The function of a seal for an industrial enclosure is to safeguard electronic components against dust, moisture, and wind-driven rain. These enclosures provide long-term protection for the sensitive electronics that they contain, and can be found inside buildings as well as outdoors.
Gaskets and seals must pass rugged weather-ability requirements and perform over a broad temperature range. They must also resist compression set which would compromise the electrical components inside the unit.
Each enclosure unit is designed differently, requiring gasketing and sealing materials of different firmness and thickness combinations. A seal must conform well to the mated surface while also maintaining a low closure force in order to prevent bowing.
Several tests help in determining the usefulness of the gasket in final assembly. These tests on the gasket include Compression Set, Compression Force Deflection, UL JMST2 , UL JMLU2 (component gaskets and seals), and UL94 for flammability.
The following PORON® and BISCO® materials are commonly used as gaskets and seals in enclosure units:
These formulations are available in various firmness and thickness combinations. Common thicknesses used in these applications are 4.78 mm (0.188"), 6.35 mm (0.250"), 9.53 mm (0.375"), and 12.7 mm (0.500").