How To Automatically apply Cure-in-Place gaskets to components.
Cure-in-Place and Form-in-Place gaskets are some of the latest buzz words for manufacturing. These methods replace preformed solid gaskets and O-rings with liquid gaskets which are better able to adopt the shape of the components and provide a more perfect seal. The liquid material is placed in a bead along the outline of the intended seal and then cured in place on the component. The curing is completed using UV curing lights or through creating anaerobic conditions by assembling the component and locking the liquid gasket material between substrates.
The Cure-in-Place method is extremely effective at reducing the complexity and time required when creating prototypes and custom machines. Rather than designing components to meet the sizes of preformed gaskets in stock or going through the expensive process of designing new gaskets and outsourcing their production, manufacturers are increasingly turning to customizable and adaptable technologies to meet their needs. While UV gaskets are useful when creating a new, one-off pattern, where this method really shines is when it is paired with a programmable gantry cartesian robot.