To Fuji or not to Fuji Test your Gaskets, That is the Question

Many variables can affect gasket sealing such as internal pressure, temperature, gasket design, and flange load.  Sometimes it is necessary to dig a little deeper into the actual sealing picture when a difficult or critical sealing situation is encountered.  In this article, we will explore a process we call “Fuji Testing”.

How Fuji Testing Works

Fujifilm Prescale is a polyester based film that contains a layer of tiny microcapsules. The application of force upon the film causes the microcapsules to rupture, producing an instantaneous and permanent high resolution “topographical” image of pressure variation across the contact area.  The use of this tactile sensor film is one method CGR Products uses to help customers see a “Static” picture of how the gasket is sealing in the current application.

We place the Fuji film between any two surfaces that touch, mate or impact. Apply pressure, remove it, and immediately the film reveals the pressure distribution profile that occurred between the two surfaces.  Like litmus paper, the color intensity of the film is directly related to the amount of pressure applied to it.  The greater the pressure, the more intense the color.

Analyzing the Fuji Data

The principle way in which CGR Products uses Fuji film is to determine if the current gasket design is producing an acceptable seal to satisfy the customers’ requirements.   In our example below, you are looking at a currently designed gasket where its highest pressure points are at the bolt holes.  The bolt pressure points left a softer area in the middle of the flange.

Making Recommendations

If it is determined that the sealing pressure revealed by the Fuji film is not acceptable, CGR Products can use the film data to determine a possible revised gasket design.  These tests can also reveal that a material change is all that is needed to satisfy the sealing requirements.  Using the same example, this is CGR Products proposed design and material change after Fuji analysis.

Learn More

To answer the question as to whether a Fuji analysis is right for you, Ask yourself if the potential warranty cost to your company is worth the time and effort.  Let CGR Products help with your sealing issues so we can work together to solve potential warranty problems before they occur.  Feel free to contact us with questions or dig deeper into our capabilities by clicking on our website.

CGR is UL Listed

UL is the acronym for Underwriters Laboratory, a non-profit company that tests safety standards and issues certificates of compliance. Consumers are often familiar with tags on appliances that have the UL listing on electrical cords denoting the safety of the unit. When a company meets all of the standards as set forth by UL, they can then have safety certification programs put in place. Although UL started out in electrical safety, they have since expanded to include a wide range of products, including things like fire safety, water quality, and products manufactured by CGR.

Benefits of Being UL Listed

Being UL listed takes time and commitment from any company wanting this distinction. To start, the company must prove they are maintaining the highest levels of safety in the building and with proper training of employees. Prior to being listed, UL will send safety inspectors to the manufacturing facility to ensure compliance with all safety rules and regulations. After that point, an inspector will return every six months to make sure the company is still in compliance in order to maintain their UL listing. Inspectors check and review: operations, power sources, safety training procedures, performance, and more.

Listed Products Manufactured by CGR

Currently, CGR has three products which are UL Recognized Components that meet the UL 50E standards. They include sponge rubber and pressure sensitive adhesive. These components are used for sealing gaskets found in electrical enclosures, appliances, control panels, and other applications. UL has stated the designation of the individual components (PSA and sponge) is voided when a chemical bond is created between the two, creating a new product which must then meet the same rigorous UL standards.

To address this issue, CGR created and certified three different solutions which can meet a wide range of applications. These include: CGR 8002 (EPDM sponge) with Avery’s high performance 702 acrylic adhesive, CGR 5031 (Neoprene/SBR/EPDM) sponge with 3M 9824 acrylic adhesive, and CGR DK1111LD (Neoprene/EPDM) sponge with 3M 9816 rubber adhesive.

CGR is proud to sport the UL listing and will continue to ensure safety and standards as set by UL for years to come.