Weatherproofing

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Weatherproofing

• Vermont Technical College
• 2003 Senior Projects I
• Technical Topic Presentation

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Uses for Weatherproofing

• A way to keep liquids or particles from entering
  or exiting through joints of any
  structure/machine.
• Helps reinforce structures.
• Makes structure more aesthetically pleasing
  depending on applications.

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Types of Weatherproofing

• Gaskets
• Adhesives
• Overmolding
• Ultrasonic Welding

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Gasket Description

• Mainly used for engine applications.
• Very cost effective.
• Used to prevent fluid or gas leaks by providing a
  barrier between two mating surfaces.
• Common materials Rubber, Graphite, Teflon,
  Copper, and Silicone.
• Can withstand high temperatures and pressure.

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Gaskets
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Adhesive Description

• Works like a gasket but starts in a liquid form.
• Cheap and easy to use.
• Protective coating that seals porous surfaces,
  fine cracks and voids.
• Self curing and hardens to a ceramic like, non
  porous, impermeable film.
• Can withstand tons of hydrostatic pressure.

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Adhesives
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Overmolding Description

• A process whereby two different plastic materials
  are molded together to produce a unique part.
• Allows designers to create a strong structural
  product with a weather protective cover.
• More often used if large quantities are being
  produced. (costly)
• Seamlessly integrated and joined.

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Overmolding
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Ultrasonic Welding Description

• The process of generating melt at the mating
  surfaces of two thermoplastic parts through use
  of high frequency sound energy.
• Frequencies of 20, 30 or 40kHz.
• Weld times are typically less than 1 second.
• Best suited for mass production.
• Resultant joint strength approaches that of the
  parent material.

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Ultrasonic Welding
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Pros and Cons Matrix