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Automated Dovetail Gaskets and Other Bonded Gaskets
- February 27, 2014
Engineers tasked with designing enclosures to protect sensitive electronics are often pressed to specify maintenance-free gaskets while keeping costs down. There are many materials to choose from but when long term performance is needed, silicone materials are a top choice.
Benefits of Silicone Gasket Materials
- Very low compression set
- UV and ozone resistant
- UL 50E gasket materials readily available
- Suitable for NEMA gaskets and IP 6X gaskets
- UL 94V-0 gasket materials available
- Long performance life
The lure of using a low cost material may result in short term sealing effectiveness that is at risk of failure in the field due to compression set and stress relaxation over time. Generally, the cost of a field repair far exceeds the cost of better gasket material. At Stockwell Elastomerics, we focus on offering long lasting gaskets manufactured from high quality materials, helping to protect expensive equipment from outdoor elements for its anticipated life.
Automation to Reduce Gasket Cost
Stockwell Elastomerics invested in a custom, automated ultraviolet bonding system for bonded gaskets to increase throughput and reduce manufacturing cost. Cutting individual legs of the gasket and bonding them offers significant cost savings for large gaskets such as NEMA enclosure gaskets, electric signage gaskets (UL 48 gaskets) and digital sign gaskets.
Effects of Gasket Joints on Compression
Using proven designs and analytical instruments, we can quantify and test the effects of our dovetail bonding techniques for your application. In the graph below you will see an example of how the force of deflection at a location on a gasket changes with different constructions. This information can be used to help guide a gasket design and ensure proper forces are experienced between mating features.
For more information about UV bonded gaskets, jointed gaskets, and gasket tape for large gasket applications or electrical enclosures, please call Stockwell Elastomerics at 215-335-3005 or complete a contact form for assistance.