Static Dissipative Foam Gaskets
Static Dissipative Foam Gaskets
Amongst some of the most popular materials cut into gaskets and supplied by Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd are those made using Polyethylene foams (such as Static Dissipative Polyethylene Foam Gaskets). PE foams are a highly durable group of materials, manufactured in a range of colours, densities and grades for use in many different applications.
Polyethylene foams and gaskets cut from the material can be used for sealing, gap filling, cushioning and insulation, with certain grades being produced for very specific applications. One such grade available from ASG is Static Dissipative Polyethylene, sometimes also referred to as Anti-static polyethylene. Static Dissipative PE foam is black in colour, manufactured in sheet and roll form in thicknesses up to around 100mm, making gasket conversion easier and with shorter lead times.
Static Dissipative foam gaskets are produced in-house on state of the art machinery, allowing us to manufacture bespoke items, perfectly matching our customers samples or drawings, from a simple rectangular picture frame gasket, to a more complex curved profile with cut-outs. From a one-off sample to a multi-thousand batch run, we have a machine to quickly and accurately produce perfectly formed gaskets in a range of sizes, these include a number of presses, CNC and kiss cut machines.
Our Static Dissipative Polyethylene gaskets can be produced plain or supplied with a choice of finishes including foils, self adhesives or laminated to other materials. Depending on the size and quantity of the gasket, they can be supplied as loosely packed parts, or kiss-cut on a roll for quick and efficient use.
Product Enquiry
For information on Static Dissipative Foam Gaskets please complete the following quick enquiry or call us on +44(0)1384 252555.
Characteristics Of Static Dissipative Polyethylene Foam
- Colour: Black
- Density: 30 - 45kg/m3
- Temperature: MAX operating temperature 90℃
- Flammability: Tested to MVSS302
- Resistances: Impervious to chemicals, moisture and mold/fungal growth
- Sheet Size: 2mtr x 1mtr or 1mtr x 1mtr
Full technical data can be supplied upon request,
or downloaded from our online portal.
What Are Static Dissipative Polyethylene Foam Gaskets?
Static Dissipative Polyethylene is just one type of ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) foam gaskets available from Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd. These gaskets are cut pieces of material placed between two mating surfaces in order to create a low pressure seal, taking the form of a strip, pad of an intricately cut shape, used to prevent the leakage or ingress of liquids, gas and dust and to provide cushioning.
This material is a black coloured, closed cell, polyethylene foam which is made using a combination of granules of raw PE material, conductive carbon, fillers and blowing agents causing the material to foam prior to curing which creates cellular structure within the material. Static dissipative PE offers a static dissipative function which is permanent, and has a lower carbon content than conductive foam meaning anti static foam can be used and an alternative to static dissipative applications.
Static Dissipative PE foam gaskets will not generate static charge when they rub against itself or objects around it, but will eliminate a charge through itself or ‘dissipate’ it, allowing the charges to flow to ground slower and in controlled manner, preventing discharge or shock.
Why Use Static Dissipative Polyethylene Foam Gaskets?
Specialist packaging foams are often required when sensitive, fragile and expensive products are being transported. Choosing the right protective packaging is vital in protecting the goods from damage, so too is the profile of the foam being used as a poor fit or inadequate coverage will not be as effective.
This also applies to electronic components which are static sensitive which can become unusable if stored or shipped within inadequate packaging. Electronic components all have a dielectric nature and so electrostatic charging cannot be completely prevented during handling of devices, and also where sensitive components are connected to the product creates ESD (Electrostatic discharge) which is a sudden surge of electric discharge between two electrically charged objects caused by contact or friction resulting in an electrical short or dielectric breakdown.
The most effective way to reduce the risk of ESD is to use a material which will slowly conduct or ‘dissipate’ it, allowing the charges to flow to ground slower and in controlled manner, preventing discharge or shock. Static Dissipative gaskets are not only used to hold items in place and line cases, they can also be used within devices or machinery to keep them safe to use.
Advantages of using Static Dissipative Polyethylene Foam Gaskets
Gaskets cut using ESD Foams including Static Dissipative foams offer many features and advantages which not only result in cost savings, but also maintain a safe environment.
Some of the desirable properties demonstrated by static dissipative foams include excellent strength and tear resistance, highly shock absorbent, resistance to chemicals such as solvents, acids and grease, being closed cell SD polyethylene foam gaskets don’t support mould and bacteria growth or allow for moisture absorption, they will not cause chemical corrosion to components or surrounding packaging and as with most Polyethylene foams, it can withstand temperatures of up to 90℃.
As Static Dissipative Foam is manufactured and stocked in block form, they can be quickly and easily split or laminated allowing ASG to convert gaskets in almost any thicknesses and as bespoke profiles and inserts for added security and protection from impact, movement and most importantly, damage from static charge, therefore saving end-users and manufacturers money on having to replace damaged products and also protects those in contact with the component from static shock.
Applications in which anti static polyethylene foam can be used include LCD screens on production lines of electrical devices such as mobile phones, laptops, computers and optic electronics.
Benefits Of Using Static Dissipative Polyethylene Foam
- Lightweight for lower transport costs
- A soft material which offers cushioning
- Slow and controlled dissipation of static electrical discharge
- Reduces cost of replacing damaged items
- Closed cell material protects goods from moisture damage
- Can be used in roll or sheet form, or cut into bespoke case inserts from better fit
Alternative Types of Packaging Foam
- Convoluted or Eggbox Polyurethane
- Pick & pluck Polyurethane
- Anti static polyethylene
- Anti-static Polyurethane
- Conductive Plastazote foam
Please contact us using the form below or by calling us on +44(0)1384 252555.