Surface finish requirements for static and dynamic sealingThe surface finish of hardware components in contact with the surface of a seal is critical to the seal performance. In addition to achieving a leak free interface, it can also impact the life of the sealing system.
Surface finish requirements for static and dynamic sealing ![anchor-right-arrow-purple](https://ceetak.com/wp-content/themes/ceetak/resources/assets/images/purple-arrow.png)
Are all elastomers the same?Elastomer rubbers look very similar - but are they all the same? With many different base groups and recipe formulations, there's a huge range of elastomer materials suitable for applications with varying temperature ranges and chemical media compatibility. It's critical to the seal performance to make the right choice.
Are all elastomers the same? ![anchor-right-arrow-purple](https://ceetak.com/wp-content/themes/ceetak/resources/assets/images/purple-arrow.png)
The importance of engineering tolerancesTolerances are present in every man-made item as it’s practically impossible to repeatedly manufacture something to an exact size or specification. When manufacturing seals, it's important to understand which tolerances impact performance (and by how much) to ensure that a system is optimized for overall performance, and whole-life product cost.
The importance of engineering tolerances ![anchor-right-arrow-purple](https://ceetak.com/wp-content/themes/ceetak/resources/assets/images/purple-arrow.png)
Elastomer manufacturing moulding processesHow is it manufactured? A question we get asked in the seal design process, but perhaps not considered often enough. How a rubber seal is produced can affect a number of things; the cost, the material choice...even how a part should be designed. All of these can have a significant impact on the performance of the seal in application. Let's take a look at the three main manufacturing methods for moulding elastomer seals.
Elastomer manufacturing moulding processes ![anchor-right-arrow-purple](https://ceetak.com/wp-content/themes/ceetak/resources/assets/images/purple-arrow.png)
Polyurethane as a seal materialThe foam in your armchair. The strap on your wristwatch. The wheels on a supermarket shopping trolley and beyond; Polyurethane certainly has a diverse range of uses since its invention almost 85 years ago. Aside from day-to-day products; it is also a highly capable and versatile sealing material - and an option that is often overlooked.
Polyurethane as a seal material ![anchor-right-arrow-purple](https://ceetak.com/wp-content/themes/ceetak/resources/assets/images/purple-arrow.png)
Why the focus on PFAS?PFAS is a blanket term used to describe Poly- and Per- fluoroalkyl substances. There are currently around 10,000 substances in existence that fit this description, with potentially more variants still yet to be produced. Some are already known to be harmful to human and animal health and the environment (such as PFOA and PFOS), and these specific PFAS are already controlled under legal restrictions. But in February 2023, The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) published a regulatory proposal to further restrict the manufacture, placing on the market, and use of all PFAS within the EU.
Why the focus on PFAS? ![anchor-right-arrow-purple](https://ceetak.com/wp-content/themes/ceetak/resources/assets/images/purple-arrow.png)
Seals for cryogenic applicationsCryogenic sealing means controlling or sealing a media at very low temperatures. This process can be complex and advanced, and spans a range of markets; from pharmaceutical, chemical and refrigeration, to automotive and electronics.
Seals for cryogenic applications ![anchor-right-arrow-purple](https://ceetak.com/wp-content/themes/ceetak/resources/assets/images/purple-arrow.png)
Why use 2-Shot moulded seals?2-Shot moulding is a manufacturing process that allows the co-polymerisation of hard (or soft) plastics and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE’s). We use the 2-Shot manufacturing approach to deliver engineered parts that perform a critical sealing function.
Why use 2-Shot moulded seals? ![anchor-right-arrow-purple](https://ceetak.com/wp-content/themes/ceetak/resources/assets/images/purple-arrow.png)
Why use PTFE seals?Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a thermoplastic polymer that can be used in a variety of sealing applications; it is particularly suitable where the application conditions exceed the parameters of elastomeric seal use, but are not as highly demanding as applications that require the use of metal seals.
Why use PTFE seals? ![anchor-right-arrow-purple](https://ceetak.com/wp-content/themes/ceetak/resources/assets/images/purple-arrow.png)
Why use Push-in-Place gaskets?Where a seal groove follows an irregular path or profile, a common sealing solution is to design a custom Push-In-Place (PIP) gasket that has the same profile as the centre line of the groove, simply drops into place and is retained by the features of its own design.
Why use Push-in-Place gaskets? ![anchor-right-arrow-purple](https://ceetak.com/wp-content/themes/ceetak/resources/assets/images/purple-arrow.png)
Perfluoroelastomers in valvesIs it time to re-visit using perfluoroelastomer seals in your valves? First developed by DuPont™ in the late 1960s, perfluoroelastomers (or FFKMs), are now widely known and understood in a variety of markets. But for those that may be less familiar with these high performance materials, here is a quick recap...
Perfluoroelastomers in valves ![anchor-right-arrow-purple](https://ceetak.com/wp-content/themes/ceetak/resources/assets/images/purple-arrow.png)
Seals for valve applicationsValves are imperative for isolation and control functions, and can be found in a broad range of industries such as Oil & Gas, Water & Wastewater, Food & Beverage and Hydraulics & Pneumatics. We supply seal products into valve applications in a variety of styles including ball, gate, flap, plug, butterfly, spool, check and solenoid valves.
Seals for valve applications ![anchor-right-arrow-purple](https://ceetak.com/wp-content/themes/ceetak/resources/assets/images/purple-arrow.png)
3D printing for seals3D printing has developed significantly and now performs a crucial role in many applications. 3D printed products vary from fully functional to purely aesthetic applications; with the most common application being for manufacturing. Here we discuss how our engineers use 3D printing to demonstrate a seal concept.
3D printing for seals ![anchor-right-arrow-purple](https://ceetak.com/wp-content/themes/ceetak/resources/assets/images/purple-arrow.png)