Selecting the ideal gasketing material can greatly impact your product’s resilience, efficiency, and adherence to industry standards. Whether for electronics, HVAC systems, automotive parts, or another industry, asking the right questions can help ensure your chosen solution will meet performance needs. Here are the top five questions engineers should consider when selecting a gasketing material.
Understanding the environment is essential to determining material requirements. Factors such as moisture, temperature extremes, and exposure to chemicals all impact the material’s performance and longevity.
Open-cell foams, for example, are suitable for applications that require airflow and vibration absorption, making them excellent choices for electronics. In contrast, closed-cell foams work well in waterproof applications due to their resistance to moisture infiltration. For more detail on how these foams serve different needs, Sur-Seal’s electronics gasketing blog provides an in-depth look.
Temperature resilience is a critical factor in ensuring material durability in extreme environments. Silicone and Poron are popular for high-temperature applications, as they maintain shape and performance without deforming. For industries like automotive or HVAC, selecting temperature-resistant gaskets reduces maintenance costs and prevents early component failure.
Applications with heavy machinery or electronic equipment often require materials with damping qualities to control vibration and noise. Open-cell polyurethane foam offers vibration absorption and sound dampening, ideal for automotive and HVAC applications. In environments with less vibration, materials such as PVC foam can provide cost-effective solutions without compromising sealing integrity.
Sur-Seal offers a diverse set of materials for absorption and noise reduction; Our team can help guide you in choosing damping materials that meet vibration requirements.
Compression set resistance allows gaskets to maintain shape after repeated use, preventing leaks and maintaining a secure fit. This property is especially important in applications like HVAC doors or electronics enclosures where gaskets are frequently opened and closed. High-quality options, such as silicone and Poron, offer reliable compression resistance, ensuring performance in high-wear applications.
Specific industries, including automotive, HVAC, and electronics, impose specific regulatory standards on gasketing materials. Materials that meet UL compliance or automotive-grade specifications guarantee that your product is built to industry standards. Sur-Seal offers a variety of certified materials, including those that meet UL and automotive requirements. Our team can guide you in selecting the best compliant options for your application.
Addressing these questions is essential for identifying the most effective gasketing material, ensuring a longer lifespan and reducing maintenance demands. To explore specific materials or discuss custom solutions for your project, reach out to participate in our Lunch-and-Learn program, where our experts can guide you in finding the best material fit for your design.
