Comparison of Form in Place Gaskets To Conventional Compression Gaskets

Both types of gaskets offer advantages which indicate usage on applications with specific needs.
Compression gaskets are pre formed to a specific size, shape and thickness. Formed in Place gaskets are liquids that cure after the parts are assembled.

Compression gaskets are made from a variety of materials including cork, rubber, and synthetic blends. Formed in Place or FIP gaskets are either anaerobic adhesives or room temperature vulcanizing silicone. The difference in chemical composition of FIP gaskets is the leading indicator for which applications they are best used in.

Conventional compressions gaskets are widely accepted and are preferred when an instant seal is required.

Formed in Place Gaskets are increasingly used to reduce inventory of various size and shape gaskets and to increase seal strength.

The advantages of formed in place gaskets over compression gaskets include:

Improved reliability

1. Seals all surface imperfections
2. Allows true "metal to metal" designs
3. Reduces compression set and fastener loosening
4. Anaerobic adhesives add structural strength to the assembly

Reduced costs

1. Relax machined tolerances
2. Eliminate gasket inventories
3. Reduce labor costs with automatic application
4. Eliminate bolt retorquing

Easier Application

1. Single component no mixing
2. Easy to automate

Easier service

1. Form in place gaskets allow easier disassembly and clean up then compression gaskets
2. One package can be used in multiple flange size

Benefits of anaerobic gaskets over traditional sealing systems include:

1. No gasket relaxation
2. Non-shimming
3. Structural strength
4. Excess material remains liquid
5. Relaxed surface finish
6. No cure before assembly
7. Reduced inventory costs
8. Chemical compatibility

Anaerobic adhesives do not offer gasketing solutions for all applications. Limitations include use on applications which require temperature very high temperature resistance and are mainly used on metals. Anaerobics generally resist up to 150C with specialty products resisting up to up to 200C. Anaerobic adhesives are also not recommended for applications in which large gap fill is required. For applications requiring temperature resistance over 200c and gap fill requirements greater than xxx silicone gaskets may be preferred.

Benefits of Silicone form in place gaskets include:

Seal large gaps

1. Flexes with flange movement
2. Relax surface finish
3. Inventory cost reduction

Temperature range
1. -70°C to 315°C for most
2. Some -70°C to 343°C

Adhesion

Limitation of "formed in place" Silicone gaskets

Chemical Compatibility
1. Poor resistance to fuel and aromatic solvents
2. High Pressure



Not recommended for high pressure applications because of their high elongation low shear and tensile strength.

There is no one answer that is correct for all requirements or all applications. Understanding the limitations and benefits of each type allows the best selection for the application.

Permabond is a leading manufacturer of engineering adhesives, supplying high-quality industrial adhesives to customers worldwide. Permabond has offices in The Americas, Europe and Asia and a worldwide network of distributors to assist you with your specific bonding and sealing requirements. To learn more, please visit Adhesives.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Rebecca_Wilmot/257408



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1483130