Specialty Industrial Archives - Minnesota Rubber & Plastics /application/specialty-industrial/ Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:04:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 HVAC – Consumer & Commercial Condensing Boilers /applications/hvac-consumer-commercial-condensing-boilers/ Tue, 19 Jul 2022 21:50:14 +0000 /?post_type=application&p=5998 Other Resources Product Literature Design Guide Material Selection Tool

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HVAC – Consumer & Commercial Condensing Boilers

Consumer and commercial condensing boilers are highly efficient central heating units that provide hot water to remote radiators throughout a building. Condensing boilers are traditionally fueled by natural gas or heating oil. New, hybrid boilers, use hydrogen mixed with natural gas, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Demand for this hybrid technology is expected to rise in usage due to increasing consumer sustainability values and changing regulatory requirements. Minnesota Rubber & Plastics is uniquely positioned to help manufacturers maintain production reliability while innovating the next generation of HVAC systems. Our experience developing numerous valves, gaskets, seals, grommets, drain tubes and other components can help create better components and enhance the value of our customers’ products.

Drain Tube

Applications

  • Gas Boilers
  • Heat Pumps
  • Hydrogen Boilers
  • Hybrid Boilers
  • Electric Boilers
  • Water Heaters

Benefits

Materials science is at the heart of any new product that Minnesota Rubber & Plastics (MRP) develops. Our formulation chemistries are tailored to meet our customers’ exact requirements, whether using an elastomer, Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) or high-performance thermoplastic. MRP’s elastomer compounds are formulated to withstand demanding environments, such as HVAC systems. Using the wrong material in an HVAC application, with frequent high temperature exposure and extreme thermal cycling, can cause component degradation, resulting in premature failures and costly repairs. By engaging with our materials science and design experts at the beginning of your project, you will ensure that both the chemical and mechanical designs are designed for scale-ready production from the beginning.  

Other Resources

Product Literature

Design Guide

Material Selection Tool

Burner Seal

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]]> Smart Meters /applications/smart-meters/ Tue, 26 Apr 2022 15:51:00 +0000 /?post_type=application&p=5480 Other Resources Product Literature Design Guide

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Smart Meters

The usage of smart meter technology has increased worldwide because of the cost and energy savings that can be achieved . Minnesota Rubber & Plastics is uniquely positioned to help manufacturers bring innovative and reliable smart meter products to the market faster. Our experience developing numerous valves, gaskets, strain reliefs, diaphragms, seals, boots, custom O-rings, and other components can be the foundation of your smart meter design.

Applications

  • Water Meter
  • Seal
  • Gasket
  • Grommet
  • Gas Meter
  • Diaphragm
  • Electrical Meters

Other Resources

Product Literature

Design Guide

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]]> 5G, Fiber Optic Connectors /applications/5g-fiber-optic-connectors/ Tue, 26 Apr 2022 14:53:00 +0000 /?post_type=application&p=5516 The post 5G, Fiber Optic Connectors appeared first on Minnesota Rubber & Plastics.

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Application

Minnesota Rubber & Plastics (MRP) is a global supplier of elastomer components for the 5th generation, or 5G, fiber optic connectors. This 5G broadband cellular network is 10-20x faster than 4G, and can handle more devices per area than all previous generations, requiring more base stations with fiber optic connectors and seals for outdoor use.

Applications

  • External Cable Anchoring Mechanical (ECAM)
    • Seal
    • O-ring
    • Gasket
  • Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Connectors
    • Seals
    • O-ring
    • Gasket

Other Resources

Product Literature

Design Guide

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]]> Paper Processing Seals and Gaskets /applications/paper-processing-seals-and-gaskets/ Fri, 03 Dec 2021 18:28:25 +0000 https://mnrubberstaged.wpengine.com/?post_type=application&p=4852 Inflatable Clamp/Actuator for Doctor Blades Inflatable bladders are used to clamp doctor blades of varying thicknesses in their holders, and to apply uniform pressure along the...

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Applications

Inflatable seals solve a number of unique problems in the pulp and paper industry. Paper-manufacturing equipment can be large and controlling tolerances between mating pieces of equipment, or accounting for the thermal expansion/contraction of metal, can be nearly impossible with traditional sealing technology. Use of an inflatable, paper-processing seal in these circumstances would absorb these variations. In addition, clamping large rolls of paper or pushing long doctor blades can be handled more easily with a product that efficiently accounts for tolerance variations.

Inflatable Clamp/Actuator for Doctor Blades

Inflatable bladders are used to clamp doctor blades of varying thicknesses in their holders, and to apply uniform pressure along the blade length in inkers, coaters, and other critical doctor blade applications. These bladders are typically manufactured in long lengths up to 50 feet (15.24 meters) using  profiles.

Inflatable Brakes/Stops for Conveyor Applications

Inflatable clamps configured with two sealed ends can be positioned along the sides of the conveyor belt or rolls, and inflated against the product to temporarily interrupt the flow while the jam clears downstream. Alternately, the bladders can be located underneath the conveyor and activated to release the contact between belt and rollers.

Shaft Shutdown Inflatable Seal

Inflatable seals provide an excellent temporary shaft seal during shutdown and maintenance operations. The seal can be inflated against the stationery shaft while packing or when mechanical seals are being changed, thereby eliminating the necessity to drain mixers and agitators before the change out. After the new packings or mechanical seals are in place, the paper processing seal is deflated allowing the shaft to rotate freely. The same concept can be applied to the change out of marine propeller shaft seals.

Single Inflatable Bladder Expandable Mandrel

Custom designed circular bladders are designed for radial expansion outward. These bladders actuate metal buttons, lugs, or rubber shoes to grip on the inside of the core for winding and unwinding paper rolls in slitters or other converting and production operations.

Multi-Bladder Expanding Mandrel

Custom designed linear bladders are designed to run the length of the shaft and actuate metal buttons, lugs, or rubber shoes to grip on the inside of the core for winding and unwinding paper rolls in slitters or other converting and production operations.

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]]> Semiconductor Seals and Gaskets /applications/semiconductor-seals-and-gaskets/ Fri, 03 Dec 2021 17:54:35 +0000 https://mnrubberstaged.wpengine.com/?post_type=application&p=4846 Thermal Processing Inflatable Seals We provide unique inflatable seals made from high-grade EPDM and silicone rubber materials. These semiconductor seals are used on the load locks...

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Applications

Seal design and performance are critical components on the tools used in semiconductor fabs. Seals and clamps can be used in an array of applications within the semiconductor industry. Applications include low bleed, silicone door seals on chemical deposition tools, highly engineered EPDM rubber actuators on lithography equipment, and fabric reinforced EPDM actuators used on grinding tools.

Thermal Processing Inflatable Seals

We provide unique inflatable seals made from high-grade EPDM and silicone rubber materials. These semiconductor seals are used on the load locks and access doors in advanced vertical thermal processors for 200 mm wafers. The 150-wafer load size of these processors supports peak production by providing higher throughput at the lowest cost per wafer. The inflatable seals resist both vacuum and positive pressure, and replace traditional flat gasketing and O-rings, thereby simplifying the hardware and speeding the overall processing operation.

Circuit Board Inflatable Seals

A thin wall, low durometer neoprene molded inflatable seal for double sided automatic exposure units for printed circuit board imaging is used to create a positive seal between the printed circuit board material and the imaging platen as a vacuum is drawn. The printed circuit boards are intricately imaged in this vacuum environment and the inflatable seal speeds the overall process and replaces traditional hardware associated with a positive seal over a large surface.

Low Outgassing Expansion Joint 

Ductwork enclosing a conveyor belt connects several clean rooms together, allowing for material movement between rooms.  To address outgassing concerns and to account for slight movement in the ducting, we designed a molded expansion joint made from a low outgassing silicone material.  Manufacture of this molded semiconductor gasket is tightly controlled as any contaminants could compromise the clean room environment.

Load Lock Inflatable Seal/Clamp

A load lock inflatable seal is a unique product made of low outgassing butyl rubber material. It has been tested for vacuum service and provides a highly efficient and repeatable seal in the patented vacuum load lock section of a fully automated electron beam metrology system. This metrology system is used for sub-micron critical dimension measurement and integrated circuit imaging. With its unique blend of automation, measurement precision, and high throughput, the system meets and exceeds the process control needs of advance semiconductor manufacturing lines. The load lock inflatable seal simplifies the hardware necessary to achieve a seal in vacuum, and speeds the process of taking a wafer, loading it into the lock, and making critical measurements relative to its surface and its circuitry. The design life for these semiconductor seals is 600,000 cycles at 40 PSIG, and a representative sample was factory tested to 1,000,000 cycles at 75 PSIG

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]]> Powder and Bulk Material Handling Seals /applications/powder-and-bulk-material-handling-seals/ Wed, 29 Sep 2021 18:39:53 +0000 https://mnrubberstaged.wpengine.com/?post_type=application&p=4523 Hopper to Transfer Car Inflatable Seals Inflatable seals are used on the mouth of a hopper valve or metering device; they are designed to expand axially down...

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Applications

Sealing against dry particulates or chemicals can present many challenges. To ensure a positive seal, which can be maintained repeatedly, you need to have the right design and use the proper materials. We have extensive experience with powder and bulk material handling and our powder-handling seals are a perfect fit for many applications in this industry.

Hopper to Transfer Car Inflatable Seals

Inflatable seals are used on the mouth of a hopper valve or metering device; they are designed to expand axially down to form a leak-tight seal around the fill opening in a transfer cart. Type 1 style inflatable seals are best suited for this quick connect/disconnect application.

Inflatable Seals for Viscous Pumping Equipment 

Type 10 style inflatable seals are an ideal solution for sealing around the periphery of follower plates when pumping viscous liquids, such as grease, paste, or cake frosting from their container drums. The rectangular profile of these seals minimizes the tendency of roll out from the seal’s retainer, which can pinch the seal when the follower plate descends.

Drum Filling Inflatable Seals

Type 1 and Type 2 style inflatable seals work particularly well for drum filling applications where the seal on the cover expands radially outward against the inside of the drum to allow for leak-tight filling.

Bulk Bag Filler Inflatable Seals

A filling equipment seal on the spout expands radially outward to effect a dust-tight seal against the inside of the bag neck during filling. This is very common with FIBC bulk bag filler systems. Any of the Type 1 or Type 2 styles of inflatable seals work very effectively in this application.

Mixer Lid Inflatable Seals with Square Corners

Inflatable seals can be configured with pre-molded 90 degree corners to effect leak-tight seals for hinged or sliding covers on access ways and other openings in mixers and other powder/bulk or fluid handling processing equipment. Type 1 style seals are best suited for this application.

Fluorosilicone Seals for Chemical Processing

Fluorosilicone is used to combat both high temperatures and aggressive chemicals.  In this application, semi-conductor assemblies are treated in a large chemical bath.  The fluorosilicone P-strip is used to seal the cover while the machine is operational.

Inflatable Seals for Butterfly Valve

Inflatable seals are ideal for butterfly valves in tight sealing applications. The clearance between the deflated seal allows for low torque rotation of the disk and eliminates the damaging effect of abrasion on the seal. When the disk is fully closed, the seal inflates radially inward against its edge to effect a leak-free condition.

Slide Gate Valve Inflatable Seals

Inflatable seals provide the tightest seal possible for controlling the flow of very fine materials. The valve seal does not inflate until the blade is firmly in position and then the seal inflates – creating a leak-free seal.

Inflatable Seals for Rotary Union Ports

Ports and passages through rotary valves are readily sealed leak tight with inflatable seals. The seals can be located in glands machined in the valve body to expand inward against the plug or they can be located in glands machined in the plug to expand outward against the valve body. When deflated, the plug can be rotated with minimum torque since there is no seal frictional force to overcome. When inflated, a tight seal forms to control the direct flow of the fluid or solid material.

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]]> Transportation Inflatable Seals and Gaskets /applications/transportation-seals-and-gaskets/ Sun, 26 Sep 2021 03:27:29 +0000 https://mnrubberstaged.wpengine.com/?post_type=application&p=4504 Railcar Door Inflatable Seals Seals in railcars must be able to withstand a demanding environment to ensure passenger safety. Modern passenger railroad cars are manufactured with...

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Applications

Railcar Door Inflatable Seals

Seals in railcars must be able to withstand a demanding environment to ensure passenger safety. Modern passenger railroad cars are manufactured with inflatable seals made with low-smoke silicone and used in conjunction with sliding doors. These seals must resist smoke generation, flame propagation, and toxic fume build-up. Compression seals for windows and hatches have also been designed and manufactured using this new material.

Automobile Test Shed Inflatable Door Seals

Airtight enclosures help automotive engineers evaluate carburetor and fuel tank vent evaporative emissions. The doors to the cells slide vertically or horizontally and are sealed gas tight by axially expanding EPDM, or neoprene inflatable seals. Warmed up test vehicles are pushed into hot soak enclosures and escaping fuel vapors are measured by instruments outside the test cells.

Firetruck Cab Inflatable Seal 

Firetrucks are designed with a weathertight seal placed between the service compartment and cab. Inflatable seals can be configured in an axial U-shape or rectangular configurations and mounted across the head and down the jambs of the service compartment opening of fire-apparatus tilt cab. When maintenance is required, the seals are deflated to allow the cab to tilt forward.

Truck Tailgate Inflatable Seal

Inflatable seals can be effectively used on the cab doors, tailgate, and cargo box side gates on military trucks and other vehicles to keep them watertight.

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]]> Marine Hatch Seals and Gaskets /applications/marine-hatch-seals-and-gaskets/ Sun, 26 Sep 2021 03:19:47 +0000 https://mnrubberstaged.wpengine.com/?post_type=application&p=4500 Aft Deck Inflatable Door Seals We manufacture Type 1 inflatable seals using weather resistant EPDM rubber and silicone compounds. This seal is ideal for weathertight sliding doors...

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Applications

Our experience in manufacturing inflatable seals along with our unique molding technologies are well suited for the high performance requirements of commercial and military programs. These applications include a number of highly-customized naval and submarine sealing systems. Applications for our products include inflatable seals for sliding windows on Coast Guard vessels, large inflatable seals used for the aft deck ramp on Navy destroyers, and special inflatable butterfly valve seals used on Navy ships.

Aft Deck Inflatable Door Seals

We manufacture Type 1 inflatable seals using weather resistant EPDM rubber and silicone compounds. This seal is ideal for weathertight sliding doors and hatches exposed to the elements. Locations for these seals include patio doors, sundecks, aft-deck doors, and other leisure areas.

Inflatable Seals for Sliding Hatch Covers

Large sliding hatches are particularly difficult to seal using traditional means. An inflatable, marine-hatch seal, however, still works within a wide tolerance range and pulls back from the door to allow for free sliding motion.

Deck Elevator Inflatable Seal

Type 1 fabric-reinforced inflatable seals provide an excellent solution to requirements for watertight sealing between cargo elevator platforms or cargo hatches and surrounding decks on commercial and naval cargo carriers. A leak-tight seal is maintained even under conditions of severe racking caused by sea loads on the hull. If required, these seals can be supplied in an oil and fuel resistant neoprene or nitrile material.

Inflatable Seals for Marine Hatches

Type 1 fabric-reinforced inflatable seals may be used with large, hinged marine hatches to ensure a leak-tight seal and compensate for any tolerance variation between the cover and the hull of the ship. If required, the seals can be supplied in an oil and fuel resistant neoprene or nitrile material.

Submarine Periscope Housing

The periscope cable assembly is made of two parts which are bonded together to form the final housing. The extrusion is flexible to allow for movement as the periscope is operational, and consists of multiple channels (lumens) where electric cables are snaked through.

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