Why Stockwell is a Sensible Strategic Partner in this Rough Economy

Stockwell Elastomerics’ business model has been centered around low to mid volume runs, quality and speed. For companies practicing Lean Manufacturing this business model makes good sense. Stockwell maintains stock in its core product lines such as Silicone Foams, Silicone Sponge, Solid Silicone, Poron, Thermal products, EMI gasketing materials, and Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSA). This stock along with quick changeovers and semi-automated production equipment (Die Cutting, Water Jet Cutting, Slitting and Laminating) allows for fast turns on low to mid-volume runs.

In the current economic climate, overproduction and inventory are much more of a liability than they were a year ago. With some customers relying on lines of credit and banks being more cautious, the risk of orders being cancelled and OEM’s being left holding the bag is much greater. Having a fast turn supplier such as Stockwell who can run smaller batch sizes and still meet long term production needs with scheduled releases allows OEM’s to have less “skin in the game”.

For more information on how Stockwell can meet your production needs, please contact us at 215-335-3005, service@stockwell.com or visit our website http://www.stockwell.com/.

UMPC (Ultra Mobile Personal Computer), Ruggedizing Components - Overview

There is a new breed of personal computers on the market today, the Ultra Mobile PC. One of the obvious driving sectors for these products is the military where sensitive electronics are exposed to harsh environments. These UMPC’s or ultra rugged computers have also been used commercially in a limited capacity but with the mobile device market on a steep incline, consumers are demanding a greater level of protection for their mobile devices.

In January of 2000 the DoD released standard MIL-STD-810F which is a very comprehensive guide for Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Testing Procedures. This covers temperature, vibration, shock, EMI shielding, fluid contamination, etc…

Stockwell has been “Ruggedizing” electronics for many years. The key to achieving a truly rugged component is in the materials. For example, if a device is exposed to extreme low temperature and dropped it will rely on the cushioning pad for protection. Traditional “rubber” will firm up and pass the energy on to the internal components, ultimately leading to a device failure. A silicone foam product is a good choice for mechanical shock and vibration in extreme temperatures, silicone maintains cushioning properties below -80°F. Where fuel and chemicals may make contact with the elastomeric cushion, a closed cell fluorosilicone sponge might be the better choice.

Stockwell has a wide range of materials to meet the most demanding ruggedizing requirements, including; chemical resistant, soft sponges and foams for cushioning and damping, EMI shielding materials, open cell and closed cell products for dust and water sealing. Production capabilities include custom molding, fast-turn water jet cutting, die cutting and adhesive laminations.