GFA’s Third Gasketing/Converting Expo Is a Triumph!Diecutting and Diemaking (IADD) and the Fluid...
Transcript of GFA’s Third Gasketing/Converting Expo Is a Triumph!Diecutting and Diemaking (IADD) and the Fluid...
There are lots of great things going on! First, I’m honored to be given Clem Foley’s
presidential reins and to work together building the value of the GFA with you. Here is how
I see it: GFA members tend to build signifi cant foundations for success. GFA leaders are
motivated to inspire growth for each member. I get to work with a great group of people to
deliver opportunities that enhance each member’s life, both professionally and personally.
I love this unique organization because you give me experiences to focus on success and
growth.
For some, the business recession is behind them and sales growth is occurring.
Now is the time to be leading this recovery phase of our economic cycle. Getting back to
taking appropriate risks can make the rate of change faster and the future brighter. I hope
your situation is improving, both from your personal leadership contributions and the
results you’re getting from an economic rebound. I look forward to checking in together at
the fall GFA meeting in September.
GFA’s Third Gasketing/Converting ExpoIs a Triumph!
In This Issue
President’s Message
Pages 1 - 2
New Association Members
Page 2
Future Meeting Schedule
Page 2
Company Profi les
Page 3
Press Releases
Page 5
Meet the New GFA Offi cers
and Directors
Page 6
GFA Committee Updates
Page 7
Gasketing/Converting Expo
Photos
Pages 8 - 9
Commonly Used Gasket
Terms
Pages 10 - 11 & 13 - 14
Benchmarking Report
Page 14
Volume 29 Number 2 August 2010
President’s Message
The Gasketing/Converting
Expo ‘10, presented by the Gasket
Fabricators Association (GFA) and held
at the Hilton Orlando, repeated the
success of the 2006 and 2008 Expos
by drawing about 450 attendees and
close to 100 exhibitors to a trade show
devoted exclusively to the gasketing
and converting industries. The event was co-sponsored by the International Association of
Diecutting and Diemaking (IADD) and the Fluid Sealing Association (FSA).
The program featured a full-day Expo with a cost-eff ective table top display
format that allowed a broad range of exhibitors to have unprecedented exposure to
gasket fabricators and converters without having to arrange for elaborate displays and
logistics. The feedback from both attendees and exhibitors has been unanimously positive,
with several attendees commenting that it was “the best trade show they ever attended.”
The next Gasketing/Converting Expo is already being planned for the spring of 2012
in Orlando. If you have not yet attended a Gasketing/Converting Expo or if you are not
currently a GFA Member, please e-mail your contact information to [email protected]
to receive information on the Gasketing/Converting Expo ‘12.
President’s Message continued on next page.
August 2010Page 2
EGC Enterprises, Inc. (Fabricator)
Chardon, Ohio
www.egc-ent.com
Polymer Technologies, Inc. (Fabricator)
Newark, Delaware
www.polytechinc.com
American National Rubber - ANR (Supplier)
Ceredo, West Virginia
www.anr-co.com
ContiTech Elastomer-Coatings (Supplier)
Northeim, Germany
www.contitech.de
Novagard Solutions (Supplier)
Cleveland, Ohio
www.novagard.com
Talbros Cork Products (Supplier)
Faridabad, Haryana, India
www.bnt-talbros.com
Zotefoams Inc. (Supplier)
Walton, Kentucky
www.zotefoams.com
GFA Future MeetingSchedule
September 28-30, 2010
JW Marriott Resort & Spa
Las Vegas, Nevada
March 29-31, 2011
PGA National Resort & Spa
Palm Beach, Florida
New Association Members
The new GFA technical webinars are now available
in the Members Only area of the GFA’s website – www.
gasketfab.com. Five 30 minute webinars cover what it took
me 26 years to fi nd out. These 5 modules give 30 minute
doses of the core knowledge an estimator needs to be more
eff ective at work. May I suggest that your team review them
if they missed the original webinars recently broadcast? New
employees can fast forward their learning curves with these
tools.
Hope you’ve seen the new GFA brochure. It
communicates what the members who succeed from
GFA are saying. In this issue, you will fi nd updates on the
GFA Committees provided by the committee chairs. The
GFA is built on these two important foundations: Strong
committees supported by a great administrative team.
GFA committees, made up of members, generate ideas
for improving the GFA. The administrative team, lead by
Executive Director Pete Lance, implements these ideas.
Please give your ideas to the committees. Thank you
committees and administrators for your passion and energy!
Please use GFA as a tool to build your business
success. Attending the GFA meetings gets you outside your
walls into a larger community where you can learn, teach,
probe and grow. Everyone takes home a unique focus on
success based on what they seek to discover. I am sure you
will take home key ideas that your customers will appreciate.
Please forward this “Gasket Fabricator” to your team
members at your company.
Thank you to all the contributors of this “Gasket
Fabricator” newsletter!
Thank you to Pete Lance, Bob Ecker, the GFA board
and all of you for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the
president’s position, and for your support. Onwards and
Upwards!
President’s Message (Continued from Page 1)
August 2010Page 3
Talbros has been manufacturing rubber-cork
products since 1981 mainly for the Automotive & Electrical
Industry. Since then, Talbros has made additions to its
product line, as well as adopted signifi cant technological
and quality improvements propelling us to become India’s
largest cork-rubber manufacturer.
Besides catering to the domestic demand, a large
portion of our production is being exported to the Americas,
Australia, Europe, South-East Asia, Middle East, and African
markets. Approximately 75 % of our revenue is derived from
sales outside India with 50% of the revenue from sales to the
United States.
In the 1990’s, Talbros decided to venture into the
manufacturing of cork and cork rubber gaskets for Engines,
Transmissions, Transformers, Gas Meters, as well as other
areas. The decision to provide value added products to
our customers has been instrumental in the growth of the
company; sales of gaskets are primarily made to the US
market where we supply approximately 2.5 million gaskets a
year and this number is growing signifi cantly. We have now
also ventured into the Friction Material and Anti-Vibration
pads segment.
At Talbros, we are proud of our quality systems and
in pursuit for excellence and continuous improvement, we
have earned the following certifi cations and approvals- ISO/
TS 16949 certifi cation, RoHS Compliance Certifi cation, and
the DIN 3535-5 DVGW Certifi cation.
The company’s manufacturing facilities are located
in Faridabad and its products are available through a
global network of agents, alliances, representatives and
distributors, apart from that, our material is widely approved
by Transformers & Gasketing companies for use by their
fabricators. To learn more about Talbros Cork, please visit
our website at www.bnt-talbros.com
Company Profi les
EGC Enterprises Inc. is a high technology
engineering and manufacturing organization specialized
in producing graphite fl uid sealing components, graphite
composite laminates, and specialty graphite products. The
Company purchases raw graphite material from various
qualifi ed vendors, and performs die-forming, laminate die
cutting, and coining operations to produce graphite gaskets,
seals, laminates and heaters. EGC off ers many specialized
graphite gasket materials such as multi-layer graphite
and metal laminates. Along with our wide variety of high
temperature centric gasket materials, EGC also specializes in
manufacturing engineered graphite stem packing sets and
pressure seals.
To maintain the quality and delivery requirements
our customers have come to expect over the years, EGC
has adopted its own specifi cation for fl exible graphite
material…Thermafoil. Thermafoil fl exible graphite off ers
choices while not sacrifi cing quality and also preserving our
customers’ material specifi cations. Thermafoil is the best
graphite foil available due to the continuity of the material
we supply to our customers. Thermafoil is available in many
diff erent grades and laminate forms, such as TF-LHR, which
is equivalent to the standard gasket material GHR.
There are several manufacturers of fl exible graphite
throughout the world today, but only a select few come
close to meeting our Thermafoil material specifi cations.
EGC carefully selects materials from these preferred
manufacturers and constantly tests their products for
conformity to the Thermafoil specifi cation. The end result
for our customers is assured continuity of the supplied
material that will continue to meet their quality standards.
EGC is an Ohio corporation established in 1978 with offi ces
and manufacturing in Chardon, Ohio. EGC employs over 50
people in manufacturing and engineering.. EGC is a certifi ed
ISO 9000 manufacturer with design.
Contact EGC Enterprises at 1-800-342-0211 or visit
our website at www.egc-ent.com.
August 2010Page 4
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NewsletterThe Gasket Fabricator is published by the GFA and is distributed
to all members and prospective members.
President ............................................................................Steve Hanson
Vice President ..........................................................Terry S. Galanis, Jr.
Executive Director/Newsletter Editor...........................Peter Lance
Management Advisor.................................................Robert H. Ecker
Communications Committee Chair...........................David Soliday
Members are encouraged to contribute articles and items of
interest to the Gasket Fabricator. All contributions should
be addressed to: Executive Director, GFA, 994 Old Eagle School
Road, Suite 1019, Wayne, PA 19087-1866, Phone (610) 971-4850,
Fax (610) 971-4859, E-mail: [email protected].
Articles appearing in this publication may not be reproduced
without written consent from the Association. Articles appearing
in the Gasket Fabricator are the views of the authors and
not necessarily those of the Association.
© Copyright 2010 Gasket Fabricators Association
son
alanis, Jr.
Peter Lance
obert H. Ecker
.....David Soliday
ticles and items of
ntributions should
994 Old Eagle Schoo
hone (610) 971-4850
b.com.
not be reproduced
Articles appearing
e authors and
Newsket Fabricator is publishr
and prospectiv
.......................
......................
sletter Edit
.....................
mittee Chai
uraged to con
Gasket Fabrica
sed to: Executive Dire
Road, Suite 1019, Wayne, PA 190
Fax (610) 971-4859, E-mail: inf
in the Ga
not necessarily th
© Copyright 2010 Gasket
August 2010Page 5
Management Transition Begins at Monmouth Rubber
Press Releases
Monmouth Rubber
and Plastics is pleased
to announce that John
Bonforte Jr. is taking
over the company’s day-
to-day operations as
Monmouth’s new COO.
“I have been involved in
the business since I was a
teenager working in the plant second shift after school and
summers,” said Bonforte, who has served as the company’s
sales manager since 2004. “I’m proud to expand my duties
to manage all aspects of our business.” As sales manager,
Bonforte was responsible for sales, quality and customer
service. His role will now include day-to-day decision making,
strategic planning and overseeing the manufacturing
operation. Bonforte’s father, John Sr., will remain active full-
time with the company as technical and market development
director and retains his title as general manager.
“The timing for the transition is right, because
markets are changing, and MRPC needs to position itself with
21st century management and planning,” the elder Bonforte
said. John Jr. graduated from the University of Rhode Island
in 1994 with a bachelor of science in marketing. Aside from
his experience with Monmouth, John Jr. also was an outside
sales representative for GE Plastics from 1998 to 2003, selling
engineered thermoplastic resins.
For more information, call the company at 1-888-
FOAM-888 or 1-732-229-3444, or visit the Monmouth website
at www.rubberplastics.com.
ECORE International Launches New Industrial Web Tool
ECORE International is proud to announce the
launch of our new website designed specifi cally to service
our Industrial customer base. The new website contains a
user-friendly interface to assist our customers in choosing a
material that best fi ts their application needs. The “products”
category of the site contains information on ECORE’s cork/
rubber blends, composition cork, masticated rubber, friction
materials and many more industrial cork and rubber products.
You are also able to download the material specifi cation sheets
directly from the site. This useful tool allows our customers 24-
hour access to our library of products and product specifi cations.
Please navigate your browser to the following
URL to explore this new and exciting website: http://www.
ecoreindustrial.com. At ECORE International, we are committed
to providing sustainable product solutions that improve the
quality of both individual lives and the natural environment.
Supporting an extensive collection of products and brands, we
contribute to quality design and effi cient performance across
markets and industries. Whether renovating the local school,
building a football stadium, sealing a fl uid application, sound
proofi ng a multi-housing complex, or engineering the space
shuttle, ECORE’s collection of products and brands has a solution
to fi t. If you have questions about any of the products that ECORE
International has to off er, please contact Matt Malles, ECORE
National Sales Manager at [email protected]
August 2010Page 6
Meet the New GFA Offi cers and DirectorsPresident: Steve Hanson Steve Hanson has been
an active GFA member for 15
years. He is motivated by the
opportunity and challenge of
building organizations into market
leaders. Currently serving as
president of PGC in Minneapolis,
Steve has enjoyed applying
everything he’s experienced
at larger corporations and from academic training in
engineering and business. Today, Steve creates new value
for customers to help them compete, with the help of a
great team. In 1996, he purchased the company and has
repositioned PGC in the global market, allowing growth to
occur. Steve and Susan Cary-Hanson, spouse of 33 years,
co-own PGC and lead the management team, off ering the
company unique individual skills and growth opportunities.
Their daughter, Sarah, now lives in San Diego, providing them
escape to warmer weather during Minnesota winter. An active
runner, Steve and Susan also enjoy bike riding and travel.
Board Member:David SolidayDavid has been with Chicago
Wilcox Manufacturing, South
Holland, IL for 14 years in various
management positions. His
responsibilities have increased
with each role change to his
current position of Vice President.
David is also an active member of the GFA’s Program &
Locations Committee and is the new Chairman of the
Communications Committee.
Board Member:Shelby Ricketts Shelby Ricketts is the
President of Concote Corporation,
which operates Insul-Fab as one of
its divisions. Shelby represents the
second generation of ownership at
Concote. Shelby has been involved
with Concote since his childhood,
spending summers loading trucks
or producing parts. He joined
Concote in an offi cial capacity in 1998, after practicing law
for several years with a Dallas law fi rm and serving as Real
Estate Counsel for Blockbuster Entertainment at its corporate
headquarters in Dallas. In his capacity as President, Shelby
works primarily in sales and assists with the Quality and
Management Systems for the company. Shelby resides in
Dallas with his wife, Christy, and their two children, Caroline
and Henry.
Secretary/Treasurer: Ken Stober Ken Stober is President
and CEO of Mueller Die Cut
Solutions. Mueller, with
manufacturing locations in
Charlotte, NC and Suzhou,
China, has been a member
of the GFA since its founding.
Don Stober, Ken’s father is a past president of the GFA. Ken
has previously served as the Chair of the Programs and
Locations Committee, and is presently the Vice-Chair of the
Membership Committee.
Vice President: Terry S. Galanis, Jr.Terry S. Galanis, Jr. is the President
and CEO of Sealing Devices, Inc.
Terry joined Sealing Devices
in 1972 and became President
in 1984. Sealing Devices, Inc.,
a family company founded by
Terry S. Galanis, Sr. in 1963, has
three branches – Rochester
and Syracuse, New York, and
Erie, Pennsylvania. He is a Past President of the Parker Seal
Distributor Advisory Council and the World Presidents
Organization (WPO). Terry lives with his wife, Nancy in Marilla,
New York, and has three daughters and six grandchildren.
August 2010Page 7
GFA Committee Updates
Communications Chris Brand, Outgoing Chairman A great time was had
by all at the last meeting and
I would personally like to
thank all that participated. As
a committee, we put forward
suggestions for several changes
to the way business is being
done.
Currently, the Communications Committee is in the
process of discussing the eff ectiveness of a performance
analysis survey. As part of this, the member companies of
the GFA are seeking new ways of benchmarking themselves
in order to more accurately be able to evaluate their
performance. The Communications Committee continually
seeks to increase business information fl ow in an eff ort to
further expand our markets and to ensure the continued
prosperity of all GFA members. See you in Vegas!
TechnicalGary Guzek, Chairman The Technical Committee
has just fi nished the fi rst technical
webinar series. This fi ve section
webinar entitled “Estimator’s Guide
to Basic Gasketing” turned out to
be a great success.
From understanding the
application to looking at results vs.
estimate, the series was a tool for people new to the industry,
as well as veterans to the gasket world. Each of the webinars
is available in the Members Only area of of the GFA’s website.
Based on the positive response, future webinars and their
content will be discussed at the Fall 2010 meeting. If you have
any ideas or would like to see something presented, come to
the Technical Committee meeting and share your thoughts.
The committee is also looking for members to submit
technical articles for the GFA newsletter. Articles can be about
materials, processes, techniques, or anything else related
to the die cutting industry. Articles can be submitted to the
association offi ce. Here’s your chance to get published !
We are also looking for members to give us ideas
for technical programs for future meetings. Past programs
included topics such as nanotechnology, slitting & laminating,
& non contact (water / laser ) cutting options. We utilize
members of the association and also experts in a given fi eld to
put together programs. Share an idea with the committee and
you might get to see a presentation on it at a future meeting.
The best way to get value as a member of the GFA is
to join a committee and share your ideas.
Program & LocationsSusan Cary-Hanson, Chairman The Program and
Locations Committee’s objective
is to add value to your GFA
membership by off ering topics to
support and grow your business
and to assist you with operating
your company during challenging times.
Please join us at a committee meeting to provide
your input. As members, our support and committee
work supply the necessary information to assure we have
meetings that attract new members and retain our current
membership through programs that are relevant, current,
and answer your important questions.
Joining a committee is one of the best ways to take advantage of your GFA
membership. Contact the GFA offi ce at 610-971-4850 or [email protected] if
you would like to join a committee.
August 2010Page 8
Gasketing/Converting Expo ‘10 PhotosHilton Orlando
Clem Foley (left) was presented with a plaque for his contributions as President of the GFA, and Linda Cleveland and
Ed Bowman were presented with plaques for serving on the Board of Directors
Attendees of The Future of Converting Methods
Technical Session
David Plourde with Preco, Inc. leading The Future of
Converting Methods Technical Session
GFA New Members and First Time Attendees Chuck Connors with Connors Consulting
presenting at the General Session
August 2010Page 10
Commonly Used Gasket TermsBy: Larry Pyle, LFP Technologies
MD/CMD/Z-STRENGTH: These are common
abbreviations for tensile strength properties of most materials
used for gaskets. Ideally, the tensile strengths in the X and
Y directions of any sheet of material should be the same. In
most cases however they are not the same. MD means the
tensile strength in the machine direction. Paper in particular
is supposed to be random in its’ fi ber orientation, however, it
is run in a continuous process which allows the fi bers in the
mix to orient themselves, in varying degrees in the direction
of machine travel. CMD means the tensile strength in the
cross machine direction. If there is any diff erences between
the tensile values between the MD and CMD tensile values
it is usually due to this orientation of fi bers. This can easily
be seen when tearing a piece of paper. It will easily tear in a
straight line if torn parallel to the machine direction. Tearing
at right angles to the MD, the tear will not be anywhere near
straight.
Z-STRENGTH is the internal strength of the material.
Suppose that the fl at surfaces were glued to plates and
then these plates pulled apart. Failure should occur within
the material itself (cohesive failure). The value of the stress
required to fail the material internally. This property manifests
itself whenever the gasket material adheres to any fl ange
surface upon removal, leaving material which will require
additional removal. In most instances, the use of anti-stick
coatings or material with higher Z-Strength will reduce the
sticking problem. One material which has relatively poor
Z-Strength is expanded graphite.
ASPECT RATIO: The aspect ratio of a shape is the
ration of the longer dimension to its shorter dimension. It
may be applied to two characteristic dimensions of a three-
dimensional shape, such as the ration of the longest and
shortest axis, or for symmetrical objects that are described by
only two dimensions, such as the length and diameter of a rod.
Aspect ratio is often used to describe the properties of fi bers
and various fi llers in gasket materials. Generally speaking, the
larger the aspect ratio of the primary fi ber constituent in the
material, the higher the tensile strength and fl exibility of the
sheet. The term Aspect Ratio is sometimes used to describe
the ratio of surface area to volume of a fi ber.
BASIS WEIGHT/AREA WEIGHT: The paper density of
a type of paper or cardboard (or gasket paper) is the mass of
the product per unit area. The term density is used somewhat
incorrectly, as density is mass by volume. More precisely, “paper
density” is a measure of the area density. There are two ways of
expressing paper density:
- Expressed in grams per square meter (g/m2), paper
density of known as grammage. This is the term used to most of
the World.
- Expressed in terms of the mass (in pounds) density of
known as basis weight. The base size and area used depends
on the product type. In gasket materials it is common to use
pounds/100 square feet as the basis.
WET FILM/DRY FILM (THICKNESS): Common used in the
application of adhesives or other coatings when the material
is applied in a wet state, as most are. Coating and adhesives a
most commonly diluted with either a solvent or other diluents
like water. These give the substance the proper consistency
for uniform application. During the process these diluents are
evaporated off leaving the fi nal thickness of coating or adhesive.
The thickness of the fi nal solid coating or adhesive is referred to
as the “dry fi lm thickness”. The thickness of the proper amount
of “wet” material applied to the product to yield the proper “dry”
fi lm is called the “wet fi lm thickness”. The ratio of the “dry fi lm”
to the “wet fi lm” is referred to as the “solids ratio” expressed as a
percentage. For example, in the manufacturing of rubber coated
steel, a “wet” fi lm thickness of .003” would yield a solid coating of
.0006” if the solids ratio were 20%. The fi gure below illustrates a
type of gauge which might be used to measure “wet fi lms”.
August 2010Page 11
Commonly Used Gaskets(Continued from Page 10)
ENDOTHERMIC/EXOTHERMIC REACTIONS:
Endothermic describes a process or reaction that absorbs
energy in the form of heat. The opposite of an endothermic
process is an exothermic process, one that releases energy
in the form of heat. Endothermic is typical for chemical
reactions whereby thermal energy (by the application
of external heat) is converted to chemical bond energy,
typical of adhesive to bond gasket laminates. The opposite
or exothermic reaction would be where a two-part epoxy,
mixed together, produce heat while the hardening and
bonding process occurs.
Examples of Exothermic reactions are: Combustion
reactions of fuels; most polymerization reactions, the
Thermite reaction; the setting of cement and concrete.
Examples of Endothermic reactions are: Evaporation of
water; photosynthesis, chemical cold pack.
THICKNESS/CALIPER/GAUGE: These terms are often
used inter-changeably to describe the thickness of a gasket
material. Gauge is most commonly used in the classifi cation
of copper wire diameters as defi ned by American Wire
Gauge, i.e. AWG 16 = .0508” diameter wire. Other wire
groups use slightly diff erent standards. Thickness or Caliper
is the most commonly used standard for reporting gasket
thicknesses.
CURING: Curing is a term in polymer chemistry
and process engineering that refers to the toughening or
hardening of a polymer material by cross-linking of polymer
chains. Curing covers a wide range of processes:
- Vulcanization involves the hardening (curing) of
rubber compounds using sulfur and heat from internal
friction in the mixer.
- Ultra-violet light acts as the catalyst for UV sensitive
coatings and inks.
- The curing of anaerobic compounds is achieved
by removing the material for the presence of oxygen. When
this is done, the liquid turns to a solid. This property makes
these materials particularly used as a liquid gasket between
mating fl anges with exclude oxygen when assembled.
Extensively used for bolt and thread sealers.
- Carbon dioxide with moisture curing is also used
in a select number of gasket related coatings and silicone
rubber used for silk screen printing.
DRYING (AS OPPOSED TO CURING): Many coatings
used for the enhancement of gaskets are only suspensions
of solid particles in a liquid. These particles are usually larger
than 1 micrometer in diameter. These solids are dispersed
throughout the liquid through mechanical means, with
the use of suspending agents. These coatings are generally
applied to a material by roll coating or spray and are dried
by heat or at room temperature. During the drying process,
the liquid is evaporated leaving the solid particles on the
surface of the material. There is no chemical cross-linking
occurring in this process.
I will illustrate one example: Tefl on dispersions have
been used for many years as anti-stick coating on gaskets.
They are applied in light (thin) or heavy (thick) form by the
primary process of roll coating. The gaskets move through
an over of relative low heat to drive off the liquids leaving a
Continued on Page 13.
August 2010Page 12
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August 2010Page 13
fi lm of loosely adhering particles on the surface. This coating
is adequate for most release applications; however, if exposed
to water (in this case) the gasket will be removed leaving
some of the coating on the metal surfaces (cohesive failure). If
subjected to other liquids and water, it will probably remove
cleanly (an adhesive failure).
COMPRESSIBILITY and RECOVERY: These are two
fundamental properties of gasket materials. Compressibility
is the % amount that a gasket material will compress at
assembly. Variations in the strength of the metal components
of the rest of the joint and the installation load produced
by tightening the fasteners will determine the actual
compression at any location on the gasket. Less compression
will occur typically midway between fasteners and where the
fl ange structures are weakest.
The manufacturers of gasket materials report.
Compressibility and Recovery data for their
materials. These are the results of standardized testing at
Room Temperature. The Standard test is ASTM F36 A through
L. (Standard Test Method for Compressibility and Recovery
of Gasket Materials). Each variation (A through L) is designed
for the diff erent types of gasket materials (A for compressed
asbestos, K for non-asbestos paper and millboard, B for cork
and rubber, etc.). The full ASTM F36 standard includes all of
the details for each type of test by grouping of product.
The F36 standard yields data which makes it easy
to compare compressibility and recovery values of all tested
materials from numerous suppliers. The standard loadings
in lbs/ft2 reported for each class of materials varies from
400 lbs/ft2 for cork and rubber materials to 5000 lbs/ft2 for
compressed non-asbestos sheet and non-asbestos beater
sheet. It is best to compare the compressibility and recovery
of similar thickness materials (i.e. 1/32”). Below is the basis for
calculating compressibility and recovery.
In fi gure 1, the initial thickness is taken with a
preload which is intended to even out the surface variations
in the material. This drawing is not to scale. The formulas for
calculating the compressibility and recovery values are as
follows:
Commonly Used Gaskets(Continued from Page 11)
Compressibility, % = {(P-M)/P} x 100
Recovery, % = {(R-M)/(P-M)} x 100
Note again: These values are only good for
comparison of room temperature conditions, particularly
installation conditions.
CREEP RELAXATION/STRESS RELAXATION: These
two terms are used interchangeably to represent the relative
ability of a material to retain its’ load bearing properties under
the infl uence of heat and compressive load. The standard
test is fully described in ASTM standard F38 (Standard Test
Methods for Creep Relaxation of a Gasket Material). It involves
the application of a standard compressive load of 4000 lb.
force applied to a specimen of 2 in 2 area. The tests are run
in multiples to determine consistency and scatter. Two types
Continued on Page 14.
Below are the results from the Benchmarking Survey,
which was undertaken to give GFA members a thumbnail
sketch of how other members are fairing at this time.
We had 30 out of 61 Fabricator responses.
1. Most Recent Quarter Sales Compared to
Previous Quarter
UP DOWN SAME
28 2 0
93% 7% 0%
2. Current Quarter Sales Projection Compared
to Last Quarter
UP DOWN SAME
18 2 10
60% 7% 33%
We had 27 out of 70 Supplier responses.
1. Most Recent Quarter Sales Compared to
Previous Quarter
UP DOWN SAME
22 3 2
81.5% 11% 7.5%
2. Current Quarter Sales Projection Compared
to Last Quarter
UP DOWN SAME
19 5 3
70% 19% 11%
ared
AME
10
33%
s.
es Compared to
SAME
2
7.5%
on Compared
ME
rvey,
bnail
to1. Most Rece
Previous Quar
UP D
28 2
3% 7%
nt Quarter S
Quarter
DOW
2
7%
of 70 Supplie
. Most Recent Q
Previous Quar
UP D
22
Below are the results from
h was undertaken to
UP
19
70% 19%
August 2010Page 14
of fi xtures can be used, Method A and Method B which is most
often used because testing can be performed at elevated
temperatures. Method A uses strain gauged bolt for measuring
the stretch of the bolt. This limits the test temperatures to
Room Temperature. In Method B (Pictured in fi gure 2), this
load is applied via a precision bolt by stretching it by .005” in a
specifi ed period of time. The bolt uses a center pin which remains
unstressed throughout the testing. Once assembled, the fi xtures
are subjected to temperatures which are commonly 212oF up
to 400oF. Extra special alloy bolts can test up to 900oF. Results
from 212oF testing are most commonly reported by suppliers of
material.
DENSITY/CLOSEST PACKING DENSITY: The fi rst term
is easily recognizable and is used to describe the weight of a
material in a prescribed volume, usually reports in pound per
cubic foot or in metric at grams per cubic centimeter. Most gasket
materials fall in the range of 40 lbs/ft3 to 100 lbs/ft3. Water has a
nominal density of 62.4 lbs/ft3. Generally speaking, materials with
lower density have higher compressibility, poorer sealability and
greater creep relaxation. This is because there is porosity within
the material which compress more easily, reducing volume as it
compresses.
Another concept which may not be as well known or
reported is the concept of Closest Packing Density or Maximum
Density. This occurs when the compressive load is increased
and the material reaches a point at which it cannot continue to
compress without changing shape. It becomes a 100% solid mass.
Most gasket materials exhibit this property when the density
approaches 135-150 lbs/ft3. This number can be calculated if the
densities and weights of all of the constituents which make up
the material are known but, in general, 135-150 lbs/ft3 is a good
approximation.
The eff ects of reaching the Closest Packing Density are
clearly seen if a metal eyelet or grommet is put into a hole in a
gasket and fl attened to the thickness of the gasket material. If
the thickness of the grommet is too thick, the gasket will distort
or warp. This concept is directly applicable to designing with
solid molded rubber. Since the rubber material is molded into
a 100% compressible solid, it cannot change its volume, only
its’ shape. Most molded rubber gaskets include relief volumes
to accommodate these changes in shape. Using the example of
a solid rubber O-ring in a groove, the ring is compressed from
its’ initial diameter to the depth of the groove. Since it cannot
change its volume it must change shape.
Benchmarking Report
If the volume
of the groove were
smaller than the
volume of the rubber,
the gasket joint
would never close
and rubber would
extrude and rupture
causing a leak. With
O-ring groove designs an excess of 25% of groove volume is
recommended to allow for volume swell (due to fl uid swell),
thermal expansion and increasing width of the O-ring due to
compression.
What you need, when you need it
800-549-9860www.arlonecp.com
need it
August 2010Page 15
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Kevin HarfstPhone: 314-822-0406
A full service die shopproviding nation-wide service to the fabricating
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A full service die shopproviding nation-wide service to the fabricating
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Cutting Solutions for YourCutting Needs With or Without Dies.
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800.966.4686precoinc.com
Rotary Die Cutting
Die Cutting Presses
August 2010Page 16
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