Monthly Archives: October 2016

What’s the Shelf Life of Rubber Gaskets?

Shelf LlifeDoes your company keep rubber gaskets in inventory for long periods of time? Buying and storing large quantities of gaskets can help to reduce unit costs, but rubber doesn’t last forever. Shelf life, the storage period prior to gasket installation, varies by material type. Temperature, humidity, ozone, and exposure to ultraviolet light (UV) can also affect the shelf life of rubber products. By understanding these factors and evaluating all of your options for ordering seals, you can make stronger procurement decisions. (more…)

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Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Acoustic Insulation

sound transmission classSound transmission class (STC) describes the ability of a product or material to stop the transmission of airborne sound. Since the 1960s, STC ratings have been used to describe the acoustical properties of ceilings, walls, floors, and doors. Today, STC values are provided for acoustic insulation made from a single material, and for multi-layer composites that are sandwiched together. Higher STC numbers are generally better, but there are exceptions to this rule – and other factors to consider as well.

In this article from Elasto Proxy, you’ll learn what STC is and how it’s measured. For starters, we’ll cover some basic concepts about sound, vibrations that travel through the air or another medium (such as a wall) and can be heard by the human ear. Along the way, it’s important to remember that sound can also be reflected inward (such as within a metal enclosure) and cause vibrations. So while preventing the transmission of unwanted sound (noise) is important, you may face other design challenges, too. (more…)

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Custom Weather Stripping for Doors and Windows

custom weather strippingCustom weather stripping from Elasto Proxy can meet the challenges of static or dynamic sealing in hot or cold weather conditions.

Here in the northern hemisphere, the days are becoming colder. In Canada, where Elasto Proxy is headquartered, the snows will arrive long before December 21, the first day of winter. At offices and factories across North America, doors and windows that let warm air out and cold air in mean higher heating costs. Leaky door and windows can also make occupants less comfortable and workers less productive.

Standard weather stripping can help, but what if your sealing and insulation application requires a specialized solution? After all, off-the-shelf rubber products aren’t designed and manufactured with your specific needs in mind. For a custom sealing solution you can count on, choose weather stripping from Elasto Proxy. All weather stripping isn’t the same, and selecting a custom-fabricated rubber product can save you time and money in the end. (more…)

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Three Types of Custom Silicone Gaskets

Custom Silicone GasketsCustom silicone gaskets provide strong environmental sealing and excellent temperature stability. They resist water, ozone, sunlight, weathering, and aging; withstand high temperatures; and maintain their flexibility at low temperatures. Silicone rubber is also chemically inert and provides good dielectric properties. Custom silicone gaskets can be categorized in various ways, but there are three basic types: solid, sponge, and foam.

For product designers and technical buyers, it’s important to understand the differences between these three types so that you can choose the right one for your application. Type is just one of many specifications you’ll need to consider, but it’s a good place to start. For example, depending on your application, you may need to choose a silicone that’s UL listed for flame-resistance or FDA approved for medical or food processing applications.

For over 25 years, Elasto Proxy has been helping companies like yours get the custom silicone gaskets that they really need. In addition to design assistance and help with compound selection, we provide gasket fabrication services that are fast, dependable, and cost-effective. From prototyping and custom fabrication to warehousing and shipping, Elasto Proxy saves you time and money. (more…)

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