Consistent seals are essential to electromechanical component performance. Unfortunately, seal consistency can be difficult to design because much of sealant dispensing includes variables beyond a designer’s control. Variables such as pot life, operator technique, and mix ratios can cause variations in seal spread, location, and quality. Epoxy preforms, however, eliminate many of these variables. By incorporating epoxy preforms into a component design, engineers are able to ensure that the epoxy seals on their prints will resemble the seals in actual production.

Epoxy preforms are

pre-shaped, one-part resins that are solid at room temperature. When heated, preforms melt and cure, forming consistent seals that will not re-melt at subsequent high temperatures. Close tolerances on preform dimensions, consistent

pre-mixed ratios of resin to catalyst, and consistent viscosity from beginning to end of batch ensure uniform results (Fig.1).

Minimal operator training is required, and operator technique does not affect seal quality. This ensures that personnel changes will not cause changes in seal quality. Also, preforms can be manufactured with inside diameters as small as .010-in, making them suitable for microelectronics that require precision in the amount and location of sealant. Preforms also improve production rates with automated loading as fast as 200 to 600 preforms per minute (Fig.2).

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Multi-Seals is based in Manchester, CT, USA. www.multi-seals.com