FORM IN PLACE GASKETS
The form-in-place gasket or dispensed gasket application process precisely guides a fluid dispensing nozzle under CNC control to enable the continuous application of intricate, small cross-section gaskets directly onto the contours of a component or substrate.
- Very low material waste
- Complex labyrinthine gaskets may be accurately and efficiently applied
- Rapid prototyping – a seal may be applied to an SLA for testing usually within a few days
- Very short process lead times
- Minimal or no initial tooling costs
- Gasket design changes easily implemented
- Variable height and width gaskets may be produced
- Effective EMI and environmental (or combination) seals can be achieved in restricted space.
Gasket material selection will depend on the nature of the application but will generally consist of a silicone elastomer loaded with electrically conductive particles for EMI shielding gaskets and non-conductive RTV silicones for purely environmental seals. At Border Precision we use uniquely produced FIP material compound formulations which give us the capability to customise a material’s characteristics to suit the specific performance requirements of any application.
The applied gasket material cures and adheres 'in-situ' at room temperature
to form a resilient and reusable EMI / environmental seal. The absence of heat
makes the process particularly suitable for use with plastic housings or heat
sensitive components.
Normally, parts to be processed will be ‘free issued’ by the customer
however, at Border Precision we have the expertise and experienced support
team to offer a complete service whereby all stages of manufacture of a component
may be managed by us to deliver the finished article.
We recognise the importance of providing ‘best practice’ advice for design and material selection during the all important development phase of new projects. This is supported by our rapid sample/prototyping service and follow on production that is geared to assist customers in meeting critical deadlines.
Prime electrically conductive types include:
- BPSSA-001 Silver plated aluminium filled silicone (good galvanic compatibility with aluminium alloy components)
- BPSSC-001 Silver plated copper filled silicone (high temperature resistant version)
- BPSSC-002 Silver plated copper filled silicone (low force deflection version suitable for thin wall mouldings)
- BPSSN-001 Silver plated nickel filled silicone (good long- term stability / high temperature performance)
- BPSNC-001 Nickel coated graphite filled silicone (good electrical performance – particularly on surfaces with high contact resistance e.g. stainless steel, die cast zinc)