Low machining cost: Compression gaskets form seal when they are compressed. This require that the mating surfaces must be highly finished thereby providing maximum contact between the gasket and flange surface. That’s why designers take extreme care to provide high finish surfaces (<0.5µm).Such a highly engineered surface require multiple machining operation, tool cost, labour cost and processing time making the entire activity very expensive. Unfortunately, in many designs these aspects are overlooked and the resultant traditional solution is not only very expensive and slow but also ineffective.
In contrast liquid gaskets seal by forming bond between the surfaces. Because a very smooth surface has lower surface and low grabbing power with adhesive, Loxeal liquid gaskets do not need high finish flanges. When sealing machined flanges, surface roughness between Ra 0.8µm to 3.2µm is sufficient to form a perfect seal.
Assembly Integrity: Because the two flanges are bolted there is always a micro movement between them due to the loss of bolt tension under vibration and thermal changes (unless bolts are locked using Loxeal liquid Threadlocker).This effect can significantly impact the integrity of an equipment or system and can generate noise, vibration and loosening effect. In contrast because Loxeal FIP liquid gaskets seal by adhesion, they form a friction less joint and maintain the integrity of the assembly better.
Extra squeeze does not cure: Unlike other types of liquid gaskets (such as solvent based), Loxeal anaerobic liquid gaskets do not cure when squeezed out after assembly. Because curing is anaerobic in nature, only the adhesive film between the flange surfaces cure and excess is wiped away and even used on other joints (if not contaminated by exterior foreign particles).
Non curing prior to assembly: Due to its anaerobic curing nature, Loxeal liquid gaskets cure only when they are in presence of metal and absence of air. It allows on-part life after the application of Loxeal anaerobic liquid gaskets (and before assembly) being in contact with air.This eliminates typical problems associated with solvent and moisture cure gaskets.
Chemically compatible: After Loxeal form in place anaerobic liquid gaskets cure to thermoset plastic solid they develop excellent resistance to most types of fluids, solvents, gases, LPG, Glycol, fuels, motor and lubricating oils and many more types of chemicals.
Manufacturing flexibility: A typical manufacturing set up has multiple flange and part design. Using cut gaskets require multiple designs and types of solid gaskets to be maintained. In contrast a Loxeal liquid gasket can seal any flange design and configuration offering great flexibility in production environment.
Reduced Inventory cost: Traditional cut or solid gaskets require high inventory to be maintained. They also require large storage space. Whereas a single bottle of Loxeal liquid gasket is sufficient to produce many parts. Not only Loxeal gaskets need a fraction of storage space they also reduce the inventory cost significantly.
Automation: For highspeed assembly lines, application of liquid gaskets can easily be automated using auto dispensing systems and robotics. Elixir can assist customers is setting up the desired automated dosing equipments.