What are some considerations in varying the rubber (polymer) edge for specific applications?
On a Select-a-Seal REC gasket, customizing edge properties includes controlling the adhesive properties, thermal properties, and compression characteristics of the edge polymer. In other sealing technologies that use rubber, e.g., O-rings or rubber-edged metal gaskets, the polymers are relatively hard and have almost no adhesion characteristics. Due to their rigidity, these products do develop high initial sealing stress, but they rely on stress retention for seal integrity over time. By contrast, Select-a-Seal REC gaskets generally employ custom-formulated polyacrylic edge-seals with adhesion properties. They develop a lower initial compression stress compared to the typical O-ring seal, but over time they retain stress better. By varying the formulation and treatment of edge polymers, Interface Solutions’ engineers can vary the adhesion characteristics and compression stress as well as resistance to extremes of hot and cold, as well as resistance to a variety of fluids.
