Henkel Technologies has responded to a perennial problem affecting most
formed-in-place gasket operations - the adverse effect of air bubbles on
the continuity of the gasket. This is particularly troublesome when the
process is automated, and gaps in the gasket bead are only discovered
further down the production line. Henkel's solution avoids any
complication associated with pressure monitoring and the like, and
concentrates instead on the nozzle design.
According to Henkel equipment manager, Steve Ginger, the design allows a
small orifice size to be used, thus avoiding the problem of sealant being
'pulled' from the nozzle (a major cause of bead gaps), while at the same
time allowing any air bubbles to dissipate. The shape of the nozzle also
allows particles to pass through, which would otherwise block
conventional small diameter designs. The nozzle can be retrofitted to
existing dispensing equipment, so avoiding the need for modification.