UV Curing Form-In-Place and Cure-in-Place Gaskets

Master Bond manufactures a variety of form-in-place and cure-in-place gaskets that adhere to glass, plastics, ceramics, and metals. These formed-in-place gaskets will seal complex assemblies and prevent leakage of gas or liquids. These compounds also protect against damage from vibration, shock and impact.

Using form-in-place and cure-in-place gaskets as opposed to die cut gaskets reduces the costs of production and allows for easy repairs and changes to the shape of the gasket. Master Bond's UV curable formulations will maintain strong, durable seals even when exposed to the most adverse environmental conditions, such as high temperatures, shock, vibration, and chemical exposure.

Advantages of UV Curing Adhesives for Form-in-Place Gasket Applications

UV curable adhesives provide a number of advantages over traditional RTV silicones used to produce form-in-place gaskets. Like RTV silicones, Master Bond’s UV curable adhesives provide excellent flexibility and easy repair. However, in addition, UV curable form-in-place gaskets offer:

• Faster cure times
• Better chemical resistance
• No emission of corrosive elements
• Elimination of stacking and racking

These properties of UV curing cure-in-place gaskets will simplify the production process, save time, and cut costs.

Properties of Master Bond’s UV Curable Cure-in-Place Gaskets

Master Bond custom formulates products to meet any design specifications. Specific grades offer:

• Electrical insulation
• Resistance to water and other chemicals
• Low shrinkage
• Serviceability at extreme temperatures
• Self-leveling properties

Applications of Form-in-Place Adhesive Systems

These compounds are presently employed in a wide range of applications in many diverse industries. Some common applications include:

• Electronic devices
• Speaker assemblies
• Electrical closures
• Test equipment
• Avionics
• Fuel cells
• Appliance housings

UV Curing Hardware

UV curing systems employ special lamps as a radiative energy source. These UV lamps are controlled discharge devices that contain mercury and inert gas. At both ends of the tube are electrodes, which are joined to metal and caps to form the electrical connections to the lamp. The distance between the electrodes determines the amount of voltage needed to span the gap and strike and arc. The arc generates electromagnetic energy of varying wavelengths, giving off infrared and visible light as well as the desired ultraviolet radiation.

Lamp cooling by air or water is important because electrodes operate most efficiently at around 1,500°F. A power source of ballast is required to increase the input voltage and provide constant power to the mercury vapor lamps.

Considerable progress has been and continues to be made in the design and durability of UV lamp equipment. Lamps that can generate UV light at 365 nm, which is becoming the standard, can now give trouble free service for more than 2,000 hours.

Environmentally Friendly UV Curable Form-in-Place Gaskets

Many organic adhesives expel hazardous and pollutive solvents and diluents during the curing process. However, UV-cure compounds, including Form-in-Place and Cure-in-Place systems, offer 100% reactive cures with no volatile losses. These cures are non-polluting and environmentally friendly. These compounds are therefore perfect for green energy devices. Furthermore, these cures will make the production process more efficient by eliminating the need for curing ovens and post-cure processes.

Most Popular Form-in-Place Gasket Systems

Packaged the Way You Need It

We offer a wide array of packaging options to speed productivity, minimize waste and save energy including...

• Quantities from grams to gallons
• Cans, bottles and jars
• Cartridges for manual and pneumatic guns
• Syringe applications

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Master Bond Inc.

For more information on this source, please visit Master Bond Inc.