Automated application of CIP gaskets cuts costly and timeconsuming hand assembly of molded rubber gaskets. By Richard O. Angus Jr. Robotic dispensing of CIP gasket formulation by moving the dispense head. Gaskets that are heat cured are strong compression components that resist degrading in hot lubricating fluids, coolants, and fuels. Cured-in-place (CIP) gasket technology is an automated application process. It is quicker and less costly than hand assembling cut or molded rubber gaskets. Unlike the case with conventional gasketing, Tier two and three suppliers can handle it. This greatly simplifies production and adds value to manufacturing economically. Typical automotive gasketing applications include water-pump housings, oil pans, rocker-arm covers, and intake manifolds. Less-hostile gasket environments include lamp housings, electrical boxes, and air-filter housings. Here gaskets prevent intrusion into components of water and solid contaminants. Conventional automotive compression gaskets are preformed items made primarily of rubber, although cork, paper, foam, metal, or other materials are also candidates. Foam is preferred for applications requiring high compression of the gasket or where the mating surfaces have high dimensional tolerances. Foam gaskets are also useful for reducing vibration and noise. Conventional gaskets are either molded or cut from sheets to fit between two mating surfaces. Some applications glue the gasket to one substrate, the better to survive many disassembly/reassembly cycles, or temporarily bond it for easy removal during servicing. The problem with conventional gasketing is that it implies a need for an inventory of preformed gaskets. Multiple gaskets, of course, require multiple inventories. And, while it's possible to automate gasket positioning, most still go on by hand. There is no such thing as an inventory of CIP gaskets. This is one reason they are fast replacing preformed gaskets. CIP versions are typically more precisely formed and molded to the part than conventional gaskets. No matter what
Products & Services
Gaskets are used to prevent fluid or gas leaks by providing a barrier between two mating surfaces.
Edge trim and trims seals are used to provide a decorative or protective edge, or seal or fill a gap between two surfaces.
Punches are tools used to perforate material in order to create a cut the shape of the punch edge.
Die cutting services use a variety of die cutting methods to fashion materials into predefined shapes or sizes.
Weatherstripping is used to seal openings in doors, windows and other applications from water and other elements.
Topics of Interest
A gasket is a material or combination of materials designed to clamp between the
mating faces of a flange joint. The primary function of gaskets is to seal the irregulari-
ties of each face of the...
Material properties are key to getting gaskets that perform as expected. Synthetic rubber gaskets and cushioning pads are readily die or water-jet cut. Notches should be designed into the gasket if...
Since it is expensive to grind and lap joint faces to obtain fluid-tight joints, a gasket
of some softer material is usually inserted between contact faces. Tightening the
bolts causes the gasket...
With competitive pressure mounting, companies in the chemical process industries (CPI) have sought to adopt new operating methods and simplify their procurement processes. One result is a growing...
An inspection port for the lubrication system of a major utility's coal pulverizer leaked continuously due to poor design and construction, combined with use of a conventional general-service sheet...
