Light weight, low density epoxy potting compound is RF transparent

In some applications the weight of potting electronics to protect mechanically or environmentally can be a very significant part of the overall weight of installed equipment – sometimes this can be a problem. We have come up with some very advanced light-weight epoxy potting technology which brings the density right down to 0.6. IRS 2012 Light Weight Low Density Epoxy Potting Compound is an exciting development for weight critical applications, e.g. in aerospace or autosport, and is potentially of great significance for mainstream automotive systems and even railway systems where it is increasingly recognized that weight saving leads to fuel savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

IRS 2012 is not only very light on account of its advanced fillers, but is also very RF transmissive and is effectively transparent to radio signals, with excellent electrical properties, low cure shrinkage, good chemical resistance and good mechanical properties – highly suitable in fact for potting of aerials and related equipment.

The black two-part IRS 2012 is available in twin pack sachets which may be mixed and transferred to a syringe for precision application if required.

Fuel resistant silicone

Modern diesel engines require gaskets to seal a variety of components, including fuel systems and control units. RTV silicones have been used in and around the engine for many years, being chosen for their flexibility and ability to withstand high temperatures. For use within a diesel engine, the gasket material must be able to withstand the temperatures generated from the engine - but most importantly, must be able to withstand the continual contact with diesel fuel.

In general, silicone RTV sealants are prone to attack from mineral oils. To overcome this problem they can be formulated using fluorosilicone polymers; however, the dramatic increase in costs usually prohibits their commercial use.

The good news is that our sales partners ACC have taken one of their patented acetone cure RTV silicone sealants and carried out extensive testing to prove their suitability for applications involving contact with both conventional and bio-diesel fuels.

These tests proved ACC AS1810 suitable for use with conventional and bio-diesel when used as a gasket material in conjunction with mechanical fixings.

Car headlights - illuminating!

DYMAX 3-20469 features fast cure speeds, the ability to cure through clear, UV blocked plastic and offers advanced features for a variety of vehicle lighting assembly applications. It cures through large gaps and forms excellent bonds and seals on assemblies with unusual shapes and less than perfect fitting joints.

In addition to headlamp assembly, other vehicle lighting applications for which UV cure adhesives have been used successfully include tail lights, fog lights, and side lighting. DYMAX 3-20469 passes Ford’s Headlamp Performance Tests (Ford WSS-M11P28-B2).

Structural adhesion to plastics and other construction materials means that a smaller amount of 3-20469 adhesive may be used than with some other types of adhesives and sealants, such that some manufacturers have reported this allows for a larger reflective area and consequent increased lamp brightness.

3-20469 cures in seconds upon exposure to a high intensity UV/Visible light. Fast cures, ease of dispensing and in-line quality control capabilities allow for fast parts processing, ease of automation, J.I.T. assembly, reduced work in progress, lowered energy costs and increased throughput, while avoiding off-ratio rejects and reducing the manufacturing footprint. The one part "cure on demand" approach to adhesive technology eliminates pot life and hazardous waste concerns.

We also have adhesives for lens bonding, vent-hole sealing, lead tacking, bulb positioning and fixturing and various associated electronic coating applications. High temperature grades are offered that withstand the heat generated in close proximity to bulbs for positioning and fixturing applications. Some of the physical properties of these vehicle lighting adhesives include a wide range of viscosities, elongation from 20 to 300%, excellent thermal and mechanical shock, vibration, and moisture resistance characteristics. The products have shown superior durability during extensive road testing under harsh environmental conditions.