Pressure Sensitive Adhesive. Supported Construction

Supported adhesives, also called double coated tapes, get their name from their construction. A thin plastic like layer (typically P.E.T.) is coated on both sides with a thin layers of adhesive. The most common family of Pressure Sensitive Adhesives are acrylic based. Adhesive manufacturers such as 3M, Adchem, and St. Gobain offer many varieties of adhesives with different bond strengths, temperature ranges, and mechanical properties. The thin support layer (or carrier layer) of supported (or double coated) adhesives offers dimensional stability when added to an elastomeric material.

These pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) are typically self wound. When unrolled one side of the adhesive is exposed. In most cases Stockwell applies the exposed adhesive to the gasket or pad material, the release liner remains in tack until the end user is ready to peel and stick. This adhesive backing is very helpful for the end user during assembly. In some cases we will apply a second liner to the exposed face and die cut the adhesive to a specific geometry.

For more information on Pressure Sensitive Adhesive, please follow the link to our website http://stockwell.com/pages/materials_adhesives.php or contact us at service@stockwell.com.

Clear or Transparent Silicone Rubber

Although we usually think of silicone rubber as being pigmented red, black, or gray in color, it is also available in clear, transparent sheets and as custom molded parts.
Using our liquid injection molding (LIM) capability we can mold clear components in durometers from 10 to 70 Shore A.
For flat gaskets we suggest HT-6240, a clear, high purity, 40 durometer silicone rubber which we inventory in 36” wide rolls in .010”, .020”, .032”, .062”, and .125” thicknesses. HT-6240 is stored between two liners to maintain cleanliness.
A pressure sensitive acrylic or silicone adhesive can be applied to HT-6240. As with our other silicone rubber and sponge products Stockwell can supply a sample sheet or a prototype part cut on our water jet. For a data sheet on HT-6240 use the following link:
www.stockwell.com/pages/solid_silicone.php

Transparent silicone can be used as an “invisible” gasket to enhance cosmetic appeal. Other uses include overlays, flexible laboratory covers, transparent membranes, and air flow diaphragms on respirators and ventilators.