THE GASKET
FABRICATOR
www.gasketfab.com
Volume 28 Number 2
IN THIS ISSUE
Member Presentation
Summaries
Pages 2-3
Company Profile
Page 3
Press Release
Page 3
Meet The New Board Member
Page 3
GFA To Introduce CEO Forum
At Fall Meeting
Page 3
Silicone Rubber in Extreme
Environments
Pages 5-6
Photos from 30th Anniversary
Celebration & Spring Meeting
Pages 7-9
Gasket Design &
Development Guide
Pages 10-11
Why Does A Joint Leak?
Page 11
Paul Yager Recognized With
Life Membership By GFA
Page 13
Future Meeting Schedule
Page 13
Membership Anniversaries
Page 14
New Association Members
Page 14
Benchmarking Report
Page 14
AUGUST 2009
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Clem Foley
Please Read This. It Will Put A Smile
On Your Face!
As I write this, there seems to be a light
at the end of the tunnel, but I am sure we are
all tired of reading the same things every day,
so I will just occupy this space by telling you
a funny true story that happened at a GFA
meeting three years ago.
As mentioned in a previous newsletter
I try to arrive a couple of days ahead of the
convention and stay one or two days after the meetings, so as to get the lay of
the land and better appreciate new surroundings.
For years, John Hulme of IGS, Inc. and his wife, Diana, had joined us
for the day after the conference, but this particular year, my wife had passed
away and Diana was out of the country on a business trip so John and I decided
to continue the tradition.
On the last day of our meetings, we were approached by a member
telling us his girlfriend was coming down to spend two or three days with him
and he asked if John and I would mind if they joined us for supper that night.
The more the merrier so we made plans for supper.
As we dined together, both John and I could not help but notice that his
girlfriend was very attractive and we found out that she worked for the same firm
as her boyfriend as a sales person selling automotive and industrial accounts,
rubber products and related materials.
After some liquid courage, I had the nerve to ask the question that had
been on my mind for a while. I asked her if she got hit on by the purchasing
agents she was calling on and if she did, how she handled it.
She replied that in her younger days, she was a waitress and as a result
learned at a young age how to handle male advances but she said," To be honest
with you Clem, sometimes, just sometimes, I take one for the team."
Her boyfriend was choking on his steak and John and I laughed so
much we had tears coming down. Her timing was impeccable and her delivery,
priceless. She turned out to have quite the sense of humor.
Now is that not a better story to read than our current economic situation?
We are looking forward to seeing you all in Phoenix.
PAGE 2
THE GASKET FABRICATOR
AUGUST 2009
MEMBER PRESENTATION
SUMMARIES
Below are summaries of presentations given by GFA Members at the Spring Meeting in Tampa, FL.
Arlon ECP manufactures a wide range of
industrial products for the gasket industry. Foam tapes,
transfer adhesives, and PET tapes are just a sample of the
wide variety of products Arlon has to offer. In addition,
Arlon also does custom product creation, toll coating, and
custom converting. The applications truly are endless!!
Established in 1958, Arlon is focused on adhesive
coating products for your specific application. For years,
the Arlon name has been known throughout multiple
industries as a high quality manufacturer. Arlon ECP is
committed to providing the highest quality products at a
fair price.
BRP Manufacturing Co. was started in May 1997
when Kendall House and Steve Pendergast purchased
Buckeye Rubber Products from the Rakowsky family.
The current product line includes specification rubber
sheet, cloth inserted rubber sheet and rubber extrusions.
The focus of the 2009 Spring GFA presentation
was an overview of the products manufactured by
BRP used in highway and bridge construction, areas
specifically impacted by economic stimulus funds.
Bridge Bearing Pad
Bridge bearing pads are used as the interface
between concrete and steel to adjust for contraction
and expansion during seasonal changes. The standards
for bridge bearing material were developed and are
maintained by AASHTO, the American Association
for State Highway and Transportation Officials. The
grades of bearing pads are designed based upon the low
temperature capability of the product, i.e. Grade 2 is
designed for test temperatures at -40° F. The normal
durometer range for this product is 50, 60, or 70 duro
Shore A with a minimum 2250 psi tensile strength. This
product would normally be sold to steel fabricators
and/or preformed concrete distributors. The gasket
fabricator would normally cut pads to size and drill
holes as needed.
Bridge Trough
Bridge trough materials are used to carry water
away from the bridge and roadway surface; it is also used
as a barrier to wrap large preformed concrete supports to
protect the concrete structure from stone backfill. The
standards for trough material vary from state to state.
Trough materials are cloth inserted rubber products with
the rubbers including Neoprene, EPDM, or Buna “N”
(nitrile) and fabrics including nylon and polyester. The
most common trough is made from 50 duro Neoprene
with 10 oz. (or heavier) nylon insertion. This product
would normally be sold to steel fabricators and / or
preformed concrete distributors. The gasket fabricator
would normally cut bolt holes and insert grommets as
needed.
MIL-C-882 (BUCKFAB)
MIL-C-882 is also used as a bridge bearing pad
where the load bearing values are greatest. BUCKFAB
is designed to handle loads up to 10,000 pounds per
square inch. It is manufactured with multiple plys of
Neoprene impregnated 8 oz. cotton / polyester square
woven fabric. The compression / deflection ratio of this
product is critical in high load bearing applications. The
gasket fabricator would normally cut pads to size and
drill holes as needed.
A copy of the Power Point presentation made
at the Spring 2009 GFA is available by contacting
BRP at jimw@brpmfg.com. If you have any questions
pertaining to any of the other products, please visit our
web site at www.brpmfg.com.
Freeman Schwabe Machinery, based in Cincinnati,
Ohio USA, manufactures world class Die Cutting Presses
and Automatic Cutting Systems ranging from a small
Clicker Press to the large format 2,500 ton single stroke
Schwabe Hydraulic Press, with over 12,000 Die Cutting
Machines in operations worldwide. FSM is pleased to
be a member of the Gasket Fabricators Association, as
the gasket industry is one of the largest in which our
machines can be found. Freeman Schwabe is currently
in the process of designing a specialized traveling head
specifically for cutting gaskets. Not only will the price be
ideal, but also the specifications of the die cutting press
will give gasket manufacturers ultimate flexibility in their
cutting process.
Freeman Schwabe’s presentation at the GFA
Continued on Page 3...
AUGUST 2009
THE GASKET FABRICATOR
MEMBER PRESENTATION
SUMMARIES
(Continued from Page 2...)
Spring Meeting focused on Office Production Reporting.
This software can be added to existing die cutting presses,
or included as a feature when a new press is manufactured.
Freeman Schwabe has developed this Office Production
Reporting software, for reporting linkage from the
machine’s control panel to the supervisor's desktop
computer. With this program, reports will be given such as
running time, emergency, and regular stoppages. Details
of each report include the amount of hours of each type of
running & stoppage, the amount of die changeovers and
total stroke counts of each product. A printout is easily
given on all of these reports to evaluate and share with all
personnel. Custom reports can even be created, if required.
Maintenance personnel can also be alerted to oil change
time and general PM's that may need to schedule.
Contact Sarah Judge at 513-263-1743 or via
e-mail at sjudge@freemanschwabe.com for more details
& pricing on this innovate product FSM has to offer.
COMPANY PROFILE
United Seal & Rubber, Atlanta, Georgia was
established in 1974. USR is an Authorized Parker Seal
Distributor, an Authorized Distributor/Fabricator for the
Chomerics division of Parker Seal and a 3M Converter.
We offer die cutting, kiss cutting, custom gasket
fabrication, splicing, vulcanizing, molded & extruded
elastomeric products.
PRESS RELEASE
Jacobs & Thompson Inc. Acquires
Laminated Textiles
Jacobs & Thompson Inc, a vertically integrated
Foam, Textile and Adhesive Convertor have announced
its second acquisition of 2009. Acquiring the customers
and equipment of Toronto based Laminated Textiles.
Laminated Textiles has been a premier supplier of flame
laminated materials to the industry for over 51 years.
Jacobs & Thompson Inc. took over manufacturing and
servicing this customer base starting May 1, 2009.
Founded in 1955 and headquartered in Toronto, J&T
is one of the largest Foam, Fabric and Adhesive Converters
PAGE 3
in North America. Servicing customers in various markets
including but not limited to; Medical, Military, Window &
Door, Consumer, Sports, Flexographic, Furniture, Safety,
HVAC, Footwear, and Fabricating markets throughout
North America. For more information, call 416-749-0600
or visit www.foamparts.ca.
MEET THE NEW BOARD
MEMBER
Kevin C. Broughton,
Global Business
Manager
Laminating Adhesives
3M Industrial Adhesive &
Tape Division
The GFA is pleased
to announce that Kevin C.
Broughton was elected to a
three-year term on the Board
of Directors at the Spring
Meeting in Tampa. Kevin has
been with 3M for twenty years in a number of roles with
increased responsibility from Sales Representative to
Global Business Manager.
Kevin is also an active member of the GFA’s
Long Range Planning and Program & Locations
committees.
GFA TO INTRODUCE
CEO FORUM AT
FALL MEETING
Based on feedback from members, the GFA
will introduce a CEO Luncheon Meeting on Tuesday,
September 22, 2009 beginning at 11:30 a.m. as part of
the Fall Meeting at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix,
Arizona. The format will be a roundtable discussion, and
topics will include the impact of healthcare legislation,
the economic outlook, including a review of the most
recent benchmarking survey conducted by the GFA, and
most importantly, topics suggested by attendees.
Attendance will be limited to CEOs and
senior officers with P/L responsibility of GFA member
companies. A maximum of two people per member
company may attend, provided that they both meet the
provisions. There will be a $45 per person fee in addition
to the meeting registration fee to attend this session.
GFA members who are interested in attending
the CEO Luncheon Meeting may register online at www.
gasketfab.com/events.asp.
PAGE 4
THE GASKET FABRICATOR
AUGUST 2009
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AUGUST 2009
THE GASKET FABRICATOR
PAGE 5
Silicone Rubber in Extreme Environments
By: Rick A. Ziebell, Technical Manager, R.D. Abbott Company, Inc.
Neil Armstrong’s “One small step…” is
remarkable as silicone’s most famous step as well. Did
you know that Neil’s boot had a silicone rubber sole for
thermal protection?
Photo 1. Neil Armstrong's "First step":
Photo: NASA, July 20, 1969
That “out of this world” example of silicone’s
reliable performance under challenging conditions
illustrates its temperature range as an elastomer. Silicones
thrive on challenges, including exposure to extreme heat,
extreme cold, harsh chemicals, sterilization, rain, snow,
salt spray, ultraviolet radiation, ozone, and acid rain, to
name a few. Silicones have unique properties that enable
them to thrive in harsh environments:
● Silicones resist oxidative deterioration (normal
aging) for decades on end.
● They are stable over a wide range of temperatures,
from -100 to 300°C (about -150 to 575°F) and
resistant to thermal shock and remain flexible and
compliant.
● Silicones resist moisture, pressure, salt spray,
mechanical fluids, and UV light.
● They have stable electrical resistance properties,
even with high frequency alternating current.
● Silicones have inherent flame resistance and produce
low toxicity smoke.
● And finally, silicones are broken down by microbial
decomposition in land-fill for low bio-residuals.
For “down to earth” examples, silicones have
true advantages in many applications. For example, for
gaskets and seals, the materials of choice for performance
must:
● Perform reliably in extreme conditions of temperature,
pressure, or chemical exposure.
● Maintain flexibility, resiliency, and the ability to
transmit mechanical sealing force at both high and low
temperatures.
● Be low cost and have easy processing for efficient and
lean manufacturing.
Silicone Rubber, the elastomer that does these
things so well is not some “hard to come by” exotic
polymer. It is easily obtainable and is the fastest growing
segment of elastomers. Dow Corning Corporation has
led the effort in development of silicone materials for
over 60 years and makes these products widely available
across the globe.
SILICONE ELASOTMER CHEMISTRY AND
PROPERTIES
Silicone Rubber is a semi-inorganic system
(known as polysiloxane) constructed of repeating units
of oxygen and silicon. While oxygen and silicon are
the first and second most abundant elements on earth,
conversion to polysiloxane is energy intensive and does
not occur naturally. Polysiloxane was first synthesized
in the 1940’s. The semi-inorganic nature of this polymer
provides useful properties that differ widely from organic
analogs. Table 1 shows comparisons of the various
chemical structural properties between carbon and silicon
based linkages.
Table 1. Chemical Property of Silicon and Carbon
Bonds Table from "Silicon and Silicones"
Siloxane chemistry provides a highly flexible
backbone with large bond angles, extended bond lengths,
and free rotation. These characteristics impart a helix
polymeric structure. The structure is further enhanced by
attaching organic units to pendant sites along the chain.
Polydimethyl-siloxane (Schematically shown in figure 1)
is one such outcome. Electrochemical behavior is apolar
having a polar Silicon-Oxygen (-Si-O-) backbone yet
covered with non-polar pendant methyl (CH3-) groups.
The polymer then exhibits unique family behavior giving
rise to low intermolecular interaction and surface energy.
Polydimethyl-siloxane then can be made to very high
Continued on Page 6...
THE GASKET FABRICATOR
PAGE 6
Silicone Rubber in
Extreme Environments
(Continued from Page 5...)
molecular weight yet it will not become plastic due to
the apolar arrangement. High permeation and extreme
hydrophobicity are examples of this unique behavior.
/
Figure 1. Chemical structure of typical silicone
elastomers
Silicone elastomers are of the general structure
depicted in Figure 1, where R represents -OH, -CH3, or
an aryl group. The degree of polymerization (DP) is the
sum of subscripts x and y. In silicone rubber elastomers,
the DP is typically in the range of 500 to 10,000, thus,
the molecular weight ranges from 25,000 to 500,000.
R/ represents the pendant functionality of the polymer
where cross-linking takes place, which is usually a vinyl
group and most commonly ethenyl (vinyl) (CH2=CH-).
The ratio of y/x gives the relative reactivity index
(functionality) of the polymer expressed in mole percent.
AUGUST 2009
improves resistance to fuels and organic oils by creating
a more polar arrangement.
The polymer is cured in a number of ways but
two methods are applicable in heat resistant elastomers.
As hinted at previously, vinyl functionality provides
cross-link sites for peroxide free radical addition or
catalyzed addition reaction. Addition cure (Hydrosilation)
is accomplished with catalytic platinum acids, hydridesiloxane cross-linking and inhibited with polar organic
alcohols. Cross-link density in either case is controlled
by the vinyl-methyl to dimethyl mole fraction (y/x) and
location of vinyl-methyl functionality.
Reinforcing Fillers add strength to the polymer.
Silicas are used primarily; amorphous or precipitated in
the range of particle sizes of 5 to 20 nm in diameter are
most common. The reinforcement that occurs is the result
of interaction between the polymer and the filler. These
interactions are controlled by pacification of the silica
through the addition of silanol-end blocked polydimethyl
siloxane oligomers (Silicone Plasticizers) or via a capping
reaction using reactive silanes or silazanes.
Conclusion:
Silicone elastomers provide real advantages in
Sealing Applications considering that they:
● Have a wider operating temperature range than organic
elastomers.
● Can be tailored via custom compounding to meet
extreme or extended heat resistance requirements.
● Withstand many flexing cycles over a wide temperature
range.
● Retain their natural flexibility and continue to perform
at low temperatures that would cause organic
elastomers to become brittle.
● Resist compression set at both high and low
temperatures.
● Maintain their properties longer than organic elastomers
at higher temperatures.
● Additionally, fluorosilicone elastomers resist
aggressive oils, fuels, and other fluids that would
quickly degrade most organic elastomers.
References:
Photo 2. Silicone rubbers and polymer additives:
Photo: Dow Corning Corp.
Polymer variations exist that extend the
useful range of this polymer. Tetrafluoropropyl and
Phenyl chemistry replaces methyl groups along the
chain. Phenylsilicone, so named from phenyl addition,
imparts extreme low temperature performance by
disruption of polymer crystallization by steric hindrance.
Fluorosilicone, so named from tetrafluoropropyl addition,
Hardman, B. Encycl. Polym. Sci. Eng. 1989, 15, 204.
Rochow, E. G. Silicon and Silicones, Springer-Verlag: Berlin,
Heidelbert, New York, 1987.
Noll, W. Chemistry and Technology of Silicones; Academic Press:
New York, 1968.
Clarson SJ, and Semlyen JA, Siloxane Polymers, Englewood Cliffs,
NJ, PTR Prentice Hall, 1993. Morton M (ed), Rubber Technology, 3rd
ed, New York, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1987.
Budden, G. Some like it hot, Technical Paper, Dow Corning Limited,
Barry UK, 2005.
AUGUST 2009
THE GASKET FABRICATOR
GFA 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Attendees at the GFA's 30th Anniversary Celebration Diner at the
Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa, Florida on April 1, 2009
Presidents of the GFA
Pictured left to right: Paul & Sue Bruce, Bud & Dolores Barndt, Don & Audrey
Stober, Ken Cleveland (standing), Bob Gerschke (seated), Kaye & Linda Desch,
Gary & Pam Fell, Bob & Libby Comfort, and Clem & Michelle Foley
PAGE 7
PAGE 8
THE GASKET FABRICATOR
AUGUST 2009
SPRING 2009 MEETING
SADDLEBROOK RESORT, TAMPA, FLORIDA
Clem Foley (left) presenting Jack Pierson (right)
with a plaque for his contributions as a member of
the Board of Directors from 2001-2009
New Members and First Time Attendees (left to right):
Shane Perkins with LGS Technologies, Ron Veety with
Freeman Schwabe Machinery, Bob Chandler with
PSC Fabricating, and Kevin Harfst with Die-Masters
New Members and First Time Attendees (left to right):
Gabriel Maxwell with Arlon, Barry Irwin with
Technifoam Canada, Inc., Mike Daniels with Arlon,
and Jack Lee with Technifoam Canada, Inc.
Inés Pearce with Pearce Global Partners
presenting at the General Session
David G. Plourde with Preco, Inc.
presenting at the General Session
New Members and First Time Attendees (left to right):
Fred Seidel with Rogers Corporation, Steve Menold
with Esterline / CSE Division, Jeff Stetler with PSC
Fabricating, and Paul Connolly with Venture Tape
AUGUST 2009
THE GASKET FABRICATOR
SUPPLIER EXPO
PAGE 9
PAGE 10
THE GASKET FABRICATOR
AUGUST 2009
TECHNICAL ARTICLES
Submitted By: Larry Pyle, LFP Technologies
Gasket Design and
Development Guide
I have been asked to create a Design Guide and have
given the creation of such much thought. I have concluded
that every gasket application is a unique solution to a
complex set of variables which I will go into later. In light
of this reality, I have decided to present not a cookbook
approach, but an approach based on the parameters which
must be considered in each gasket design. I will separate
these sets of considerations which may be unique for
new applications and reverse engineered parts. To sum it
up, a gasket can be simple and service a large number of
applications, but there is no simple gasket that can seal
the myriad of all gasket applications.
Much of the material has already been described
separately and in detail. What I will attempt to do is to fit
these factors and tools into a strategy for design.
A gasket may seem like a very simple element
in any application. A simple credo is that you want to
use the thinnest gasket which will seal and survive in
the environment. In reality, it is an element which is
placed in a unique set of conditions. A simple list of these
environmental conditions is as follows:
● Fluid compatibility is by far the most important
consideration in selecting a gasket design or material.
Without being compatible, the gasket will experience a
breakdown of its structure, and will ultimately
experience leakage and even possible catastrophic
failure. There may be more than one fluid involved, as
in the case of an automotive or diesel engine: coolant,
engine oil (which may be contaminated) and product
of combustion. For some of the more obscure fluids
you will find compatibility data furnished by most
O-ring suppliers, who are a good source of
information. It usually lists the preferred binder to be
used for a particular fluid. It is the binder in gaskets
whose properties degrade in the fluid.
● Mating elements (flanges) which may be sturdy,
such as: heavy machined flanges, cast flanges or sheet
metal stampings. In terms of materials, they may
range from cast iron to plastic. This element
introduces the variable of joint stiffness. The stiffer
these structures are, the simpler, thinner and
stiffer the gasket can be. If the structures are flimsy,
materials or a design with more compressibility is
required.
● Internal pressure, whether static or dynamic, must
be contained throughout the life of the joint. If
internal pressures are very high, the gasket may
require the use of a metal core to add radial strength
or other elements such as metal grommets or eyelets
to aid in containment.
● Available initial clamp load is generated usually
by torque being applied to threaded fasteners about
the periphery of the joint. In one of my previous
articles for GFA, I said that “it really takes load to
seal any application." This is where the selection of
the proper gasket type or material is important.
Any gasket material has a set of basic properties:
thickness, density, fluid compatibility (usually determined
by the type of binder), stress relaxation, compressibility
and recovery.
The environment of your application (i.e. heat,
fluid attack, vibrations, and dynamic pressures) will tend
to reduce the initial clamping load. If reduced sufficiently,
the gasket will leak because when the contained pressure
is at its peak (highest pressure), there must be greater
residual clamping pressure. If not, at the peak pressure,
the joint will separate and completely unload the gasket
resulting in a leak.
It is here I want to point out some of the choices
the designer has to help maintain the clamping load:
● Select the thinnest gasket which will seal the
application when the initial clamp load is applied.
To help determine this, a variety of tools can be used,
including the use of pressure sensitive films such as
Fuji Prescale.
● Generally speaking, the thicker the gasket is, the
greater the settling of the gasket, resulting in greater
loss in fastener load.
● The higher the temperature of the application, the
higher the loss in clamp load. The effect of internal
pressure fluctuations will tend to induce settling.
I have found that the published specification sheets
that gasket material suppliers provide are generally vague
and with very broad ranges in values. As a designer, I
have found that they will provide “typical values” or some
statistical values which are more useful.
DESIGN PROCESS:
There are several levels of detail to each of several
scenarios:
● Established customer with experience with gaskets.
These customers already have their applications
designed and determined the gasket they want. This
is commonly a partnership where you cooperatively
supply sample and participate in the development. If
there are problems along the way, it is best if
Continued on Page 11...
AUGUST 2009
THE GASKET FABRICATOR
Gasket Design and Development
Guide
(Continued from Page 10...)
you have alternatives in mind and a tool box of
enhancements at you disposal to use if necessary.
Those might include coatings, screen-printing,
eyeleting, etc. But, keep the design as simple as
possible. Enhancements should only be used as an
overall cost effective solution. Enhancements cost
money.
● New customer with no gasket experience but has
application. This type of customer will require
you to do most of the work. If it is a relatively simple
application, little work on your part may be involved.
If ample spaced fasteners were designed and stiff
flanges are involved, you should be able to provide
a solution which will suit the customer’s purpose
perfectly. If, however, he provided you with an
imperfect application (i.e. few fasteners, short
fasteners, poor spacing, low available clamp load,
flimsy flanges, and his design is fixed, etc.) you will
have to do some developing of the gasket. I would try
to obtain hardware from the customer so that you can
develop your gasket on his production parts. Use the
various investigative tools available to you (i.e.
pressure sensitive films, air pressure or nitrogen
pressure checks) on assembled joints. This will show
you the weakness in the initial gasket choice.
Whenever possible, give the assembly a heat cycle
(if that will occur in the final application) and check
residual clamp load. These will indicate the weak
points in the design and help provide direction to
the final solution, perhaps using different materials,
enhancements, etc.
● Reverse engineering parts, particularly for
aftermarket applications. A lot of gasket fabricators
now see a market for gaskets for applications out of
production. The original manufacturer’s replacement
parts are expensive or unavailable, but there is still a
sizable market for these parts.
From my own experience I want to caution you;
don’t try to develop your own “cheap” home-grown design
for these parts, particularly when those parts might by
cylinder head gaskets. Your best approach is to analyze the
OEM part (preferably unused) and those of experienced
major gasket manufacturers who specialize in after-market
applications. Take them apart, measure thicknesses, analyze
materials, etc. These parts have been successfully used
for years and have history. Usually every element of the
gasket was there as a solution to a particular problem and
any radical deviation could be a disaster.
PAGE 11
Also, be very skeptical of off-shore sources
for replacement gaskets, as many are simply “Chinese
copies” sometimes using elements totally different from
the original. Consult an expert with extensive experience
in the design of the particular types of gaskets.
Why Does A Joint Leak?
(Based on a passage by John H. Bickford with editing
and amplification by Larry Pyle)
A joint leaks when the material being contained
escapes through pores or gaps in the gasket material, or
escapes around the gasket or across the surface. Persistent
leaks through a gasket can often be reduced by a change
in gasket material or type. Often it helps to coat the
gasket with a gasket compound or coating of some type.
Frequently, where very little seepage can be tolerated, such
in a gasket sealing Freon, the gasket may be soaked in a
liquid such as mineral oil to close off the internal pores.
Eliminating leaks around the gasket is a more
difficult job. It is not just a question of eliminating major
openings or gaps between gasket and flange surfaces. This
would be relatively simple to do in most cases with the
use of coatings. Otherwise, we must maintain sufficient
contact pressure, usually called gasket stress, between the
flange and gasket surfaces. Also, we must maintain this
stress as bolts or gaskets relax, and as the temperature and
pressure of the contained fluid or gas change.
We generate the contact pressure by tightening
the bolt or studs that hold the joint together, tightening
them enough to create intimate contact between gasket
and joint surfaces. Non-uniform tightening can distort the
joint members and/or the gasket, opening leakage paths.
Rough or damaged flange surfaces will also cause problems.
Small leaks allowed by these conditions will often erode
and/or corrode the leak path, ultimately increasing the leak
rate.
Remember: Every gasket leaks, it’s only a matter
of degree. Some industries measure leakage rates with
various liquids (relatively huge molecules) and their seal/
no seal criteria is visible leakage. Other industries where
even tiny leakage is tolerated (i.e. Nuclear and Petroleum
industries) leakage is measured with helium (a very tiny
molecule).
If you have technical questions you would
like to see answered in future issues,
please send them by e-mail to
lfptech@gmail.com.
THE GASKET FABRICATOR
PAGE 12
Providingnation-wideservicetothefabricating
industryofcustombuiltsteelruleandclicker
diesforover25years
KevinHarfst
Phone:314-822-0406
kharfst@die-masters.com
www.die-masters.com
Material performance
around the globe >>
s LOW DENSITY
SILICONE FOAM
s CLOSED CELL
SILICONE SPONGE
s SOLID SILICONE
In continuous rolls,
extrusions or molded parts
AUGUST 2009
AUGUST 2009
THE GASKET FABRICATOR
PAUL YAGER RECOGNIZED WITH
LIFE MEMBERSHIP BY GFA
PAGE 13
GFA FUTURE MEETING
SCHEDULE
Fall 2009 Semi-Annual Meeting
September 22-24, 2009
Arizona Grand Resort
Phoenix, AZ
Gasketing/Converting Expo '10
March 23-25, 2010
Hilton Orlando
Orlando, FL
GFA Executive Director, Bob Ecker (right center) and Board
Member Ken Stober presented Paul Yager (left center) and
his wife Marion with a plaque recognizing Paul as a Life
Member of the GFA for his exceptional contribution as a
member of the Board of Directors from 1991-2006.
The GFA, in collaboration with the International
Association of Diecutting and Diemaking (IADD), is
offering a new service to members. TechTeam™ is a
dedicated and experienced team of industry professionals
who stand ready to assist you. Their mission is to quickly
research and answer GFA Members' technical diecutting
and diemaking questions in an unbiased, confidential,
current, and direct manner.
Since the service was launched for GFA members
in October 2008, the Team has handled questions from
members who have, in turn, been able to assist not only
their own businesses, but also their customers who have
asked questions of them.
Using the TechTeam™ will save you time,
money, and materials and can make you look like a hero
to your customer or company. Contacting the Team is
easy. Submit a question, track it, and follow up using
an easy web-form in the Members Only area of the GFA
website. The first response to questions generally comes
within the first 24 hours of a question being asked.
GFA Members can access the service by
clicking on Members Only on the GFA's home page
(www.gaketfab.com). Members who have forgotten
their user name and password should contact the GFA
office at 610-971-4850 or info@gasketfab.com.
Fall 2010 Semi-Annual Meeting
September 28-30, 2010
JW Marriot Resort & Spa
Las Vegas, NV
NEWSLETTER
The Gasket Fabricatorr is published by the Gasket Fabricators
Association and distributed to all members and prospective
members of GFA.
President ................................................................Clem Foley
Vice President ...................................................Steve Hanson
Executive Director....................................... Robert H. Ecker
Administrative Director/Newsletter Editor...............Peter Lance
Communications Committee Chair.....................Chris Brand
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, Home Page: www.
gasketfab.com, E-mail: info@gasketfab.com.
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 2009 Gasket Fabricators Association
THE GASKET FABRICATOR
PAGE 14
MEMBERSHIP
ANNIVERSARIES
In 2009, the following companies are celebrating
anniversaries. We would like to thank them for
their ongoing support.
30 Years
Chicago-Wilcox Mfg. Co.
Gasket Engineering Co., Inc.
Higbee, Inc.
Hoosier Gasket Corp.
Mueller Die Cut Solutions, Inc.
Thermoseal Inc.
AUGUST 2009
NEW ASSOCIATION
MEMBERS
Fabricator
FabSol LLC
Cadiz, KY
Supplier
Day Strong Rubber Products, LLC
Mauldin, SC
www.daystrongllc.com
Technifoam Canada, Inc.
Brantford, ON, Canada
www.technifoamcanada.com
25 Years
Preco, Inc.
20 Years
IGS, Inc.
15 Years
Wagner Die Supply
10 Years
3M Corp.
Argent International, Inc.
FLEXcon
Industrial Rubber Supply Co. Ltd.
James E. Dooley Co.
SRP Co.
5 Years
Monmouth Rubber & Plastics Corp.
Precision Gasket Company
Pres-On Tape & Gasket Corp.
Relco, Inc.
Target Marketing, Inc.
Visit us online at:
www.gasketfab.com
BENCHMARKING
REPORT
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 32 out of 64 Fabricator responses.
1. Most Recent Quarter Sales Compared to
Previous Quarter
UP
13
41%
DOWN
9
28%
SAME
10
31%
2. Current Quarter Sales Projection
Compared to Last Quarter
UP
12
37%
DOWN
5
16%
SAME
15
47%
We had 23 out of 60 Supplier responses.
1. Most Recent Quarter Sales Compared to
Previous Quarter
UP
10
43.5%
DOWN
10
43.5%
SAME
3
13%
2. Current Quarter Sales Projection
Compared to Last Quarter
UP
6
26%
DOWN
10
43.5%
SAME
7
30.5%
AUGUST 2009
THE GASKET FABRICATOR
PAGE 15
ACR
A
CRYL
CR
YLIC
YL
IC & RUB
RUB
UBBE
BER
BE
R BA
BASE
SED
SE
D
GAS
G
ASKE
AS
KET
KE
T AT
ATTA
TACH
TA
CHME
CH
MENT
ME
NT S
SOL
OLUT
OL
UTIO
UT
IONS
IO
NS
800-343-1076
www.venturetape.com
Industrial Rubber Sheeting, Extruded & Molded Products
• Turn to FLEXcon for Bonding, Laminating,
Fabricating and more...
• Custom PSA solutions for transfer, single and
double-coated tapes.
• Join the wide variety of industries that rely on
FLEXcon’s experience.
Call us with your challenge at 508-885-8440
or visit us at www.FLEXcon.com/performance
Providing Solutions in Pressure-Sensitive Films and Adhesives
PAGE 16
THE GASKET FABRICATOR
AUGUST 2009
Thermoseal
Solutions For Every Application
NEW
www.rogerscorp.com/hpf
ISO 9001: 2000
CERTIFIED
Ontario, CA • Dallas, TX • Elmhurst, IL • Tacoma, WA
Custom-Designed and Milled Punches
from America’s Punch Leader!
(800) 423-4478
www.wagnerdiesupply.com
KLINGERSIL compressed gasketing
Soft-chem expanded PTFE gasketing
KLINGERtop-chem PTFE gasketing
Sealex PTFE joint sealant
800-990-SEAL · www.thermosealinc.com
LaserQC® brings part inspection up
to the speed of today’s production
technology to dramatically increase
throughput in Gasket Fabrication.
-First Article Inspection
-SPC and Quality Reporting
-Reverse Engineering
David Lodge
National Sales Manager
david.lodge@virtek.ca
847-271-4825
Manufac turer of sustainable cork,
recycled rubber and cork/rubber
produc ts for the f ollowing markets:
www.ecoreintl.com