Advanced Isolast Capabilities
Date: 28.04.22
For the most challenging applications, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions combines its engineering and manufacturing expertise with its best-in-class FFKM materials – the Isolast® range.- By Jan Sklucki
Despite the outstanding properties of the material, the engineering and manufacturing behind the seal contribute as much to its effectiveness. An experienced development partner can also improve time-to-market and production efficiency with industry insights. “Working with Trelleborg gives you access to a wealth of engineering resources, from product and material design specialists to simulation engineers and process experts, far beyond a simple supplier,” says Inderjeet.
Indeed, the Tewkesbury facility has seen large amounts of investment into modern production methods to enable the production of seals at any scale. “The smallest end of the spectrum are probably the micro seals that we manufacture for applications like analytical equipment for healthcare and medical. At the other end, we have giant O-Rings produced for the oil and gas industry or the seals we make for display panels,” explains Inderjeet.
Injection molding machines, with in-house tool design capabilities, ensure microparts can be produced efficiently and cost-effectively in large quantities. Trelleborg’s own patented Flexi mold™ process permits seals from 600 mm to near-infinite diameters with the integrity of a single molded seal from a dedicated tool. "We produced the world's biggest O-Ring using this method; we have the Guinness World Record to prove it," says Inderjeet.
The semiconductor industry has some of the harshest production environments of all. Maintaining high processing yields while resisting plasma, extreme temperatures, and high pressures can be a serious challenge for chipmakers. “In processing environments, such as state-of-the-art photolithographic systems, processors are increasing yields, raising demands on seals. They are also miniaturizing products, making them more sensitive to contamination, meaning purity and cleanliness are even more important” says Inderjeet.
As a partner to the semiconductor industry for decades, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has developed a range of techniques and materials specific to its concerns. “The Isolast® Pure Fab™ range has been specifically selected and formulated for the needs of the modern semiconductor industry,” says Inderjeet. “Through extensive testing and development, we ensured that these are some of the purest and cleanest FFKMs on the market.”
Indeed, the Tewkesbury facility has seen large amounts of investment into modern production methods to enable the production of seals at any scale. “The smallest end of the spectrum are probably the micro seals that we manufacture for applications like analytical equipment for healthcare and medical. At the other end, we have giant O-Rings produced for the oil and gas industry or the seals we make for display panels,” explains Inderjeet.
Injection molding machines, with in-house tool design capabilities, ensure microparts can be produced efficiently and cost-effectively in large quantities. Trelleborg’s own patented Flexi mold™ process permits seals from 600 mm to near-infinite diameters with the integrity of a single molded seal from a dedicated tool. "We produced the world's biggest O-Ring using this method; we have the Guinness World Record to prove it," says Inderjeet.
The semiconductor industry has some of the harshest production environments of all. Maintaining high processing yields while resisting plasma, extreme temperatures, and high pressures can be a serious challenge for chipmakers. “In processing environments, such as state-of-the-art photolithographic systems, processors are increasing yields, raising demands on seals. They are also miniaturizing products, making them more sensitive to contamination, meaning purity and cleanliness are even more important” says Inderjeet.
As a partner to the semiconductor industry for decades, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has developed a range of techniques and materials specific to its concerns. “The Isolast® Pure Fab™ range has been specifically selected and formulated for the needs of the modern semiconductor industry,” says Inderjeet. “Through extensive testing and development, we ensured that these are some of the purest and cleanest FFKMs on the market.”
“Isolast® withstands extreme temperatures and harsh media to provide effective and long life sealing.”
INDERJEET SINGH
Product Manager for Isolast® at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions
Benefits of Isolast
- Withstands the most aggressive chemicals and extreme temperatures – tackling the toughest environments, including plasma and vacuum
- Long service life – reducing downtime, maintenance requirements and lowering total cost of ownership
- Low compression set – increased sealing force and reduced leakage for a longer period of time
- High purity and low outgassing with cleanroom production – for ultra-clean semiconductor applications
- Resists Rapid Gas Decompression – for challenging oilfield conditions
- Available with a wide range of regional and industry specific approvals – including FDA, USP and NORSOK M-710