by Denise Sullivan Denise Sullivan No Comments

Advanced Properties and Applications of PTFE in Sealing Technology

PTFE has a unique combination of properties that make it ideal for use in sealing technology. One of its most notable characteristics is its ability to withstand extremely high and low temperatures. PTFE can operate in temperatures ranging from as low as -200°C to as high as 260°C, making it an excellent choice for applications where sealing performance needs to be maintained at extreme temperatures.

PTFE

Another significant advantage of PTFE is its chemical resistance. It is highly resistant to various chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and organic solvents. This makes it an excellent choice for use in chemical processing plants or other facilities where exposure to harsh chemicals is common.

PTFE also has excellent non-stick properties, which make it ideal for use in applications where adhesion could compromise the effectiveness of the seal. Its low coefficient of friction means that even under heavy loads or with repeated cycles of movement, PTFE will not experience significant wear or degradation.

In addition to these properties, it has outstanding electrical insulation characteristics and acts as a barrier against moisture and dust.

Manufacturing PFE Gaskets

Pure PTFE gaskets are produced by molding directly from suspended material or cutting (turning) from PTFE sheets (rods). Molding plates have uneven density and poor flexibility while turning plates have a relatively uniform density. Still, their material is curved due to the influence of the processing technology, which is not conducive to installation and use.

Modified PTFE gaskets add a certain proportion of functional materials, such as glass fiber or graphite powder, during production. The resulting gasket provides improved strength and durability compared with pure PTFE gaskets while maintaining this advanced material’s desirable properties.

Despite its many advantages, however, some limitations are associated with using PTFE in sealing applications. For example:

  • It can be difficult to achieve consistent compression when using pure PTFE gaskets due to their poor flexibility
  • PTFE can be prone to creep under sustained pressure, which can result in a loss of sealing performance over time
  • PTFE is unsuitable for high-pressure applications as it has low tensile strength and may deform or fail under high loads.

Applications for PTFE 

Despite these limitations, PTFE remains one of the most advanced materials available in sealing technology. Its unique combination of properties makes it ideal for use in various applications where reliable sealing is essential.

One potential application area where PTFE could increase use is the automotive industry. As electric vehicles become more prevalent, there will be an increased demand for seals that withstand harsh operating conditions. Its excellent temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and non-stick properties make it an ideal choice for use in battery enclosures and other critical components.

Another potential application area is within the food processing industry. Many food products are highly acidic or alkaline, which can cause traditional seals to degrade over time. PTFE’s chemical resistance makes it an excellent choice for acidic or alkaline foods. At the same time, its non-stick properties mean that any residue left on the seal after cleaning can easily be removed.

In conclusion, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has many advanced properties that make it ideal for use in sealing technology. Its ability to withstand extreme temperatures while maintaining effective sealing performance sets it apart from other materials commonly used in this field. While some limitations are associated with using the material in certain applications, such as those involving high-pressure loads, its unique combination of properties means it remains one of the most important materials currently available. Over time, we may see even greater advances made with this remarkable material with continued research and development into new formulations and manufacturing techniques.

by Denise Sullivan Denise Sullivan No Comments

How Canted Coil Springs Provide EMI/RFI Protection

Canted coil springs

The rise of technology has brought about a new era of innovation and efficiency in the modern world. With the advancement of electronic devices, there has been an exponential increase in the number and type of gadgets we use daily. Electronics have become integral to our lives, from smartphones to computers, cars to airplanes. However, with this increase in usage comes a corresponding increase in electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). EMI/RFI can cause significant harm to sensitive electronics resulting in malfunctioning or failure. Canted coil springs can be a way to protect equipment from EMI/RFI interference.

Canted Coil Springs as EMI Shielding

Shielding sensitive electronics from EMI/RFI is thus an essential requirement for any electronic device manufacturer. Various shielding solutions, like metal shields or coatings, often suffer from weight, thermal management problems, and low flexibility.

This is where canted coil springs come into play. These springs provide superior EMI/RFI shielding while being lightweight and flexible. The unique design features independent coils that serve as multiple contact points for optimal conductivity and/or grounding, ensuring consistent, reliable connection with mating surfaces under shock and vibration.

The precisely engineered coil angles ensure that these springs provide maximum surface area contact, resulting in efficient current transfer and decreasing contact resistance between mating surfaces. This feature leads to less energy loss due to heat dissipation than traditional designs, translating into better performance over time.

Canted coil springs are made using various materials, including stainless steel alloys capable of handling high temperatures without losing shape over time, ensuring longevity even under harsh operating conditions.

Applications as EMI Shielding

These unique springs can be used for applications ranging from medical equipment to aerospace systems, where reliability is paramount. One such example is their use as connectors between motherboard components on computers, where they reduce the noise created by signal transference between components leading to improved overall system performance.

Canted coil springs can also be used as cable shielding, providing flexible, lightweight, and low-resistance solutions for high-speed data transmission cables. They are especially useful in applications where weight is critical, like aerospace or automotive.

Advantages of Canted Coil Springs

An advantage of these springs is their ability to absorb shock and vibration, reducing the risk of damage to electronics due to mechanical stress over time. This feature makes them ideal for use in rugged environments such as military applications, industrial machinery, or heavy-duty vehicles.

In addition, canted coil springs are easy to install and require no additional hardware making them a cost-effective solution for manufacturers. They can be easily integrated into existing designs without redesigning entire systems, thus reducing development costs while still providing superior performance.

Overall, canted coil springs offer an excellent solution for EMI/RFI shielding needs with their superior conductivity, flexibility, and shock absorption capabilities, all while being lightweight and easy to install. Their versatility makes them an excellent choice for almost any application where reliable electronic performance is essential.