president’s message steve hanson in this issue · absorbent pads, agricultural harvest equipment,...
TRANSCRIPT
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Steve Hanson
In This IssuePresident’s MessagePage 1
New Association MembersPage 2
Future Meeting SchedulePage 2
Meet the New GFA DirectorsPage 3
Company ProfilesPages 3 & 5
Press Release Page 6
Committee UpdatesPages 8 & 9
Long Term MembersPage 9
Spring Meeting PhotosPages 10 & 11
Fiber Gasket CompressibilityPages 12 & 13
Surface Conditions Pages 15, 16 & 17
The Solution May Be in the CarrierPages 17 & 18
Lawrence A. Hillman 1947-2011
Page 18
Every Gasket Leaks
Page 19
Benchmarking Report
Page 19
Volume 30 Number 2 August 2011
Hello fellow GFA members and potential members!
Recently, I attended a multi-day meeting with other
parts fabricators and sat next to an owner who is not a GFA
member now. She expressed moderate interest in becoming
a GFA member, which launched a conversation about GFA
idiosyncrasies. Questions came up including, “Is GFA a good
old boys club? Is it a means of taking trips to exotic places?
What has your company gained from being a member?” My
responses were not intended to “sell her the GFA” or “bag a new
member”. I understand her concerns and share them myself.
When we discussed the changing face of the 2011 GFA and
the future ahead, I had these personal insights come into view. GFA meetings are efficient
forums for leaders who are personally committed to making their companies stronger. In my
case, I believe that being a GFA member helps me hold myself accountable to my personal
business goals. Putting it in negative terms, I will work to avoid showing up at a GFA meeting
with other leaders, twice a year, with incomplete work at my company.
I’m amazed at the pace set by GFA member companies at moving initiatives forward.
Year after year I’ve seen consistent growth occur at GFA member companies. How do
members choose their top initiatives and set them successfully into motion? Working on the
business requires tenacious focus to avoid distractions. Not too many initiatives all at once.
Best practices from other companies are shared at the meetings, formally and informally. It’s
truly inspiring and satisfying to learn and grow our individual companies together as a group.
You all give me confidence to declare that I’m working on the right stuff (sometimes!).
When times are rough, my GFA relationships give me moral support. I believe we all
have an opportunity to develop new GFA relationships by getting involved on a committee.
Working alongside a fellow fabricator/ supplier can lead to priceless friendships. I’ve
learned to trust the process. GFA members have told me that their GFA network has made
the difference and helped them capture million dollar results for their company, when a
blossoming opportunity requires a rapid solution from a capable team.
So, I hope my new friend will join the GFA and enjoy the give and take that will make
her company stronger. New people joining the GFA are great. They are the changing face
of the GFA. Today’s top GFA initiatives will evolve when new members join committees and
impact the GFA future. This will sustain the GFA’s freshness and relevancy to members.
One last invitation to be part of a communications experiment, please add these tools to
your toolbox and let’s talk about what results occur for you.
• DoyouprominentlylinkyourcompanywebsitetotheGFAwebsite?
• AndwouldyouconsideraddingaGFAweblinktoyouremailsignature?
Have a great summer and prepare for the next GFA meeting in Texas this September!
NewsletterThe Gasket Fabricator is published by the GFA and is distributed
to all members and prospective members.
President ............................................................................Steve Hanson
Vice President ..........................................................Terry S. Galanis, Jr.
Executive Director/Newsletter Editor...........................Peter Lance
Management Advisor.................................................Robert H. Ecker
Communications Committee Chair...........................David Soliday
Members are encouraged to contribute articles and items of
interest to the Gasket Fabricator. All contributions should
be addressed to: Executive Director, GFA, 994 Old Eagle School
Road, Suite 1019, Wayne, PA 19087-1866, Phone (610) 971-4850,
Fax (610) 971-4859, E-mail: [email protected].
Articles appearing in this publication may not be
reproduced without written consent from the Association.
Articles appearing in the Gasket Fabricator are the views of
the authors and not necessarily those of the Association.
© Copyright 2011 Gasket Fabricators Association
August 2011Page 2
GFA FUTURE MEETINGSCHEDULE
Fall 2011 Semi-Annual Meeting
September 19-22, 2011
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa
Lost Pines, TX
Gasketing/ Converting Expo
March 20-22, 2012
Hilton Orlando
Orlando, FL
Fall 2012 Semi-Annual Meeting
October 2-4, 2012
The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa
Denver, CO
Fabricators
Caldwell Gasket
www.auburnleather.com
Cannon Gasket Inc.
www.cannongasket.com
Gardico Inc.
www.gardico.com
Interstate – McBee
www.interstate-mcbee.com
UFP Technologies
www.ufpt.com
Suppliers
American and Schoen Machinery Company
www.asm-schoen.com
Echo Engineering & Production Supplies, Inc.
www.echosupply.com
Fecken-Krifel America Inc.
www.feken-kirfel.de
Holding de Caoutchouc Mousse Group
www.interep.fr
SABIC Innovative Plastics, Specialty Film & Sheet
www.sabic-ip.com/sfs
NEW ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
Company Profiles Continued on page 5
August 2011Page 3
Meet the New GFA DirectorsBrian CondonBrian Condon is involved in
Business Development within
Rogers Foam Corporation, a custom
converter of end applications
using specialty foams and plastics.
Rogers Foam is one of the largest
foam converters in North America
with 11 locations spread across Mexico and US. With 25
years of foam experience, he has held various roles in
the Sales, Marketing and Management areas of multiple
companies. Brian has been involved with the GFA for
over 15 years as an active member and participant on the
Long Range Planning Committee. He looks forward to
participating in the continued growth of this organization in
the future.
John A. Hulme
Company Profiles
Ludlow Composites Corporation is a US
manufacturer based in Fremont, OH serving global markets
that manufacture PVC foams, SBR (synthetic) latex foam
rubber and latex foam rubber. We manufacture both
commodity type foams and custom formulations to meet
customer specifications. Through the Crown Mats and
Matting brand, Ludlow offers high performance matting
systems for commercial, industrial and ergonomic/specialty
applications.
Founded in 1943, Ludlow Composites is a global
provider of foam solutions and presently serves customers
in more than 50 countries. Our manufacturing facility of
over 200,000 square feet has multiple production lines
capable of producing PVC and latex foam products in both
sheet and roll form. These products can be made with
Pressure Sensitive Adhesives, fabrics and other substrates
added during the production process. Our expertise lies
in our ability to develop customized products that meet
specific customer requirements. We have the capabilities to
customize products based on color, width, gauges, densities
and substrates to create unique foam composites.
Ludlow Composites products are used all over the
world in a variety of applications including: ink pads, fluid
absorbent pads, agricultural harvest equipment, automotive
seals and sound prevention, consumer counter pads, foam
tapes, glass or non porous surface spacers and multiple
consumer applications. Our products are utilized in almost
every OEM market in North America and around the world.
Being honored as one of the 2009 Ohio Exporters
of the Year shows Ludlow’s dedication to serving global
markets. Feel free to contact us with any of your questions
regarding our foam manufacturing capabilities.
For more information about Ludlow Composites,
please visit our website at www.ludlow-comp.com.C:100 M:60 Y:0 K:25
C:100 M:18 Y:0 K:2
C:68 M:5 Y:100 K:20
C:48 M:0 Y:100 K:0
C:0 M:2 Y:0 K:68
John Hulme is Vice President of
Sales with Industrial Gasket & Shim
Co., Inc., a precision manufacturer
and fabricator of custom metal
shims, gaskets, and industrial
sealants. John has been with
IGS, Inc. for 19 years and is also a 19 year member of the
GFA serving on the Program and Locations Committee,
Communications Committee, Expo Committee, and Long
Range Planning Committee. John looks forward to the
continued growth and success of the GFA and its member
companies both now and in the future.
Judette C. Savino Judette C. Savino has been in
the tape industry for over 25
years and is an active member of
the GFA’s Long Range Planning
Committee, Programs and
Locations Committee, and the
Technical Committee. She holds an
Associate’s Degree from Bay Path College in Longmeadow,
MA and resides in Northampton, MA with her husband Scott
and their two sons, Casey and Christopher.
August 2011Page 4
Automatic Roll Slitters
Manufacturer of
roll slitters for:Foam
RubberGraphite
CorkFelt Roll diameter: 12” - 28”Foil Roll width: 62” - 98”
Adhesive tape www.als.ltd.uk T. 011 44 1933 225755
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for bonding, gasketing, laminating
for bonding,gasketing, laminatingGasket Cutting
Parter with Preco
800.966.4686precoinc.com
•Registrations:X,X-YandX-Y-Ø•Knockoutandstacking•Acceptsvarioustooling•Standardorcustomsystems•Kisscutandcutthrough
•Precisionservoregistration•Modulardesigntoincorporate: •Laminating •Continuouslasercutting •Islandplacement
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• Turn to FLEXcon for Bonding, Laminating, Fabricating and more... • Custom PSA solutions for transfer, single and double-coated tapes.
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• Die-cutting Presses• 60" Heat Laminators• Horizontal Splitters
Converting Equipmentfor Non-metallicMaterials
Ttarp Industries, Inc. • Since 1981
800-871-7596 • www.Ttarp.com
August 2011Page 5
UFP Technologies, Inc. produces a wide variety of
custom foam gaskets from both open and closed cell foam
materials. We have helped companies manage vibration,
temperature and liquids in a wide variety of applications in
automotive manufacturing, medical devices, building and
construction, and chemical processing.
UFP Technologies, Inc., founded in 1963, is an
innovative designer and custom converter of foams,
plastics, and natural fiber materials. The company serves its
customers through three major brands: United Foam, Simco
Automotive and Molded Fiber; producing a vast array of
custom-engineered packaging solutions and component
products in twelve manufacturing facilities across North
America. Its customers include leading companies in six
core markets: Medical & Scientific, Aerospace & Defense,
Automotive, Computers & Electronics, Consumer and
Industrial.
For more information about UFP Technologies, please
call (800) 372-3172 or visit our website at www.ufpt.com.
For more than 40 years, Cannon Gasket has built a
reputation based on its expertise in manufacturing precision
die-cut; washers, gaskets, shims, spacers and diaphragms.
With a combination of a knowledgeable production team,
seasoned sales staff and a strong determination to succeed,
Cannon Gasket has persevered as an industry leader in
precision tolerance; non-metallic stamping.
Based in Upland, California, Cannon Gasket has
developed into both a Domestic and Global supplier,
serving a variety of markets/ industries including but not
Located in Cleveland, Ohio since 1947, Interstate-McBee
has been producing high quality sealing systems for the
heavy duty diesel and natural gas industries. Manufacturing
specialized component parts and gaskets, Interstate-McBee
is a Tier 1 supplier to several OEM engine manufacturers.
Steady growth has come from product line expansion
complementing their already industry leading coverage.
Interstate-McBee serves a variety of markets
including highway heavy truck, mining, agricultural, power
generation and marine along with stationary power units.
Expanding into natural gas markets has put emphasis on
high quality sealing technologies. An ISO 9001:2008 quality
system has enabled them to meet challenging demands of
their diverse industries and customers. Interstate-McBee
has three factory owned distribution centers in the USA and
distributors in 90 countries world wide allowing them to
service customers quickly and efficiently.
For more information about Interstate-McBee, please
visit our website at www.interstate-mcbee.com.
limited to: aerospace, agriculture, automotive, electronics,
medical and plumbing. From prototype applications
culminating in production runs, our company has the
capabilities to manufacture millions or small lots for our
customers. The bulk of our business lies in the manufacture
of Rubber washers, Teflon washers and custom shaped
gaskets. With a variety of materials in stock, we can assist
in new product development with quick turn around on all
orders.
Our recent ISO 9001 Certification is a direct
reflection of our proactive approach to both quality and
service. Moving forward we continually aspire to improve
and reach new company goals.
For more information about Cannon Gasket Inc.,
please contact us at (909) 982-1547 or visit us on the web at
www.cannongasket.com
Company Profiles (Continued from Page 3)
The GFA, in collaboration with the International
Association of Diecutting and Diemaking (IADD), is offering
a special service to its members. TechTeam™ is a dedicated
and experienced team of industry professionals who stand
ready to assist you.
Their mission is to quickly research and answer GFA
Members’ technical diecutting and diemaking questions in
an unbiased, confidential, current, and direct manner.
Since the service was launched in 2008 for GFA
members, the Team has handled questions from members
who have, in turn, been able to assist not only their own
businesses, but also their customers who have asked
questions of them.
Using the TechTeam™ will save you time, money,
and materials and can make you look like a hero to your
customer and company. Contacting the Team is easy.
Submit a question, track it, and follow up using an easy
web-form in the Members Only area of the GFA website. The
first response to questions generally comes within the first
24 hours of a question being asked.
GFA Members can access the service by clicking on
Members Only on the GFA’s home page (www.gasketfab.
com).
Members who have forgotten their user name and
password should contact the GFA office at 610-971-4850 or
Joining a committee is one of the best ways to take advantage of your GFA membership. Contact the GFA office at 610-971-4850 or [email protected] if
you would like to join a committee.
August 2011Page 6
Press ReleaseMACtac® Specialty Products Announces New Director:Chris Banks MACtac® has announced
the promotion of Chris Banks to
the position of director, MACtac
Specialty Products. Banks
assumes this position after
more than four years as North
American sales manager. In his
new role, Banks is responsible for the management of sales
and marketing for the MACtac Specialty Products business,
including international sales for products and solutions
produced in the U.S.
“Chris is a very positive, driven and dedicated
professional,” said Dr. Steven Sargeant, general manager for
MACtac Specialty Products. “ The promotion to his new role
is well-deserved and we look forward to the contributions
he will make to our team in growing our global sales and
marketing efforts.”
Banks has extensive experience in application
development, strategic account management and sales.
Prior to joining MACtac, he served as regional sales manager
at Innovia Films, strategic accounts manager at Surface
Specialties UCB and strategic accounts representative at
National Starch and Chemical.
Banks has a bachelor’s degree in communications
and marketing from John Carroll University and is a member
of several trade associations, including the Pressure Sensitive
Tape Council (PSTC), the Gasket Fabricators Association
(GFA) and the National Insulation Association (NIA).
August 2011Page 7
740, rue Galt Ouest, bureau 302, sherbrooke (québec) canada j1h 1z3 T 819 562-2222 F 819 562-2336 www.ciblesolutions.com
No de projet - Project No: 2392-36
Client: American Biltrite
Agence - Agency: CIBLE solutions d’a�aires
Publication - Magazine: GFA
Date de parution - Issue: January 2010
Format - Size: 3,5” x 2”
Nombre de couleurs - #colors: CMYK
Linéature - Line screen: 150 lpi
Date de tombée - Deadline: 2010, Jan. 28
2392-36 AB-PubPSRjan10.ai CMYK
1.888.275.7075 | �www.american-biltrite.com
Manufacturer of sustainable cork, recycled rubber and cork/rubber
products for the following markets:
www.ecoreindustrial.com
• Industrial• Aerospace• Automotive• Sealing
• Gasket Cutting• Packaging• Friction Materials• Anti-Vibration
937.498.2222www.thermosealinc.com
Quality Sealing with Service and Innovation
Valu-Edge is Wagner’s commitment to providingthe best quality, value, service and training.Give your company the edge - Valu-Edge!Exclusively from Wagner Die Supply!
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Custom-Designed and Milled Punchesfrom America’s Punch Leader!
Committee Updates Continued on page 9
August 2011Page 8
GFA Committee UpdatesCommunications David Soliday,Chairman
The Communications
committee is working on
a number of activities to
streamline and update how
information will be shared in
the future.
With participation on ‘key performance surveys’
somewhat less than desirable, the committee received
suggestions for improvements. The go forward plan
includes a questionnaire mailing that when responded to
and tabulated, will provide an abbreviated yet informative
measurement device for future use. Additionally, the GFA
newsletter will include testimonials from members that
will be shared to stimulate new member participation.
The website is being revamped with the GFA’s marketing
consultant, Lauron Sonnier to bring an up to date visual
theme into play. The Communications Committee is always
interested in hearing suggestions and thoughts for making
the GFA a positive and favorable organization. Please join us
at our next meeting.
Programs and Locations Shelby Ricketts,Chairman
Location, location,
location. This often-used phrase
is the answer to the question
“What are the three most
important things to know about
real estate?” Likewise, the importance of location cannot be
overstated when planning our GFA meetings.
To that end, the Programs and Locations Committee
has planned an exciting range of locations, beginning with
the scenic Hyatt Lost Pines Resort in Lost Pines, Texas. After
the positive reviews from our meeting in San Antonio, the
committee decided to select another central Texas location.
The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort is a short, 20 minute drive
from the Austin-Bergstrom Airport, making access easy for
everyone. This quiet, 405 acre retreat is set squarely in the
middle of the Texas hill country, next to the Colorado River,
making it the perfect location to relax, unwind and visit with
other GFA members.
Terry Galanis and Steve Pendergast have graciously
agreed to co-chair next year’s Gasketing/ Converting Expo,
which promises to again be an industry-leading event.
The Expo will be held at the Hilton Orlando hotel. The
International Association of Diecutting and Diemaking and
the Fluid Sealing Association will again be co-sponsors of
the event.
In 2012, we have confirmed Denver, Colorado as the
host city for our fall meeting. The Long Range Committee
has suggested that we consider focusing on a series of
sales-related issues such as prospecting, cold calling and
other sales techniques to generate more interest in our
members bringing their sales staffs to meetings. Some
members have used the GFA meetings as an opportunity
to hold their own company sales meetings, and we want
to foster a sales-oriented environment, since sales issues
are always a well-received topic. Should you have any
suggestions regarding interesting sales presenters you have
seen, please let a member of the Programs and Locations
Committee know.
On the Program side, the Committee is renewing
its commitment to delivering content from its members
with “Fabricator Success Stories.” This fall, the focus will be
on what gains fabricators can make by enhancing their
presence on the web. We will also continue with the CEO
Luncheon Series and roundtable discussions that have
been successful during the last GFA meetings. We always
encourage as much member content as possible and, even
though many of our members don’t like to brag about their
successes, it is important for the GFA membership to share
thoughts, ideas and best practices during our meetings.
Please feel free to present any thoughts or ideas you have to
the Programs and Locations committee. Don’t be afraid to
stop in and attend our meeting this fall, either.
We look forward to seeing you in Texas this
September!
August 2011Page 9
Technical CommitteeJim Ward, Chairman
The principal function of the Technical Committee is
to inform and educate. The Technical Committee of the GFA
directs the programming of technical information available
to the membership during the semi-annual meetings,
through the GFA newsletter, and through the GFA web site.
The committee also organizes the placement of member
information available at the web site and selects the
categories in which the member information is separated.
The latest innovation developed by the Technical
Committee is the GFA technical webinar. The purpose
behind the webinar is to offer each member the opportunity
to view general information pertinent to the industry from
the convenience of their own facility with the added bonus
of including as many member associates to the education
process as possible. The webinars are designed to inform
(not advertise) members and their associates about
materials, equipment, and services available to every GFA
member organization.
The most popular service currently offered through
the Technical Committee is the technical articles in the
GFA newsletter. Topics and information for these articles
are suggested and recommended during the Technical
Committee meetings. The articles are professionally
prepared through a technical writing firm or through GFA
member volunteers.
The Technical Committee also selects the program
for the technical sessions during the bi-annual Gasketing /
Converting Expo as well as the technical content for future
GFA meetings.
As a volunteer service of the GFA, the Technical
Committee welcomes all members to participate and
join in the process of informing and educating the future
leadership of our industry. Please invest an hour during the
next GFA meeting to see what the Technical Committee is
about and possibly offer your expertise in the industry.
Long Term MembersIra Warren As I celebrate the
beginning of my 36th year as the CEO
of Frank Lowe Rubber & Gasket Co.,
Inc., I think about those experiences
which have helped me get to where
I am today. One of those which
deserve significant credit has been
my membership in the GFA.
I joined the Gasket Fabricators Association in the late 1980’s
and then took a short leave of absence during the years prior to
my divorce. I returned in the early 1990’s and have been an active
member ever since. When I first joined, it was for the opportunity
to socialize with my peers, while sharing and gaining the insight
necessary for success. What better way to get that knowledge
and promote the industry than in the company of a group of great
people, many of whom were dealing with similar struggles and
obstacles as I. We often hear that as a CEO, it is lonely at the top and
the friendships I have made have been invaluable.
Another priceless benefit of the GFA has been the
opportunity to create relationships with the principals or senior
members of current and future suppliers. The opportunities
created by those relationships are so very vital to the success of
my company as well as mutually beneficial to the suppliers who
became part of Frank Lowe’s family of partners. And, lastly, the wide
variety of knowledge gained from the speakers has been the icing
on the cake.
Needless to say, the GFA has been an integral part of the
growth of Frank Lowe Rubber & Gasket.
David Soliday Chicago Wilcox Mfg. views the
GFA as a very cost effective way to
share information with suppliers about
today’s customer challenges. We
have received many suggestions and
solutions for material and fabrication
options. Additionally, the forum
discussions provide thoughts for
efficiencies in business that we may have not realized without our
participation.
Committee Updates(Continued from Page 8)
August 2011Page 10
Spring 2011 Meeting PhotosPGA National Resort & Spa, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Steve Hanson presenting Don Rauch with a plaque for his
contributions as a member of the Board of Directors from
2005 – 2011
Chet Conte presenting at the General Session
Dr. Jeff Dietrich with the Institute for Trend Research
presenting at the General Session
First Time Attendees: Travis Francy, MACtac and Bob Grant,
Marian Milwaukee
First Time Attendees: Rocky Pulsinelli, AM Rubber & Foam
Gaskets; Karan Talwar, Talbros Cork Rubber; Tony Stillinger,
The Seal Group @ Gatlin Corp.; Jenn Neuwirth, Avery
Dennison; and Joe Bliss, JBC Technologies, Inc.
First Time Attendees: Mike Hurrle, Marian Chicago; Wayne
Tangel, Adhesive Applications; Ida Elliott, Caldwell Gasket;
Bob Major, Lintec of America; Andy Fondakowski, Adhesive
Applications; and Angela Dreis, 3M
August 2011Page 11
August 2011Page 12
Selecting the right gasket material for an
application is a difficult and complex process. Making the
correct decision requires a lot of input information; first
you need to know all of the engineering data about the
application and second you need to know the performance
characteristics of the materials that are being considered.
Knowing the compressibility characteristics of a material is a
vital part of this decision making process.
The compressibility of a gasket material must
meet or exceed the requirements of the application. It’s
important to understand how the compressibility values are
determined and how to use the information.
Given the sealing stress found in an application,
it’s vital to select a material that will seal at the known
stresses and conform or compress to all the flange surface
irregularities (flatness, waviness, surface machining, etc.)
that are present on manufactured flanges.
Traditionally, compressibility is reported in a
material’s specification using a standard ASTM, DIN, or
other technical standard test. The most common standard
in the US market is the ASTM F-36 standard for measuring
compressibility and recovery of a material.
Before compressibility can be discussed, the
different types of materials must be reviewed. There
are many types of gasket materials and the ASTM F-104
Classification Standard has assigned a number to each type
of material, be it asbestos, cork rubber, cellulose, synthetic,
etc. The Types are determined by identifying the principle
fibrous, particulate, or reinforcement material of the
product. The Types of materials defined by F-104 are:
Type 1 – Asbestos Type 2 – Cork
Type 3 – Cellulose Type 4 – Fluorocarbon polymer
Type 5 – Flexible graphite Type 6 – Non asbestos fiber
tested as a type 1
Type 7 - Vermiculite Type 8 – As specified by
manufacturer
The pre-conditioning parameters, the amount of
pre-load used to determine the initial thickness and the
amount of major load used to determine compressibility are
Fiber Gasket Compressibility, What It Means and Why It is ImportantBy: Mark Moser, Moser’s Technical Services, LLC
different for each Type. This information is clearly defined in
the ASTM F-36 Standard (See Figure 1). For example, Type 3
cellulose materials are tested with a major load of 6.89 MPa
(1000 psi) to determine compressibility and for Type 7 non-
asbestos materials, the most popular materials used today,
a major load of 34.5 MPa (5000 psi) is used. The ASTM F-36
standard only tests compressibility at one major load and
the percent recovery is determined after that maximum
load is removed. The following images explain how the
compressibility and recovery properties are measured and
calculated.
(Figure 1)
Continued on page 13
August 2011Page 13
These single load compressibility and recovery
values are great for quality control purposes to ensure
consistent and reliable manufacturing. They can also be
used for making a general comparison of materials of the
same Type. However, the compressibility values of materials
from different types cannot be compared since they are
determined using different major loads.
Using an ASTM F-36 compressibility value to
determine if the material will compress adequately in an
application is not possible. For example, if a Type 7 material
lists a compressibility value of 20%, at 34.5 MPa (5000 psi),
and the application has sealing stress that ranges from 3.45
MPa (500 psi) to 44.8 MPa (6500 psi), you can’t determine
how much compression will occur in the application. Here’s
why:
The amount of sealing stress found in the
application ranges from 500 to 6500 psi and the
compressibility of the material is 20% at 5000 psi. This
information will tell you how much compression of the
material will occur only where 5000 psi of stress is present.
Where the stress is 500 psi or 6500 psi, there is no way
of knowing how much compression will occur. More
information is required.
The recovery value listed in a specification is a
reflection of the initial density and or the state of cure
of the material. Materials with a fully cured rubber
component and/ or a high initial density will typically
have a higher recovery value and therefore are more
resilient. If the sealing stress in an application fluctuates
due to temperature changes, vibration, or loss of bolt
torque, resilient materials will have a better propensity to
compensate for these changes.
To determine how much compression will occur in
an application, you need to know the range of sealing stress
generated when the bolts are tightened. And additionally,
you also need to have a load compression or load deflection
curve for the material in question. Again, many technical
standard organizations have test methods for obtaining this
data. Generally these tests will measure continuous material
compression as the load increases from 0 to 68.9 MPa
(10,000 psi). (A typical curve is shown below)
(In this example, the blue curve is the compression
curve generated as load is applied and the pink curve is the
unloading curve as load is removed. The thickness of the
material is constantly measured as the load is applied and
removed.)
The flange pressure or sealing stress range found
in an application can be estimated by a mathematical
calculation or a more accurate and precise range can be
determined by using a pressure indicative film or by FEA.
Bottom line is that knowing how standard
compressibility and recovery values are determined and
how this information should or should not be used is
important. But knowing the compressibility characteristics
of a gasket material is an important part of the material
selections process. Other vital material characterization data
that is needed are:
• Minimumloadrequiredtosealthematerial
• Temperaturelimitationofthematerial
• Chemicalcompatibilityofthematerialwiththe
sealed fluid
• Compressivestrengthofthematerialmustexceed
the maximum stress found in the application
• Adequatetorqueretentionproperties
Fiber Gasket Compressibility, What It Means and Why It is Important
(Continued from Page 12)
If you have questions you would like to see answered in future issues, please send
them by email to [email protected]
August 2011Page 14
O-Rings, Seals, Gaskets, Adhesives, Rubber Parts, EMI
www.sealingdevices.com * 716-684-7600
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Industrial Rubber Sheeting, Extruded & Molded Products
August 2011Page 15
MEASUREMENT (Contact Profilometer): The most common
means for measuring surface finish is with a profilometer
either contact or non-contact. What will be described is
a contact type with skid. The pictures below show the
essentials of the instrument, the stylus and the moving arm
with a skid with a large radius.
Surface ConditionsBy: Larry Pyle, LFP Technologies
In the past, I have written about various parameters
that effect gasket performance. This article will discuss the
surface conditions of the flanges that, with the gasket and
fasteners system, make up the gasketed joint we are familiar
with.
SURFACE TEXTURE: Every finishing process
produces a different surface finish result. Some are more
difficult to seal than others. In the diagram below are the
more important parameters related to surface finish.
• Surfaceroughnessconsistsoffineirregularitiesin
the surface texture, usually those resulting from the
inherent action of a production process.
• Roughnessheightisthedepthofthetypical
groove. I will cover the various scales that are used
to define roughness. These will be discussed later.
• Roughnesswidthmaybecausedbyfinishonthe
tool, the size of grit of a grinding wheel, etc.
• Wavinessisamorewidelyspacedcomponentofa
surface machine or work deflections, vibration
or chatter. In gasketing, the extreme waviness
rather than the roughness is often more difficult to
seal or will require thicker gasket or special
treatments.
• Flawsareunintentional,unexpected,andunwanted
interruptions in the surface finish such as cracks,
nicks, scratches and ridges.
• Layisthedirectionofthepredominantsurface
pattern. This would typically be in the direction of
the tool movement.
Continued on page 16
August 2011Page 16
To take a measurement, the arm is adjusted
vertically so that the arm is parallel to the surface and
the skid and stylus are in contact with the surface to be
measured.
The arm containing the stylus is pulled at a fixed
rate for a distance across the surface to be measured. The
direction of pull is customarily at 90 degrees to the lay of
the finish. The stylus follows the surface and its motions
are recorded. A typical profilometer can measure small
vertical features ranging in height from 10 nanometers to
1 millimeter. The height position of the diamond stylus
generates an analog signal which is converted into a digital
signal, stored, analyzed and displayed. The radius of the
diamond stylus ranges from 20 nanometers to 25 µm. The
horizontal resolution is controlled by the scan speed and the
data signal sampling rate.
Surface roughness can also be measured by a
variety of non-contact instruments including laser, optical
and electron microscopes. By far the most universal
technique to measure surface roughness is with a stylus
contact type of instrument that provides a numerical value
for surface roughness.
The advantages of the contact type profilometer
over the non-contact or optical profilometers are that the
World’s standards are generally based on contact methods
and that the contact type functions with more reliability
in dirty shop environments. Unlike the non-contact types
which can be fooled by surface reflectance or color.
Below is a typical output of a scan, a correction has
been made of the original scan to take out any differences in
parallelisms between the surface and the instrument.
ANALYSIS: Once the traces or readings using the
profilometer are complete the analysis begins. From
the same sets of data, different statistical values can be
generated. The most general of the statistical values
reported is average roughness (Ra). It is simply the average
distance from the mean line of the trace (see below).
When rubber coated embossed steel gaskets were
introduced, the needs for finer, more consistent, mating
flange surfaces were necessary. This is because the coating
is typically 0.001” in total rubber thickness per side. The seal
is established at the embossments in very narrow bands
of high contact pressure. The broad area of a conventional
paper gasket and the “maze” effect is not present. The seal
is established by surrounding the area to the sealed with a
narrow band of highly loaded rubber with is very thin. A rule
of thumb is that a cured rubber layer can only completely
flow and seal a groove only 30% of its thickness. Putting that
in figures, a .001” cured rubber coating can completely seal
a groove (as in the surface finish) that is 0003” deep. For this
reason the surface finish parameter of Rt was often specified.
Surface Conditions(Continued from Page 15)
Continued on page 17
August 2011Page 17
Listed below are some of the other statistical
parameters which may be encountered. Besides roughness
values there are Slope/Spacing and Bearing Ratio values which
will not be discussed.
In the chart below are typical surface finishes for
common finishing processes.
SURFACE CONDITION CONSIDERATIONS FOR GASKETS
For the most part, gaskets will seal a wide variety of
surface conditions. Surface roughness conditions of 60-250
µ-inch Ra finishes and with moderate waviness conditions
are commonly found in gasket mating flanges. Original
equipment manufacturers (OEM) control their surfaces
to uniform and consistent standards. In the majority of
applications where the surface is undisturbed or can be
restored to the original condition, an OEM gasket can be
used for OES or Aftermarket use.
Extreme conditions usually require special gasket
treatment:
• Asmentionedbefore,RubberCoatedSteelgaskets
require surface finish treatment because of the thin
cured rubber coatings.
• GasketforAftermarketorService(OES)usemay
require special treatment. Remanufacturers may
not return surface conditions to OEM specifications.
Deep scratches may be present depending on the
resurfacing process. In the automotive aftermarket,
some engine rebuilders were found to be using
belt sanders for refinishing the surfaces.
Surface Conditions(Continued from Page 16)
By: Rebecca Blose, CCT
The Solution May Be in the Carrier
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) tape suppliers
have provided converters with an array of alternative
bonding solutions. Historically PSA tapes have reduced
or eliminated more costly retention solutions such as
screws, “Christmas Trees” or rivets for assembly of joints.
Representing more than two thirds of all PSA tapes
manufactured worldwide, double-coat tape constructions
have gained broad acceptance across a variety of markets
and applications.
Double coated tapes are constructed with PSA on
both sides of a carrier or support component that offers
dimensional stability to the part. This is preferable when
converting with thin gauge or soft materials laminated to
prevent stretch of the part. The carrier can be engineered
with a variety of substrates, but 0.5 mil Polyester (PET) has
typically dominated this market.
Continued on page 18
August 2011Page 18
For all of the benefits that a PET supported tape
provides the convertor in manufacturing, part handling
and assembly, it may not always be the best carrier for
the final design. When applications contain curvatures
or radii introduced in the design for instance, additional
stress is forced on the PET and may eventually encourage
the PSA to lift from either the substrate or laminate. This is
certainly not desirable and most often totally unacceptable.
Converters frequently work with their tape suppliers to
identify a more aggressive, or higher performing PSA to
provide a more robust solution. This option may not be the
most economical solution, and in spite of the improved
strength and performance, it still may not be possible for the
adhesive to overcome the continuous stresses placed on it.
A better alternative may be to evaluate a more compliant
carrier, or simply use an unsupported PSA tape to allow
greater part conformability.
Since unsupported transfer films do not
always address convertor assembly and part handling
concerns, attempting this method only to satisfy end-use
requirements is typically not the solution. This leads back to
evaluating alternative carriers for a “Supported Transfer Film”.
A supported transfer film performs well for the convertor
and still provides similar benefits to an unsupported
adhesive in final assembly.
Supported transfer films can be constructed with
various carriers including, scrim (or netting), nonwovens, or
tissue carriers. The benefits of a PSA tape engineered with
a net reinforced, or scrim carrier is that it performs without
memory as an unsupported, but gives the manufacturer the
stability needed for laminating and converting, as well as
most cutting and handling operations.
Engineering a PSA supported transfer tape with
a tissue carrier allows the premise of a double coat, and
can offer two different PSA chemistries on either side. The
tissue carrier offers dimensional stability beyond a standard
transfer film, yet is more conformable for bending corners
without lifting than a PET carrier. This construction offers a
potential conformability that final part designs may require.
There are many PSA tape solutions available that
may meet your current or future needs. With product
selection impacting cost, performance and converting,
wise converters can benefit greatly by consulting with
a knowledgeable supplier for information, options and
assistance in product selection.
The Solution May Be in the Carrier
(Continued from Page 17)
Lawrence A. Hillman1946 - 2011 Lawrence A. “Larry”
Hillman, 65, of Lancaster, PA
passed away on Tuesday, April
26, 2011 at Lancaster General
Hospital. He was born in London,
Ontario (Middlesex County)
to the late Gerald and Marie
(Warkentin) Graves.
Larry is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sandra D.
(Wible) Hillman.
Larry was a Technical Services Salesman for Relco
Inc. He specialized in manufacturing of custom machinery
for many different industries.
He was a loyal and faithful member of the Lancaster
Alliance Church.
His hobbies consisted of flying remote control
airplanes with the Lancaster County Radio Control Club,
spending time with his grandchildren, family, friends, and
was known by many as the go to “handy man”.
Surviving in addition to his wife, daughter, Cindy C.
Keely, wife of Neil A. of Harrisburg, son, Robert A. Hillman,
husband of Lyuda of Poway, CA, three grandchildren, Jacob,
Daniel, and Elizabeth, brothers, Gerald Graves, and Paul
Hillman, husband of Carol, step-sister, Joann Briglia, and
brother-in-law, Allen Ure. Larry was preceded in death by a
sister, Betty Ure.
Below are the results from the Benchmarking Survey,
which was undertaken to give GFA members a thumbnail
sketch of how other members are fairing at this time.
We had 33 out of 63 Fabricator responses.
1. Most Recent Quarter Sales Compared to
Previous Quarter
UP DOWN SAME
21 5 7
64% 15% 21%
2. Current Quarter Sales Projection Compared
to Last Quarter
UP DOWN SAME
14 5 14
42% 15% 42%
We had 29 out of 66 Supplier responses.
1. Most Recent Quarter Sales Compared to
Previous Quarter
UP DOWN SAME
21 4 4
72% 14% 14%
2. Current Quarter Sales Projection Compared
to Last Quarter
UP DOWN SAME
21 2 6
72% 7% 21%
Benchmarking Report
August 2011Page 19
Every gasket supplier thinks that he has the perfect
gasket for each sealing application. This may be true in his eyes
and the eyes of his customer. In truth, his gasket design may
not leak because of the performance criteria established by his
customer, but will leak under alternative test criteria.
1. If the application calls for sealing 50/50 anti-freeze
and water at 15 psi and 260oF is required, a test would
be designed to test for that criteria.
2. If that same application required the sealing of air
under those same conditions, that same gasket would
in all probability fail. This is because the molecular
size of the air (mostly Nitrogen) is much smaller than
either the anti-freeze or the water molecule.
3. Once the design or material has been changed so
that the air leakage is eliminated, the gasket still leaks.
If you test with Helium, leakage will still occur, again
because of the difference in molecular size.
In case 1, the gasket (if it has any porosity at all) leaked
all of the internally inherent air in the gasket and it was replaced
by the liquid. This liquid wicks into the internal structure of the
material and creates its own damming effect preventing the
mixture from reaching the outer surface of the gasket. Even
if the coolant reaches the outer edge of the gasket, it may
evaporate at a rate faster than the flow rate through the gasket.
Two interesting examples:
A marine engine manufacturer which prided
itself in having shiny Black engines was noting that in
time, the edges of the head gasket became a white
color contrasting with the pristine black paint. These
engines had open cooling systems. This means that
the raw river or salt water cooled the engine directly
without using a heat exchanger. It was further noted
that these white edges were most prevalent on engines
used in salt water. Examination of the gasket revealed
that the white substance was salt, but only on the
edges of the gasket and never down the sides of the
engines. What was happening was that the coolant
(salt water) was wicking through the material until it
reached the edge where the liquid evaporated before
it had time to run down the side of the engine. An
alternate design was made to reduce or eliminate
the wicking issue.
Applications that require the sealing of
closed systems such as refrigerants will eventually
lose their charge because of minute leakage of
the gaskets. Years ago, manufacturers soaked
their gaskets in mineral oil to fill up the pores of
the material, creating a leakless gasket (at least to
refrigerant).
Every Gasket Leaks: It’s Just a Matter of How MuchBy: Larry Pyle, LFP Technologies
1.
2.
August 2011Page 20
Phone: (262) 786-5300 Fax: (262) 786-5503www.frenzelitsealing.com [email protected] West Ryerson Road New Berlin, WI 53151
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