Form-In-Place (FIP) Gaskets | Cure-In-Place Gaskets

Form-in-Place Gaskets vs. Cure-in-Place Gaskets

VTI Vacuum Technologies specializes in applying form-in-place (FIP) gaskets.

Form-in-place and cure-in-place gaskets- it’s all the same, isn’t it? Or is it? There is actually a significant difference between the two methods of gasketing, which is why it’s important to use the terminology correctly. Let us explain the difference between a cured-in-place gasket and a form-in-place gasket.

Form-in-Place Gaskets (FIP)

Form-in-place (FIP) gaskets are applied using an automated system for dispensing conductive or non-conductive silicone elastomer to provide tightness between two or more parts. This process allows the parts to be disassembled for future servicing. An oval cross-section bead is robotically dispensed in specifically defined areas of one of the parts to be assembled.

Once the elastomer has cured and is adhered to the part to which it has been applied, the opposite part can be assembled and the bead compressed. The compression and the cohesion of the elastomeric material will then provide sealing.

This type of gasketing will eliminate the use of O-rings and the pain staking task of hand assembling cut or molded rubber gaskets. Form-in-place (FIP) gaskets are chosen in cases where parts may need to be disassembled numerous times.

Cure-in-Place Gaskets (CIP)

Cure-in-place gasketing is an automated system for dispensing conductive or non-conductive silicone elastomer during the assembly of two or more parts requiring limited disassembly. During this process, a silicone paste is dispensed on one of the part surfaces and the components are then assembled together while the silicone is still wet. Once the silicone has cured, elastomeric cohesion provides sealing between parts. Cure-in-place gaskets are chosen in cases where parts are assembled immediately on the line and for parts that do not need to be frequently disassembled.

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VTI Vacuum Technologies Inc. specializes in coating plastic electronic enclosures by providing EMI shielding and RFI shielding solutions for design engineers in the medical device and military communications markets and also provides value-added process capabilities of robotically dispensed form in place gasket materials to plastic or metal components. Our customers appreciate our dedication to providing the highest quality EMI shielding, RFI shielding, and form-in-place gasketing solutions.