Fluorosilicone – Fluorosilicone Sponge, Solid Fluorosilicone, Electrically Conductive Fluorosilicone

Fluorosilicone (FVMQ) is fluorinated version of silicone which gives this polymer superior chemical resistance. Fluorosilicone is used where extreme temperature ranges (relative to “rubber”) are required and where aggressive fluids may be present.

The Aerospace, Automotive and Green Energy industries often use fluorosilicone for its cross-functionality. Fluorosilicone has ability to maintain its mechanical properties over a wide temperature range, is UV and ozone resistant and has excellent chemical resistance particularly to fuels and oils.

Stockwell offers fluorosilicone in its many forms including solid fluorosilicone sheets, soft fluorosilicone sponge, molded fluorosilicone parts, and electrically conductive fluorosilicone (used for EMI gaskets). Sheet grades are readily die cut or waterjet cut on site. Similarly, fluorosilicone parts are molded onsite at Stockwell Elastomerics.

For more information about solid fluorosilicone gaskets, fluorosilicone sponge, or other gasket fabrication applications, please contact Stockwell at (215) 335-3005 or browse our website.

Link to: fluorosilicone datasheets

Fast Gasket, Quick-Turn Gasket, Next Day Gasket, or Quick Gaskets!

It is not a rare occurrence at Stockwell to receive an urgent call requesting next day gaskets or pads. Many times there is field requirement or engineering build where time is critical. Stockwell inventories a wide range of materials and thicknesses. Stock materials include solid silicone, closed cell silicone sponges, UL rated silicone foams, Neoprene sponges, EMI gasket materials, and Thermal management materials just to name few. These stock materials in combination with 3 in-house water jet cutting, die cutting and molding presses with 12” x 12” sheets molds, allow for quick response to urgent request.

Helpful hints for fast gaskets to fix a problem or meet a deadline:
- Supply an electronic CAD file (2D .dxf or 3D .iges)
- Work with in-stock materials
- If an adhesive backing is required, inform us of the type of metal, plastic or painted surface to be bonded to
- Indicate smallest quantity required
- Provide ship-to information and carrier account number- Supply a credit card or purchase order (existing customers)

Providing an electronic CAD file helps expedite the Water Jet programming. With a wide cross section of materials in stock, Stockwell can usually find a material to meet gasketing requirements. Since it is often a race against the clock / shipping pickup, knowing the minimum quantity helps to manage processing. Often additional parts can ship within a few days.

Rubber? - Rubber Gasket, Rubber Seals, Rubber Pads…

It is interesting how the word “rubber”, which historically has referred to Natural Rubber (also known as isoprene) has become a general term for elastomeric materials. Natural rubber is the original elastomer; however, over the years there have been many more synthetic polymers developed, each with its own unique property.

From an engineering standpoint it is important to know the demands and environmental conditions to which a “rubber” component will be exposed. Many of us have seen a black, flaking, cracking gasket essentially at a failure state. For a critical water seal the cracking could allow leaks causing damage to expensive electronics. For pads, excessive compression set (when the elastomer fails to rebound) may be the mode of failure, ultimately transferring mechanical shock or vibration to the device. Many of these common failures can be avoided with proper material selection. Temperature, UV, ozone, and chemicals all play a role in how well a “rubber” part will survive. Stockwell helps customers with material selection and in most cases will provide samples at no charge for testing.

For more information about materials contact visit Stockwell Elastomerics at stockwell.com or call 215-335-3005