Static Disipative Polyethylene Foam Seals
Seals (such as our Static Dissipative Polyethylene Foam Seals) are available in a multitude of shapes and sizes, produced using a number of materials, many of which can be manufactured and supplied by Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd. One material group often used are those made using Polyethylene foams. PE foams are a highly durable group of materials, manufactured in a range of colours, densities and grades for use in many different applications. Just one of the grades available from ASG which can be converted into seals 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 seal conversion easier and with shorter lead times. Static Dissipative polyethylene foam seals are available in the form of gaskets, washers, O-rings and some extrusions, all designed to prevent air, fluid or gas leaks.
All our static dissipative polyethylene foam seals are made to order and available in almost any given size, shape or format, produced by using customers' samples or drawings as a guide, ensuring the final product perfectly fits the application. As each form of seal is manufactured using a different process, ASG have invested heavily in various machinery and staff training, allowing us to offer cost effective high and low volume seals for use within many applications and industries.
For information on Static Disipative Polyethylene Foam Seals 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 Seals?
Static Dissipative Polyethylene is just one type of ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) foam seals produced and supplied by Advanced Seals & Gaskets Ltd. Static Dissipative foam seals are a device used to join surfaces together to either act as a separator or a body to prevent moisture, air, gas or dirt and debris escaping or penetrating the application.
Static Dissipative foam seals can take the form of cut gaskets, strips, washers, extruded profiles and cord, all manufactured using the same closed cell foam which can be compressed, which in turn ‘hardens’ the material to create a secure seal. Many of our static dissipative foam seals can be supplied with a choice of self-adhesives which assists with holding the seal in situ. The material used in the production of these seals 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 foam seals offer 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 seals 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 Seals?
Static Dissipative PE Foam seals are often used when sensitive, fragile and expensive products are being manufactured and transported. The right protective packaging is vital in protecting goods from damage caused by static discharge, so too is the shape and profile of the foam seal being used as a poor fit or inadequate coverage will not be as effective.
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 such as static dissipative PE foam, 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 seals can be used to line or seal packaging or within the electrical component itself to prevent parts from coming into contact with each other and generating static.
Advantages Of Using Static Dissipative Polyethylene Foam Seals
Customers and end users will often ask for seals made from ESD Foams such as Static Dissipative foam, as they offer many features and advantages which not only result in cost savings, but also maintain a safe environment. Some of the sought after properties demonstrated by static dissipative foam seals include excellent strength and tear resistance, highly shock absorbent, resistance to chemicals such as solvents, acids and grease, being closed cell SD polyethylene foam seals 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, 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 produce seals in almost any thicknesses and as bespoke profiles 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 seals can be used include LCD screens on production lines of electrical devices such as mobile phones, laptops, computers and optic electronics.
Benefits of Acoustic Foam GasketsBenefits 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.