Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies recently developed a new elastomeric static seal, the patent-pending Curve Gasket that supports the trend of new powertrain modules with a focus on lightweight design. With greater stability, lower reaction forces, and wider compression ranges, the Curve Gasket helps minimize the amount of structural plastic required in engine covers.
To achieve the dimensional stability and lower reaction forces essential for sealing lightweight thermoplastic covers, the Curve Gasket uses a combination of constant and undulated cross-sections that reduce loading. The undulated sections of the gasket use the same design principle as the corrugated waves used to stabilize metal sheeting.
“This innovation helps to overcome the design challenges of traditional press-in-place gaskets,” said Rafael Muchon, global product marketing director, Gaskets Division. “The Curve Gasket’s unique design offers greater stability in smaller grooves, which is ideal for the thermoplastic covers that we’re seeing on new engine designs.”
The Curve Gasket is fine-tuned to optimize its performance based on the sealing application. The design allows a shift of compression range to a higher level while reducing reaction forces. At elevated temperatures that often cause gasket expansion issues, the unique design also prevents the gasket from exceeding the void volume limit.
“With today’s specifications, our customers are looking for cost-effective solutions across a range of different industries and applications. The Curve Gasket achieves perfect sealing while supporting efforts to use less material on their components,” said Rainer Joest, global manager, Gaskets Division. ”Whether it’s automotive, power generation, or a completely new application, this innovation really sets us apart. The Curve Gasket gives our customers more press-in-place gasket solutions than ever before.”
Development of the Curve Gasket was led by the division’s European team. As the production process uses standard molding tools and presses, it is now available to customers worldwide via Freudenberg-NOK’s network of manufacturing facilities in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.
Another gasket developed recently is the Deformed Large Format Gasket (DLFG). The patented design and molding process allows injection molding of oversized flat flange gaskets on conventional sized presses. This saves on press and tooling costs, and helps reduce gasket development time. Typical large-perimeter applications for this type of elastomeric gasket include battery enclosures and oversized covers or pans.
The Curve Gasket and Deformed Large Format Gasket extend the Gaskets Division’s range of elastomeric static seals based on technologies for press-in-press, edge bonded, over molded, and plastic carrier gaskets.
Both the Curve Gasket and Deformed Large Format Gasket will be showcased at the International Fluid Power Exposition (IFPE) in Las Vegas, which takes place March 4 to 8, 2014 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“IFPE is one of the top conferences of the year for cutting-edge technologies,” Joest added. “We’re excited to display the new products we’ve been working on and what’s in store for the future.”
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
