Material Selection Guide: Elastomers, FIPG, and Sealants for Appliance Sealing Compliance
The specification of reliable Sealing & Gasketing solutions is fundamentally an exercise in risk mitigation and compliance. Long-term product reliability, reduced warranty repairs, and adherence to international safety standards (such as UL and FDA) are directly dependent on selecting materials that maintain mechanical, chemical, and thermal stability throughout the product's operational life.
This technical guide outlines the principal material chemistries supplied by TECHSiL for achieving robust ingress protection, focusing on performance metrics, application compliance, and process efficiency.
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The Engineering Imperative: Compliance and Rework Reduction
Effective material selection directly addresses core engineering requirements:
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Quality Assurance (QA): Prioritising materials that simplify regulatory compliance (e.g., FDA, REACH, RoHS) and possess relevant certifications (e.g., UL Recognised components).
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Operational Efficiency: Enabling Process Automation and facilitating easy rework procedures at the end-of-life (EOL) or during service to maintain throughput and reduce labour costs.
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Design Optimisation: Utilising modern elastomers and sealants to improve design capabilities, potentially leading to a reduction in weight and complexity of appliance sub-assemblies.
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Elastomeric Chemistries: Specified Resistance
Precision-moulded elastomeric components (O-rings/Seals/Gaskets) must be specified based on the fluid, thermal, and chemical environment of the appliance (e.g., washing machines, ovens).
| Material | Key Environmental Resistance & Use | Critical Technical USP's |
| EPDM | High-exposure sealing in pumps, valves, and door mechanisms where water, boiling water & steam are present. | Exceptional air and moisture ingress prevention (hydrophobic properties) and superior long-term thermal stability in water-based media. |
| Silicone | Gasketing requiring hygienic properties and high-range thermal cycling resistance (e.g., in ovens or high-temperature steam zones). | High Flex (low modulus) ensures conformity, excellent High / Low temp resistance, and inherent Hygiene for food-contact zones. |
| NBR & HNBR | Sealing systems exposed to motors, gearboxes, or lubrication lines, requiring resistance to hydrocarbons. | High resistance to Oil & Grease and non-polar solvents, preventing volume swell and loss of mechanical properties. |
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Liquid Gasketing (FIPG): Non-Corrosive Process Automation
For creating seamless, durable gaskets between rigid components like metals and glass, Liquid Formed-in-Place Gaskets (FIPG) offer superior sealing integrity and process control.
Product Focus: Silicone TN8000
This thixotropic liquid silicone is engineered for automated gasketing metals and glass in appliance construction.
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Process Efficiency: TN8000 is ideal for Process Automation due to its controlled dispensing profile and Non surface prep requirement, facilitating rapid throughput.
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Material Integrity: As a Non-Corrosive chemistry, it is safe for direct contact with metal substrates and electronic traces. Its Insulating and Flame Retardent (UL94 certified) properties are essential for safety-critical appliance sections.
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Primerless Adhesion: The ability to form a bond without an external primer streamlines the manufacturing workflow
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Silicone Sealants: High-Speed, Certified Environmental Barriers
In applications demanding quick cure times, high dielectric protection, and guaranteed resistance to moisture and heat, specialist RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanising) sealants are specified to replace fasteners and create robust environmental barriers.
Product Focus: RTV210A / RTV5242
These silicone sealants are used for demanding applications requiring moisture resistance to create a seal from air and water, and high-temperature tolerance.
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Performance Metrics: They deliver High Strength in moist environments and demonstrate excellent Hydrolytic stability (proven by 20W immersion in 60°C water testing). This guarantees long-term sealing performance in washing machines and dishwashers.
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Certification & Safety: The material provides crucial Electrical Insulation and is a certified UL Recognised component, File No E-36952, meeting key QA requirements for electrical safety and reliability.
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Production Speed: Features like Rapid Cure contribute directly to improved Process Automation and Throughput targets on high-volume assembly lines.
By specifying the correct material chemistry, appliance manufacturers can guarantee regulatory compliance and significantly increase the reliability of their product fleet, directly impacting the bottom line through reduced service interventions.
To consult our technical data sheets and explore our full range of adhesives, silicones, sealants, and thermal management solutions for enhanced appliance design and manufacture, please visit the TECHSiL Appliances landing page.
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Why Choose TECHSiL?
For over 30 years, TECHSiL has supplied high performance materials across industries from our offices in the UK, offering adhesives, silicones, tapes, lubricants, O-rings and related products.
Contact our Technical Team to discuss our adhesives solutions, and they will help evaluate your current process and recommend alternatives to save you time, money, and improve performance.
Services We Offer
- Storage and Stock Management
- Technical Expertise
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- Reliable First Time Quality
- Quality Management Approval: ISO9001:2015
