Elasto Proxy supplies spliced magnetic gaskets to metal fabricators who specialize in cold storage appliances, clean room doors, and processing equipment.
- In custom professional kitchens, magnetic gaskets support energy-efficient sealing by keeping refrigerator and freezer doors shut without the use of latches.
- In cleanrooms, magnetic gaskets are used to establish an airtight seal between the door and frame, which is critical for controlled environments.
- Food processing facilities also use these specialized gaskets, but typically with X-ray equipment or metal detectors detect the presence of any stray metal particles.
The splicing process that’s used with magnetic gaskets joins cut lengths of rubber into finished products that can screw-on, snap-on, glue-on, or slide into place. Low-temperature adhesive tapes can also be used. Some magnetic gaskets are flat, but others are rectangular or D-shaped.
Keep reading to learn more and contact Elasto Proxy if you’re a metal fabricator. We provide low-to-medium volumes of industrial rubber products, but our minimum order quantities (MOQs) are generally too high for consumers seeking gasket replacements for refrigerator or freezer doors.
What are Magnetic Gaskets?
A magnetic gasket is an industrial rubber product that uses a magnetic field to ensure a tight, reliable seal between two ferromagnetic surfaces. The ferro in ferromagnetism means “iron-like”, and ferromagnetism is a physical phenomenon where there’s a strong physical attraction because of moving electrical charges. Ferromagnetic materials include iron, steel, nickel, and cobalt.
How Magnetic Gaskets Work
Magnetic gaskets contain a magnetic strip within or attached to molded or extruded rubber, a flexible plastic, or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The magnetic strip runs along the entire length of the gasket, but the seal remains flexible and compressible. When the gasket comes close to a ferromagnetic surface, the magnetic force pulls the seal tightly against it. Ideally, the strength of this attraction is strong enough to hold a door closed without the need for additional latches or locks.
Advantages
Magnetic gaskets are used in applications where a strong, reliable seal is required without the need for manual latching. This self-sealing ability is their primary advantage, and they simplify the process of closing and securing doors in busy environments and high-cleanliness facilities. Magnetic gaskets also tend to last longer because they don’t rely solely upon mechanical compression.
Applications
With stainless steel refrigerators and freezers, magnetic gaskets keep cold air inside by maintaining a tight seal around the door. These appliances are found in professional kitchens, but they’re also used in blood banks, hospitals, and healthcare facilities for medical cold storage. Cleanroom doors use magnetic gaskets to ensure an airtight seal for controlled environments, and companies that run food, power, or bulk solid processing lines uses magnetic gaskets with industrial equipment.
What is Splicing for Magnetic Gaskets?
Splicing is a gasket bonding process that can be either “hot” or “cold”.
- Hot splicing uses heat, pressure, and a thin polyethylene (PE) film to join the ends of rubber profiles together.
- Cold splicing joins the ends of the rubber together with a quick-setting adhesive or glue.
Elasto Proxy offers both splicing methods for magnetic gaskets.
Hot Splicing
Hot splicing is a machine-based process that uses either a conventional heating source or infrared (IR) light. The type of profile usually determines the heat source that’s used.
- Conventional splicing is used with silicone gaskets, which may be needed because of this elastomer’s biocompatibility and resistance to microbial growth.
- IR slicing is a good choice for sponge rubber profiles because IR won’t burn the elastomer. This hot splicing technique can also accommodate larger rubber profiles.
Both hot splicing methods create strong bonds between 45° or 90° cuts, and with endless gaskets.
Cold Splicing
Cold splicing, or cold bonding or cold gluing, is a manual process that’s performed with a brush and an adhesive or glue. This technique is called “cold” because no heat is applied to the ends of the gasket. Typically, cold splicing is used for low volumes. Cold bonded gaskets won’t last as long, but specialized adhesives for prolonged exposure to low temperatures are available.
Choose Spliced Magnetic Gaskets from Elasto Proxy
Elasto Proxy supplies spliced magnetic gaskets to metal fabricators who specialize in cold storage appliances, clean room doors, and processing equipment. We use water jet cutting to produce cut lengths with clean, smooth edges and (if you need them) holes for fasteners. In addition to hot and cold splicing, our gasket fabrication services include adhesive taping.
Ready to learn more? Talk to our team.
