Whereas RAMPF Dosiertechnik already secured the patent for the dispensing technology many years ago, the RAMPF Group acquired the materials patent with the purchase of the seals division of CHEMQUE. The novel, fully patented technology will now be marketed under the name RAKU-SKIN. “With the combination of the patents, there will be no limitations to the possible ap-plications”, Dr. Klaus Schamel, Managing Director of RAMPF Giessharze, was pleased to say. RAMPF Dosiertechnik and RAMPF Giessharze, which are united under the umbrella of the RAMPF Group, can now develop the very promising tech-nology ready for the start of production in cooperation. “The optimum interplay of application technology and material is a challenge with this technology, made pos-sible, however, by a number of completely new possibilities”, Bernd Faller, General Manager of RAMPF Dosiertechnik, remarked confidently.
A hidden principle has been worked out for the new generation of RAMPF sealing foams. The mixing and dispensing system produces a foam core with a “co-axial” elastomer skin, which is applied directly to the component using the FiPFG process (Foam in Place Foam Gasket). Immediately after application, foam formation and hardening of the core begin as well as cross-linking of the elastomer skin. This en-velops the sealing bead reliably. The foam core can be adapted individually in hard-ness and density to match the application – similarly for the outer skin. These sealing foams with elastomer skin were developed especially for sensitive components. They are therefore particularly suitable for use in electrical housings, switchgear cabinets, lighting, household appliances and in automobiles. There are also completely new possibilities for outdoor applications which are particularly strongly stressed. The advantage of the sealing foam consists of a soft core and a sturdy skin, so that different characteristics, like the tensile strength, UV stability, chemical stability, electrical conductivity and low water absorption can be optimized in this way. As if this were not enough: A cost reduction is also achievable compared to pure elastomer seals through lower material consumption.
