The Super Gasket is a unique educational tool that demonstrates bonding methods and features for industrial rubber products. Now available from Elasto Proxy, the Super Gasket makes it easy to compare gasket options and assess the value of custom fabrication. When you hold the Super Gasket in your hands and see it for yourself, you may even discover options that you didn’t know were possible.
Engineering and procurement professionals who request the Super Gasket from Elasto Proxy will also receive a full-color guide that explains the different bonding methods and gasket features. The article you’re reading now contains some additional details you won’t want to miss. Once you understand what the Super Gasket shows, you’ll want to get one before starting your next gasket project.
Profile Density
Elasto Proxy’ Super Gasket shows how rubber profiles can be extruded in low, medium, or high densities to meet different application requirements. The density, or hardness, of rubber is measured in durometer using the Shore A scale. Lower-durometer rubber is softer and provides greater cushioning and compressibility. Higher-durometer rubber is harder and provides greater impact resistance.
PE Film Splicing
PE film splicing is a gasket bonding method that uses heat, pressure, and a thin PE film for strong bonds and faster cycle times. As Elasto Proxy’s Super Gasket shows, it’s an excellent method for splicing profiles with tape as the cold tools will not damage the tape.
Vulcanized Hot Splicing
Vulcanized hot splicing is a versatile method that allows numerous different profiles – from small to medium, straight or angled, to be spliced.
Cold Bonding
Elasto Proxy’s Super Gasket also demonstrates cold bonding, a joining method that uses glues or adhesives to bond the ends of cut lengths together. Because no heat is applied, this bonding method is called “cold”. Cold bonding is more expensive than hot splicing but is ideal for lower volumes because there’s no metal tooling or dies to pay for. Instead, a skilled operator applies the glue or adhesive with a brush.
Cold Bonding with Sealant
Cold bonding that uses a sealant keeps the glue or adhesive from crystallizing if there’s incidental contact with water. The use of a sealant also protects the gasket from moisture or condensation that can cause gasket bonds to fail. Cold bonding with a sealant is recommended for the low-volume production of rubber gaskets that need this type of environmental resistance.
Notching
Notching removes just the right amount of material from the gasket’s outside surface. Notches are made with water jet cutting and can accommodate part features and protrusions, such as raised fastener heads. As Elasto Proxy’s Super Gasket shows, notching also supports the creation of angled cuts with precise dimensions for a proper fit.
Push-Pin Installation
Plastic push pins are used commonly in mobile equipment cabs. As the Super Gasket shows, water jet cutting produces holes that are cut cleanly and precisely so that the plastic pins will push-in easily during assembly. Push-pins that are used with properly-sized holes won’t pop out either. They also provide a cost-effective alternative to metal fasteners.
Vent Holes
Vent holes allow air to exit the gasket after it’s bonded and the door compresses the seal. These part features support sealing performance in enclosures, mobile equipment, and more. As the Super Gasket shows, water jet cutting can achieve smooth edges and precise dimensions. There are no tools to wait for or pay for either.
High-Bond Adhesive
Finally, Elasto Proxy’s Super Gasket shows how powerful adhesives can join almost anything – even metal to rubber. Tapes that use a high-bond adhesive provide the strength of metal fasteners, but without the need for power tools such as hand drills. These strong adhesives include special formulations with extraordinary material properties.
Get the Super Gasket
Now that you’ve learned more about what the Super Gasket shows, are you ready to request one?
