FIPFG (Formed In-Place Foam Gaskets)

The FIPFG process is normally used for the application of liquid foam. The single-component Penguin Foam is directly applied to the part and the curing process takes place without any chemical reaction.

What are the advantages of the FIPFG process?

The thixotropic properties of the foam ensure that very complicated tridimensional sealing shapes and excursive cross-sectional variations can be applied to the part by using adequate robot technology. The immediate expansion of the single-component foam directly after dispensing (without subsequent “expansion”) ensure furthermore that all sealing can be measure fully automatic directly after the application process without any further dead time. Dispensing of only one component ensures that even very small sealing gaskets can be produced accurately without any problems.

What kind of curing methods are possible?

Apart from curing at room temperature by humidity the standard range of Penguin Foam material comprises thermally activated polyurethanes.  At 80°C within approx. 5 minutes the foamed parts are curing entirely and can be used for the next production step. Completely integrated systems with in-line applications can offer very low cycle times; cured foam gaskets can be applied and cured within 2 seconds.

Furthermore curing by microwave at 700 Watt in approx. 10 sec. is another curing possibility. This rapidly cross-linking method can be used in combination with an extrusion system for continuous foam application to rubber profiles or for plastic parts.

Contact heat is the third method for curing parts. By touching the hot surfaces the sealing material is curing within 1 to 5 seconds. This process is especially used for parts and sealing gaskets in moulds such as our innovative processes Mould Transfer and S-FIT® which will be described on the following pages. It is suitable for thin foam gaskets such as on loud speaker cones.