Posted by Chuck Keeley on | Comments Off on Open Cell vs. Closed Cell Foam: What’s the Difference?
At CGR Products, we field a lot of questions about the differences between open and closed cell foam. To address these inquiries, we’ll be comparing the two types of foam and outlining the unique benefits and properties of each.
When deciding on a material for your specific project, it’s important to understand which kind of foam will best serve your application and meet your unique requirements. The benefits of each type of foam can differ depending on your specific industry, so it’s important to fully assess each option before moving forward.
Open Cell Foam
Open cell foam is a rubber-like product made by incorporating an inflating agent, such as sodium bicarbonate, into the rubber compound; this agent gives off a gas, which expands the rubber during vulcanization.
Foam is usually classified as “open cell” when more than half of its cells are open. Common open cell materials include reticulated foam, polyurethane foam, and open cell rubber.
Some open cell foam is unique in that it operates more like a spring, easily returning to its original state after compression thanks to the unrestricted air movement and chemical makeup. Soft and breathable, open cell foam is generally more flexible and can more easily conform to sealing applications than closed cell foam. Open cell foam can also be manufactured at both high and low densities. It is less durable than closed cell options, however.
Reticulated foam is usually classified by PPI (pores per inch). 10 PPI foam would have large cell structures and allow the most flow, while 80 PPI foam would have very small cells and be more restrictive.
Closed Cell Foam
Closed cell foam is defined as a cell totally enclosed by its walls and hence not interconnecting with other cells. Closed cell foam is usually made by subjecting a rubber compound to a gas, such as nitrogen, under high pressure. This type of foam may also be made by incorporating gas-forming materials into the compound.
Closed cell foam offers a wide variety of material and density options. EPDM, neoprene, EPDM/CR/SBR, and PVC/NBR are a few common types of closed cell foams, which can range in densities from 6 lb/ft3 (soft) to 19 lb/ft3 (hard).
This type of material is ideal for sealing as it effectively reduces liquid and gas flow. Closed cell foam is also ideal for industries in which liquid resistance is critical, such as marine, HVAC, and automotive.
Learn More
CGR carries several types of open and closed cell materials, including neoprene, PVC/NBR, silicone, microcellular urethane foam (PORON®), and polyurethane foam, and we keep a wide variety in stock to reduce lead times. We can also convert foam materials as needed for your application and will work with your team to find a solution that works for your project, no matter how complex.
To learn more about foam materials and identify which type is right for your next project, download our comprehensive Chemical Compatibility Guide.
Posted by Mike Burris on | Comments Off on Die Cut Solutions for EV Batteries using Avery Dennison Materials
CGR Products is your go-to converter of die cut flexible materials for Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries. CGR Products provides solutions for thermal runaway, sealing out elements, heat shielding, gap fillers, battery cushioning, and more. CGR Products is a leading converter to solve challenges for EV battery manufacturers.
Adhesives for Compression Pads
Avery Dennison offers pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes to bond compression pad foam that protects EV Battery cells.
Individual prismatic and pouch cells in EV Battery packs need protection from impact and movement. Pouch cells can also swell during charging and discharging. To help prevent damage, EV Battery manufacturers are placing foams backed with pressure-sensitive tape between each cell.
CGR Products offers full in-house converting of these adhesives to foam. Our first step is our lamination process for adhering the adhesive to the foam. We utilize various types of laminations depending on the application including thermal transfer, infrared, and hot roll lamination.
Second, we employ the optimal die cut method to make the compression pads. For ease of installation, CGR Products can supply these pads kiss cut on rolls. Kiss cutting is performed by cutting through the part down to, but not through, the release liner. The parts would be supplied on a roll or pad for easy “peel and stick” application.
Adhesives for Gasketing
Sealing and gasketing are critical for preventing water intrusion and unwanted noise, vibration, and harshness, and protecting pack enclosures from contact with the chassis. Avery Dennison offers transfer and double-coated tapes for bonding various gasket materials, including foams and fibers.
As described above with compression pads, CGR Products has complete in-house capabilities to laminate the adhesives and die cut the finished gaskets. We have extensive experience with laminating transfer and double coated tapes to various gasketing materials. The die cut gaskets can be supplied bulk packed in a box or kiss cut on rolls. Our team can help you with your gasketing project to ensure you get the easiest method for installation.
Adhesives for Thermal Management
EV and battery manufacturers have strict requirements against thermal runaway events and rely on mica, ceramic fibers, and other materials for protecting cells and passengers. Avery Dennison offers a variety of solutions for bonding these materials to cells, modules, and pack structures.
CGR Products offers lamination and die cut capabilities for these thermal management materials laminated with adhesive. These materials can be laminated with a double coat or transfer tape to help maintain the dielectric strength.
Learn More
Avery Dennison EV Battery Portfolio includes a wide range of available bonding and protection tapes, built on multiple pressure-sensitive adhesive technologies. These are engineered to make EV batteries safer, more efficient, and easier to assemble. To learn more about Avery Dennison EV Battery Tape Solutions click Here
CGR Products will work with you during the early stages of your project to high level production volumes. We have a vast network of preferred suppliers and manufacturers with expert advice in making the right material selection. We have 4 locations in the USA with over 190,000 sq ft of manufacturing space and are premier converters of foams, films, rubber, insulation, lamination, and more.
Feel free to contact us today about your upcoming EV Battery die cut applications.
Posted by Chuck Keeley on | Comments Off on Interesting Times
I have been working in the converting business since 1985 and I have never seen so many external inputs converge on the industrial sector at one time and hope I never do again. It has made business planning and proactive activities, let’s just say, exciting.
Distractions
Covid-19 – Pandemics are obviously rare so planning for that is an adventure all by itself. The last major pandemic was the Spanish flu in 1918 so no one alive today could help us learn from that experience. That said, the world is a very different place today with many more people and a lot more travel so what was learned during the Spanish flu would not have been that helpful anyway. And it wasn’t. The high level of social conflict that we are currently experiencing hasn’t helped either. I hope that goes away soon.
Supply Chain Disruptions – The drastic slowdown caused by the pandemic and the subsequent flood of demand that has occurred as the pandemic has waned has created shortages in a wide range of raw materials. We have seen specific raw material shortages in the past, but the breadth of the recent shortages has been shocking. I have participated in many meetings with both customers and suppliers that I would have never gotten involved with in the past. It is amazing how much time and energy this has required out of so many of our associates.
Inflation – We have had periods of inflation to match this current time, but they are rare and happened a long time ago. The 1970’s were comparable to today, but that was before my 35 years in the business. I was in high school and my experience with inflation at that time was waiting in line to get gas for my 1972 Toyota Corolla. We supply lots of sku’s to lots of customers, so this pricing pressure has also created an incredible amount of extra work for the associates in our company.
Finding Personnel – This has happened for several reasons, but mainly because of the high number of people that decided to retire due to Covid 19. The tenure at our company is outstanding and has helped us weather this storm, but when we have had to find new people, it has been difficult. You can tell people that you have a good company culture, but until a person gets to experience it, they really don’t know. Furthermore, every company is going to say that.
Recession Concerns – There has been a lot of talk about a coming recession. Any election will ramp up and potentially exaggerate that kind of talk and the recent election was no different. We have experienced some slowness in certain segments, but not companywide. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds.
Carrying On
I am not sure when or if this convergence of inputs will ever happen in the future. And frankly, I am not sure it has ever happened in the history of this country. These inputs have made decision making interesting to say the least. Some of these events are exact opposites. Planning for a business slowdown or recession and struggling to find people to hire at the same time makes no sense. We have done more reacting to events than planning and being proactive in the last two years than we ever have. It has not been our normal way to operate and has caused undue stress for everyone on our team.
We recently tabulated our engagement survey results and I am thrilled that we have maintained the high levels that we have experienced in the past. We use the Gallup 12 question engagement survey that has been around for a long time. We use this data to see how we compare to other companies and to see if our trends over time are performing adequately. Do we have some areas that bare watching, yes, but overall, we feel very good about where we are. The burdens on our associates in all departments has been very high due to all the external inputs I mentioned above. As we all know our associates are our most important asset, so navigating the extra stress is critical. It requires good communication from the department heads especially due to the combination of working on site and off site.
The past couple of years have created issues that call for difficult conversations with customers and suppliers. It has also created opportunities for success. Challenges can turn into successes when we effectively partner with our customers and suppliers. I think the title of this article, Interesting Times, sums up the last two years. It will be interesting to see what the future holds. Have a fabulous holiday season.
Posted by Mike Burris on | Comments Off on Die Cut Solutions using Rogers Materials for Electric Vehicle Batteries
As a Preferred Converter for Rogers Corporation, CGR Products is your go-to converter of die cut flexible materials for Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries. CGR Products provides solutions for thermal runaway, sealing out elements, heat shielding, gap fillers, battery cushioning, and more. CGR Products is a leading converter to solve challenges for EV battery manufacturers.
Die Cut Battery Pads & Cushions
CGR Products die cuts battery pad cushions and compression pads using Rogers materials that must be firm enough to hold the battery cells in place, while also maintaining compression as the cell expands and contracts. Battery pads made from PORON polyurethane and BISCO silicone foams have a unique ability to produce a very consistent level of force across a range of compressions. PORON pads and BISCO silicone battery compression pads are die cut at CGR Products using a variety of sophisticated machinery to hold tight tolerances per the battery manufacturer specifications. Additionally, Rogers die cut foam pads isolate and dampen noise and vibrations in the battery.
Die Cut Battery Seals
Rogers Corporation Battery Materials Diagram
Sealing the battery enclosures from potential damage caused by the elements and road debris is critical to its operation. CGR Products die cuts a variety of PORON and BISCO materials to protect sensitive components from water, dust, and the elements. Gaskets fabricated from BISCO silicone material seal out water, dust, and debris while providing exceptional temperature and UV resistance. PORON polyurethane material is designed to reliably hold a consistent force, keeping battery cells aligned, sealed from dust and fluid, and isolated from the damaging effects of vibration.
Die Cut Venting Films
EV Batteries need protection from harsh external conditions. Usually located on the underside of the vehicle, EV battery enclosures protect the cells from exposure to water, dust, debris, and other elements. EV battery enclosures also undergo temperature and pressure changes that can lead to problems without proper venting that can lead to potentially dangerous thermal runaway conditions. Die cut seals are required for venting to reduce heat and protect against environmental elements
Rogers DeWAL® V-Series venting membranes are engineered to vent and protect a wide range of critical enclosure applications. These venting membranes can be die cut and leverage the unique properties of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) to enhance heat and air ventilation while protecting sophisticated electronics sealed in automotive electrical, telecommunications, and lighting enclosures.
Working with CGR Products
Only a select few companies that partner with Rogers are recognized as a Rogers Preferred Converter. A Preferred Converter is the highest designation Rogers gives a company that demonstrates expertise in converting capabilities and holds to the highest standards.
At CGR Products, we have maintained Rogers Preferred Status since the inception of the program. We continuously thrive to stay on the cutting edge of technology and converting processes. Our capabilities allow us to convert Rogers products to your exact specifications at prices that will keep you competitive in your market space.
To learn more about Rogers Corporation’s portfolio of EV Battery material options, visit the Battery Applications Page.
For most major car makers, all parts must be made from materials that are on their approved source list. It’s a competitive business and only the best suppliers with a proven track record of quality, new technology, on-time delivery and service will make the cut. Once a material has been included on the approved source list or our fabricator partners have been selected as preferred suppliers, the task is not over. We must continually maintain or improve our specs to stay competitive and meet the high expectations of auto makers and their supply chain.
Armacell’s foam is used in automotive components such as gaskets for sealing out water, air, dust or noise.
FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMOBILES
In the 1930’s Chrysler was known for its iconic Chrysler building in New York City and affordable luxury vehicles. Now they are known as a maker of family cars including a hybrid. Armacell makes a number of materials on the approved source list for FCA including Monarch 3091® and EnsoLite® EF0 which meet the MSAY 430 spec. Both have the necessary resistance to UV, weathering and acid. They meet the horizontal burn requirements for interior automotive gaskets. EnsoLite EF0 has the added benefit of being a super soft and conformable, semi-closed cell, crushed foam that works well in applications that require the material to spring back to its original thickness.
Armacell made more than 6 million square feet of EnsoLite SF0 in 2018
TOYOTA MOTOR CORP
For 75 years, Toyota has disrupted the market and revolutionized manufacturing. As a maker of cars that are known for efficiency and reliability, Toyota stands by their brand. It makes sense that they insist on suppliers that do the same. Armacell makes a number of products that meet the tough Toyota TSM 1501G spec for automobile parts. Monarch 8002 is a 100% EPDM bun that has a dependable resistance to corrosive acids, UV and weathering. That means the material will hold up to the abuse auto parts take over time. EnsoLite IG1, manufactured in continuous rolls or sheets, has excellent resistance to oil, fuel and flame. These qualities make EnsoLite and Monarch great choices for gaskets and seals in automotive design.
Click Here to Download the Full Automotive Component Foams PDF.
To learn more about Armacell Products, visit their website – Armacell
To go along with the Component foams, Avery Dennison has put together an in-depth adhesive bonding study which can be found Here.
As flexible material specialists, the CGR Products team offers years of experience in converting foam material into gaskets and components. Our in-house precision cutting services include rotary and flatbed die cutting, kiss cutting, slitting, splitting, knife cutting, and more. For your next foam project, Contact Us today.
Posted by Mike Burris on | Comments Off on Die Cut Solutions for Electric Vehicle Batteries
CGR Products is your go-to converter of die cut flexible materials for Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries. CGR Products provides solutions for thermal runaway, sealing out elements, heat shielding, gap fillers, battery cushioning, and more. As Preferred Converters for many of our suppliers, CGR Products is a leading converter to solve challenges for EV battery manufacturers.
Thermal Management
Thermal management of EV batteries and their systems are a top concern of electric vehicle manufacturers. Battery packs must operate at a proper temperature and at optimal pressure via the use of battery compression pads. Electric vehicle battery makers incorporate the use of specialty materials between cells and modules – or around the pack – to help slow down or eliminate the propagation of thermal events.
CGR Products works with EV battery manufacturers to die cut and supply items such as:
Battery Pack Heat Shields
Cell Separators
Electrical Insulation
Thermal Gap Fillers
Thermal Runaway Protection Pads
Battery Compression and Vibration Pads
Battery pad cushions, or compression pads, used inside an EV pouch cell battery pack must be firm enough to hold components in place and compressible enough to withstand dimensional changes to the pouch cells over the life of the battery. CGR Products die cuts materials with unique abilities to produce a very consistent level of force across a range of compressions.
Batteries also need to be protected from impact and vibration. Vibration must be managed both within the pack and between the pack and the vehicle. CGR Products provides solutions for vibration dampeners and impact isolators via die cutting urethane and silicone foams.
Battery Ingress Protection
Gaskets and Seals are needed to protect battery enclosures from potential damage caused by the elements and road debris. CGR Products die cuts a variety of materials for enclosure gaskets that protect batteries from the elements while allowing items to be serviced over the life of the battery.
Silicone and Urethane foams are commonly used to seal out dirt and fluids while also helping to isolate vibrations. Like other enclosures, EV battery enclosures also undergo temperature and pressure changes that make it important for ingress protection gaskets to perform flawlessly for the battery’s lifetime.
Venting Membranes
EV batteries present unique venting challenges including potentially dangerous thermal runaway conditions. If lithium-ion battery cells are damaged, this can trigger other cells to decompose, leading to a thermal runaway condition and a potentially harmful scenario. Die cut venting membranes are used for these applications. An ePTFE venting membrane allows for enhanced heat and air ventilation, while burst vents enable quick evaluation of heat and pressure. These are critical to all thermal runaway protection systems.
CGR Products and EV Batteries
CGR Products will work with you during the early stages of your project to high level production volumes. We have a vast network of preferred suppliers and manufacturers with expert advice in making the right material selection. We have 4 locations in the USA with over 190,000 sq ft of manufacturing space and are premier converters of foams, films, rubber, insulation, lamination, and more.
Feel free to contact us today about your upcoming EV Battery die cut applications.
Posted by Mike Burris on | Comments Off on A World Class Converter
CGR Products is a world class converter of gaskets, seals, and die cut parts with 4 locations to serve you. We have a history of providing performance enhancing and cost savings solutions for our customers.
What We Do:
CGR Products transforms raw materials into high-quality gaskets, seals, rings, and other engineered parts. We use a variety of cutting and fabricating capabilities to supply OEM customers in multiple markets.
Why CGR?
Our complete in-house tool and die capabilities shorten lead times substantially. Dies are produced from AutoCAD drawings and tool maintenance is completed internally. CGR maintains an extensive inventory of raw materials that contributes to shorter delivery times for any size production runs.
An inventory of finished goods is stocked for customers who require JIT deliveries, or who simply need the peace of mind that a safety stock is in place. In addition, CGR provides customized VMI programs to multiple customers and is willing to create a program that can fit any customer’s unique requirements.
With facilities in four locations across the country, CGR can help reduce shipping costs and get parts to our customers faster.
4 Locations:
CGR Products operates in North Carolina, Alabama, Minnesota, and Wisconsin with 140 employees and over 190,000 square feet of manufacturing, office, and warehouse space. All four facilities are ISO 9001:2015 Quality Standard and have a number of product platforms that meet stringent TS 16949 requirements. Operators use over 100 pieces of quality equipment to handle jobs efficiently and with precision.
Consider CGR Products for your next die cut project. With over 190,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space and over 100 top-quality machines, CGR serves a diverse range of clients with efficiency.
To request a quote for your next gasket, click Here or if you have a general question, Contact Us today.
Posted by Chuck Keeley on | Comments Off on Why is Being “Wrong” so Important?
Let’s face it, nobody likes to be wrong about anything. It challenges your sense of self confidence, it’s embarrassing, and it just doesn’t feel good.
That said, being wrong is where learning takes place. When people are correct, they move to the next thing. There is no need for reflection or thinking. Being wrong forces people to contemplate their position and how they arrived at their decision. In doing this people see things differently and learn how to make better decisions. That part of being wrong is obvious, but there is much more to it.
Impacts
The impact on human interactions when people are wrong is monumental. Almost anyone that realizes they are wrong becomes defensive. In that moment communication can deteriorate and in many cases that makes reaching a resolution difficult, if not impossible. On the other hand, when someone needs to point out that another person is incorrect for some reason, it likely causes anxiety for the person that needs to explain why. In a team structure, it can create stress and make it difficult for the team to function at a high level. We have all experienced situations where people go to great lengths to “prove” they are correct. There are two reasons people decide to press their position; they believe they are correct, or they do not want to lose. Regardless of the reason, this activity is usually destructive for your relationships and your ability to function effectively in your role. No matter which reason is behind pushing that you are correct, at that moment pressing ahead is not going to help resolve anything. When there is disagreement, it is best to do nothing more than listen.
So, what are the not so obvious reasons why it is important to be wrong and accept it gracefully? Other people will analyze how you react to being wrong and how they interpret that will go a long way to determine what they think of you. When you accept that you are incorrect professionally, that shows them that you have confidence in yourself. At that moment they become more confident in you. At the same time, it makes it much easier for people to interact with you. They are not afraid to point out your inaccuracies. In other words, you have given them permission to challenge you. People will be more candid and that will create more fruitful conversations and better decisions in your relationships and in team environments.
Picking your Battles
Let me take this to another level and suggest that at times you should go out of your way to say you are wrong even when you are not. I know that sounds strange but hear me out. You need to decide if you gain more by “not being right”. Human emotions are a powerful thing and in many cases winning the emotional war is more important than winning the immediate battle on an issue or topic. There are many interactions where it simply does not matter who is right. If someone thinks a car is gray and I think it’s silver, does it matter at all who is correct? For that matter, whether a car is blue or red doesn’t matter. As you know this is called picking your battles. Furthermore, if there is more than one way to solve a problem, it can be better in the long run to “not be right”, or probably more accurately, not insisting to do it your way, even if their way is not as good as yours in your opinion. It helps people learn to solve problems and it makes them feel good which is a positive for everyone involved. No matter what role you are in, a spouse, a colleague, or a leader, productive resolutions to important issues are critical. Being right or doing things your way in many cases will do nothing to solve problems because of the “collateral” damage that can occur.
Now you are asking, did Chuck really write this? Okay, do as I say, not as I do. I realize that this is a struggle for me and possibly others, but I hope you will at least give me credit for acknowledging that and putting this on paper (or on the computer screen).
Finally, I want to thank all our constituents, our wonderful Associates, our paying Customers, and our Supplier partners. It has been a trying year in many ways, but it is years like this that make us appreciate the not so trying years. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
Posted by Mike Burris on | Comments Off on Ingress Protection for Electrical Enclosures
Since CGR Products’ founding in 1963, we’ve worked with design engineers to bring projects to life, and we do everything we can to make that process efficient, affordable and successful. CGR uses a wide variety of converting methods and equipment to create parts and designs with precision and efficiency
Enclosure Protection
Enclosure gaskets are mechanical parts used to provide weatherproof seals on electrical enclosures and its doors. The typical method of attaching the gaskets is by means of a chemical fastener such as pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA). The mating surfaces many times can be irregular. In order to protect the sensitive electronic equipment inside the enclosure, a properly selected and manufactured gasket is critical. The enclosures can be used indoors or outdoors; therefore, a properly selected material and design are essential to ensure proper performance and long life. Generally, gaskets are used to seal out dust, dirt, water, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), and Radio Frequency (RFI). Gaskets can also be used to dissipate vibration.
Industry Testing
Water: Direct spray tests are conducted. These tests can be a drip test, pressure hose test, or submersion test. UL requires that no water enter the unit during any of these tests. Full submersion tests can require up to 24 hours of submersion with zero entry of moisture. Oil Swell: The gasket material is submerged in oil for 24 hours. The gasket material cannot swell over 25% of its original dimension or shrink more than 1%. Tensile & Elongation: Some NEMA tests require tensile and elongation retention. For tensile and elongation the gasket materials are aged for 1 week @ 70 degrees C (158 F). After completion, the new and aged gasket materials are compared. To pass the tensile test the aged gasket material must stretch 75% of the same length as the new material before breaking. Elongation requires that the amount of force needed to break the aged material must be at least 75% of the new material. Other tests include water absorption, compression deflection, and compression set. Contact CGR Products for a more detailed explanation for all of these industry tests.
For a FREE downloadable PDF version to keep for your records:
Die Cut Gaskets: Die cutting is the general process of using a die or tooling to shear webs of low-strength materials, such as rubber, fiber, foam, paper, paper, plastics, thin metals, and pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes.
Die cutting can produce a precise shape with no seams. These gaskets form around the entire perimeter of the enclosure or the sealing surface. These type of gaskets can be supplied individually, in sheets, kiss-cut on rolls, or in strips, with or without pressure sensitive adhesives for mounting.
Strip Gasketing: This method is the oldest. Supplied in rolls, the manufacturers of the enclosures adhere strips of the gasket material to the enclosure surface to be sealed. One side of the gasket material will have a pressure sensitive adhesive designed to adhere to the enclosure structure. The corners are not sealed due to the strip design. This method is the most economical but the corners are areas of concern for some applications.
Fold- out / Dovetail Gasket In instances of very large enclosures, high volumes, or the design does not allow for strip gaskets, a fold-out or dovetail gasket may be an option. The fold-out gasket allows the die cut to be expanded to its final shape, eliminating the center scrap. A dovetail gasket works in a similar fashion, except the corners are mitered and fit together comparable to a jigsaw puzzle. The design of the enclosure and level of ingress protection needed will determine if this type of gasket is suitable.
Material Selection
Elastomeric materials are the most common and affordable materials used for enclosure gaskets and seals. These materials are available in foams, sponge, foam blends, and cork blends, with and without pressure sensitive adhesives. The key to choosing a gasket material is defining the environment in which it must perform. One must consider temperature / thermal management requirements, UV and Ozone exposure, EMI / RFI resistance, just to name a few.
What can CGR Products do for you? CGR Products can assist in suggesting a material for an electrical enclosure. We have worked with many enclosure manufactures over the last 50 years. The full CGR Resource Library and team of experts are available to clients with specifications, cost charts, comparative material information and more. Our design team works with automotive, marine, appliance, plastic molding, power tool, electrical, small engine and countless other clients.
Our in-house tool and die capabilities mean maximum problem solving with minimal lead times, and an extensive inventory of raw materials supports projects of all kinds. Safety stocks are in place with our inventory of raw materials, and consultation with our experienced staff is always available to get you started.
For a FREE downloadable PDF version to keep for your records:
Consider CGR Products when you are developing your enclosure protection. With over 170,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space and over 100 top-quality machines, CGR serves a diverse range of clients, including those in the electrical enclosure industry.
To request a quote for your next gasket click Here or visit our Sample Gallery to view a portfolio encompassing all the industries we serve.
Posted by Mike Burris on | Comments Off on Learn About CGR Products Laminating Services
At CGR Products, we laminate many different materials on a daily basis. We can laminate materials up to 84″ wide and as thin as .062″. Materials can range from closed cell foam to heavy fabrics. In this series, we will look at some common ways CGR Products offers laminating services.
Heat Platen Laminating
This type lamination involves a process where the adhesive roll rides over a heated platen. Heat is used to soften the adhesive which is typically called “Flow”. The heat of the platen is computer controlled and is critical to the speed of the process. The material being laminated is pulled through the machine via driven rollers and the adhesive is applied to the bottom side of the substrate. The bond of adhesive to the substrate is performed at the nip roller. Once bonded the materials can be rewound and supplied on a core.
Infrared laminating is similar to heat platen laminating other than the heat source. This process uses Infrared heat to help the adhesive flow before it is applied to the material. One benefit of infrared is the heat can be micro adjusted while in process which allows the operator to quickly find the optimum temperature to create the best bond. The infrared process is instant so the heat can be started and stopped within seconds saving valuable time and material.
Camouflage fabric laminated to closed cell sponge rubber
Hot Roll Laminating
Hot Roll lamination involves applying adhesive over a heated drum. The heated drum helps the adhesive flow just before being applied to the substrate. CGR Products hot roll laminator will handle materials up to 84″ wide. Our hot roll laminator is well suited for materials such as carpet and textiles. A common use for this machine is the process of glue web lamination. This process allows customers to reactivate the adhesive with heat when parts are ready to be installed.
Rotary Laminating
For high volume die cutting applications, we utilize Rotary lamination. We commonly laminate materials up to 16″ wide such as 3M VHB, Copper foils, and Mylar. Depending on the complexity of the part, we can usually laminate and cut the part in one pass. This helps to reduce cost and increase responsiveness to your customer.
Learn More
To learn more about our lamination capabilities, visit our laminating services page. Feel free to click around our website or visit our Sample Gallery to view a portfolio encompassing many of the industries we serve.
