FIBOX Make Difficult Easy
FIBOX ENCLOSURE GASKETS OFFER THE BEST PROTECTION
Gasketing
plays an essential role in enclosure protection. In the long run, the IP
rating and its reliability depend mainly on the properties of the
gasket used in the enclosure. Key performance factors of a gasket are
its compression set and proper fit in the gasket groove. The best
general purpose gasket material is polyurethane which has an
exceptionally low compression set. When accurately injection foamed, the
polyurethane gaskets stay tightly in the right place. And EPDM material
provides the best protection against the most popular industrial
chemicals. However, it is wise to check the effect of a chemical on each
gasket material since the chemical resistance of gasket materials
varies greatly.
In some cases the performance of an enclosure can
be mod ifed by changing its gasket. The degree of protection depends on
the material and the cross-section profile of the gasket. When choosing
gasket material, compare the elasticity properties of different
materials and how these properties are affected by cold and heat, or by
contact with various chemicals. An important factor is that both the
enclosure and gasket must withstand the same chemicals in order to reach
a safe resistivity.
FIBOX enclosures are well designed
The
degree of ingress protection (IP) of an enclosure is mainly dependent
on the properties of its gasket. Nevertheless, the gasket must also
properly fit the enclosure. In addition to the cross-section profile of
the gasket, there is the cross section of the gasket’s contact with the
surfaces of the enclosure bases and covers. If the cross-section
structures and manufacturing accuracy of an enclosure are not top
quality, the IP rating will remain low even when equipped with a good
gasket. Naturally, all FIBOX enclosures are carefully designed and
precision made. Using FIBOX enclosures, you only need to focus on the
variances in gasket materials.
FIBOX enclosure gaskets are made
of PUR, EPDM, neoprene and silicon materials. Table 1 includes some
commonly-used physical properties of the gaskets. Note that the chemical
resistances in the box and in Table 2 are only rough generalizations to
give you some clues to gasket material behavior. The resistance of each
chemical should be checked separately. For additional information,
please contact Fibox.
Table 1 Gasket materials: physical properties comparison
Property |
Unit |
TPE |
PUR |
EPDM |
Neoprene |
Silicon |
Temperature range |
°C |
-40 - +120 |
-50 - +130 |
-50 - +120 |
-40 - +100 |
-60 - +170 |
Tensile strength |
Mpa |
5 |
0,4 |
13,0 |
8,0 | 9,4 |
Elongation at break |
% | 700 | 110 | 300 | 250 | 540 |
Hardness |
Shore A |
30 |
12 | 65 | 66 | 52 |
Density |
g/cm3 |
1,13 |
0,33 |
1,12 |
1,6 |
1,15 |
Compression set |
% |
17 |
5 | 20 | 35 | 14 |
Chemical Performance |
TPE | PUR | EPDM | Neoprene | Silicon |
Neutral salts | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** |
Acids, low concentrations | **** | *** | **** | *** | *** |
Acids, high concentrations | *** | * | *** | * | * |
Alkalis, low concentrations | **** | *** | **** | **** | *** |
Alkalis, high concentrations | *** | * | **** | *** | * |
Petroleums |
* |
* |
* |
*** |
* |
Hydraulic oils |
* |
**** |
* |
*** |
* |
Alcohols |
** |
*** |
**** |
**** |
**** |
Cooling fluids | *** | *** | **** | *** | **** |