Robotic arms, cobots, and other automation equipment make frequent, repetitive movements based on small motors and hydraulic and pneumatic systems. It’s important to protect moving components from abrasions or vibrations, seal cylinders against ingress of dust or moisture, and prevent hydraulic fluid leaks. Gaskets and seals are critical for all these tasks in robotic and automated equipment.
Choosing the right design features and material for gaskets and seals makes a significant difference in equipment performance and service life. Learn more about common automation gasket applications, and our capabilities at Custom Gasket Manufacturing.
Gasket Materials for Robotics/Automation Applications
The gaskets used in robotics systems can be made from many types of rubber and polymer materials. The choice of gasket materials depends on the application and operating conditions. Automation equipment is frequently subject to repetitive motions and friction, high temperatures, welding sparks, oils and lubricants, and dust, as well as paints, coatings, and other chemicals. For this reason, it’s important to select gasket and sealing materials that are resistant to flames, chemicals, and wear and tear. Three common materials for these applications are:
- Silicone: Good general environmental resistance
- Fluorosilicone: Strong chemical resistance
- Polyurethane: Excellent abrasion resistance and toughness
Gasket Applications in Robotics and Automation
Custom Gasket Manufacturing fabricates high-quality gaskets for industrial robotics and automated systems. Gaskets are a reliable way to seal out environmental dust, moisture, and corrosive chemicals. They also seal in hydraulic and other process fluids to keep moving components, like robotic arms or rotating platforms, in working order. Gaskets can also sit between two mating surfaces and become compressed into any potential gaps to provide cushioning and protection from vibration or abrasion between metal or dissimilar material components. Properly maintained, gaskets help reduce unscheduled downtime and costly equipment failures that impact operations.
Gasket Applications
Custom Gasket Manufacturing produces many types of custom gaskets for automation applications. Some of the most common applications our gaskets serve are:
- Enclosures. Seals and gaskets are installed in enclosures and electrical boxes to prevent ingress of dust, moisture, and weather damage in harsh exterior environments. These can be used with industrial robots, outdoor drones and delivery bots, and autonomous vehicles.
- Sensors and Cameras. Gaskets protect robot joints, LIDAR systems, and optical cameras for robotics by sealing out moisture and dust that can disrupt sensitive equipment.
- Thermal Management and Cooling Solutions. Thermal gaskets can sit between heat sinks and processors, as well as between heat-sensitive automation and conveyance components, to dissipate heat and ensure more consistent cooling.
- Managing Vibration and Noise. Our rubber and foam gaskets can dampen noise and rattling in robot or cobot arms for smoother handling and less workplace noise. Medical robotic systems also use gaskets to prevent shaking and rattling between sensitive components.
- Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems. Robotic arms, actuators, material handling equipment, and other automation equipment frequently use hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders to move and manipulate objects. Gaskets secure the fluids from leaks and contaminants.
- Shielding. Gaskets help protect interior components and contact points on equipment. Special electrically conductive materials can also be used to make gaskets that shield electronic components from electromagnetic interference (EMI).
High-Quality, Precision Gasket Production
As manufacturing automation equipment becomes more complex and compact, and as many systems incorporate sensitive electronics and optical equipment, demand for high-performance sealing components increases. Our capabilities include multiple methods of gasket manufacturing for even the most advanced robotic and automation applications. Production methods vary based on the application and material type, and include:
- Die Cutting
- Rubber Extrusion
- Waterjet Cutting
- Laser Cutting
- Rubber Compression Molding
- Flash Cutting
We produce gaskets and seals in many shapes, sizes, thicknesses, and degrees of intricacy to fit your requirements. We also offer prototyping, material selection assistance, inventory management, and custom packaging for an end-to-end solution.
Contact Custom Gasket Manufacturing for Tailored Solutions
The right gasket makes all the difference in the performance and service life of industrial robotic and automation systems. At Custom Gasket Manufacturing, we specialize in engineering and manufacturing seals, rubber goods, and custom gaskets for complex industrial systems like these. Our team will work with you to develop a cost-effective, custom solution that meets your specific needs and applications.
Contact us today to discuss materials, designs, and our custom capabilities.