Product category:
Moulding materials
News Release from: Metflex Precision Rubber Components | Subject: Metflex DFT compounds
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 21 August 2007
Rubber compounds used for gaskets
Dispersed fibre technology rubber compound material replaces coated fabric sheet allows manufacturers to improve the performance and durability of gas pressure regulators and gas meters.
Unrivalled durability and flexible design options are two of the main benefits of Metflex DFT (Dispersed Fibre Technology) It is an innovative compound material developed by leading rubber component manufacturer, Metflex
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 13 May 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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Instead of using a coated fabric sheet, restricting the diaphragm design to a single thickness throughout, DFT combines tried and tested rubber compounds with an even fibre distribution, perfected through three years of testing.
DFT offers significant advantages over existing rubber coated fabric and has already proven itself as ideal for the gas industry.
The material allows manufacturers to improve the performance and durability gas pressure regulators and gas meters without redesigning their products.
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However the nature of DFT also opens up great possibilities for future design and further innovation.
* 3D designs - one of the main design benefits of DFT stems from its ability to be moulded.
With a coated fabric, typically the designer of a diaphragm has to shape or form the diaphragm.
If a gasket were required then this would be a separate item to be moulded or bonded on.
With for example a 0.2mm rubber coated fabric it is not possible to design three dimensionally and change the thickness.
Metflex DFT materials have the advantage that wall thickness can be changed.
This gives it added benefits over conventional coated fabrics in allowing designers to take into account a third dimension and also removing any potential sealing issues with the allowance of an integrated gasket.
* Better flexing performance and life - DFT also allows for better flex performance and life.
Where traditional woven constructions inhibit the rubber from being able to stretch and compress over the flex cycle, DFT allows the flex performance to much more closely resemble that of an un-reinforced product.
This typically means that three to five times the expected lifespan of the product can be achieved.
Metflex has been producing diaphragms made from a rubber coated woven fabric construction for almost 30 years.
Building on existing high standards and a wealth of experience, Metflex has been able to improve on the already exceptional quality of existing products to create an exciting and unique new product.
While the DFT technology has proven itself in the gas industry, the number of applications for the technology is constantly increasing.
Metflex has already gained significant market in the US gas industry and is looking to appoint a sales agent in the US to expand the market and seek out other uses and applications.
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