transfer tape provides the solution to all the above problems. When adhesive transfer tape is layered on the gasket material and cut to the specified dimensions, it creates the ultimate peel-and-stick solution to your gasketing needs.

Other advantages of using adhesive transfer tape as a gasket fastener:

Streamlines Production

Adhesive transfer tape bonds immediately and builds strength over time. But it requires no drying, no curing, and the item can be handled right after application. Unlike liquid and hot melt adhesive, production can move to the next step.

Low Profile

Adhesive transfer tape is super thin and lightweight, adding no bulk to your design.

Flexibility

Uneven surfaces can be bonded together without the worry of the adhesive losing its grip.

Strength

Stress and pressure are evenly distributed across the gasket surface to provide the best performance.

Versatility

Adhesive transfer tape has no carrier. It’s adhesive placed on a silicone liner that peels away easily when you need it.

Adhesive Transfer Tape: The Ideal Converter Material

Adhesive transfer tape provides a blank canvas for a variety of projects and products. Because its applications are almost unlimited, adhesive transfer tape is the ultimate converter material. Compared to other fasteners, it’s a simple and inexpensive method to join two surfaces.

Adhesive transfer tape is simply a strip of adhesive placed on a liner. When used as a gasket fastener, it’s applied to the gasket material before it’s cut.

During the production of the converter, the liner stays put. Not only does this liner provide a backing material for your peel-and-stick gasket, but during cutting, the liner is an effective means of keeping the adhesive in place. Because the liner minimizes any stretching and moving, this converter method provides complete adhesive coverage. This creates an effective fastener. This also enhances any sealing function you require of the gasket – an important consideration if you’re using solvent- and water-resistant substrates, such as silicone or Neoprene.

SRP is proud to be part 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. We pass these benefits on to our customers.

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