2D employs dust and water insulation options that level out quickly, maintain a tight seal and provide proficient cushioning
Our company’s expertise with foam-based solutions has allowed us to begin our expansion into dust & water shielding. We are now fighting off water and dust intrusion by producing a wide array of seals and gaskets adept at preventing contamination, ensuring waterproofing and containing pressure.
Mating surfaces that present irregularities are a common occurrence when dealing with machine parts and electronic devices. These so-called “less-than-perfect” facets require gaskets that fill the space between them, creating a seal that guards against dust, water or air intrusion. The efficacy of the cushioning seal depends on a great many factors, not least among them the degree to which the seal itself yields and allows itself to be deformed, perfectly covering the space it was meant for.
To that end, we note the advantages of open-cell gaskets for waterproofing, which are prone to better handle compression than closed-cells materials at the cost of more liquid absorption when left uncompressed. Once particular levels of compression have been achieved however – up to 0 mm – even this drawback is minimized, as the cell walls close off with the glut and shut off leakage entirely, providing a solid water shield.
Elastomeric spring forces come into play once the open-cell waterproof materials experience compression, as their cushioning walls are not dependent on gas pressure to furnish the required force.
This is not to say that all closed-cell materials are less efficient in terms of waterproofing, as certain compounds such as silicones provide solid elastomeric rebound and cushioning indifferent of their cell structure.
2D employs polyurethane foam, EPDM foam, PVC foam, as well as self-adhesive and non-adhesive solutions to ensure that the endurance and elastic recovery of the water, air or dust seals is appropriate for conditions on the ground.
Of course, this is merely one of the many aspects that need to be taken into consideration when choosing the materials that enter into the seal’s structure. Factors such as the temperature, chemical resilience, flame retardant properties, size & spacing, function, outgassing and endurance to UV light should be weighed with assistance from our specialists in order to take a fully informed decision.
And then there’s the enclosure design itself, which, together with the types of joints and the way the gasket is affixed, constitute factors of equal importance when 2D determines the performance of the seals, be these destined for waterproofing or otherwise.
Furthermore, 2D takes a long term view of said performance, as stress relaxation and compression resistance affect it in no small degree. Indeed, losing force deflection over time is a natural tendency of cellular materials undergoing permanent compression. Stress relaxation is thus an all important variable in proficient air, dust and water sealing. Compression resistance itself may become unmanageable over similar periods of time and it is only through extensive testing that manufacturers may present clients with the safest choices at any point in time. Our company has thus undertaken a constant monitoring process of its dust & water insulation options, always striving to employ those that level out quickly, maintaining a tighter seal and providing proficient cushioning.
Servicing established partners particularly in the healthcare and electronic industries, 2D has by now invested the time and dedicated the long-term focus required for achieving a high level of expertise in this field.