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GT-10x0 and GT-16x0 sealant strips can be applied by a variety of automated
processes or by simple manual application. Common automated processes can be
pick-and-place, stamp-and-place or simple score-and-place. All of these have
similar steps and will be described below. Pick-and-place would be used when
the sealant strips are supplied as pre-stamped shapes on a roll, custom cut
and ready to use on the part. The sealant strip can also be supplied in
simpler, pre-slit rolls, not yet cut to shape. Stamping to shape is done as
part of the process in stamp-and-place operations. For score-and-place, the
sealant strips are supplied in an uncut roll form. During processing, the
roll is scored or cut at desired intervals and then the strips are applied and
used without any further need for more complex cutting to special shapes, as
in stamp-and-place.
We will discuss the pick-and place process first and then talk about what is
different for stamp-and-place as well as score-and-place below. As mentioned
above in the suggested applications for Dow Corning ® Sealant Strips, there
are a wide variety of potential uses for these products, ranging from
perimeter seals for window displays in equipment to soft, cushioning seals for
aircraft galley equipment as well as protective layers applied over electronic
modules. In the descriptions below, we will simply use the generic term
“parts” for the variety of items and surfaces that the sealant strips may be
applied to.
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Step 1- Index part and strip into position
The process automatically moves a new part into position. At the same time,
the next gel strip (supplied cut to the desired shape) is indexed into place
directly above the part. With pre-stamped pads, there is no residual gel on
the edges of the Mylar ® carrier and nip rolls can be used to advance the pads
into place. Sensors are generally used to determine when the next item and
pre-stamped gel strip part is in place.
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Step 2- Pick-up
The equipment is outfitted with a pick-up head. The face of the head has a
grid pattern of holes to permit vacuum assist for pick-up and air pressure for
the subsequent release step. If the part will be inserted into a recessed
cavity or groove with side walls, the head should have a concave surface. The
concave shape of the head will cause the part to “shorten in length” and ease
insertion by not contacting the side walls.
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Step 3- Placement of Strip
The head now lowers the pad onto the part, releases it with the assist of air
pressure and returns to position for the next part.
The process now loops back to Step 1 and repeats for the next item.
It should also be mentioned that the equipment should accommodate splices
between rolls of sealant strips to allow for continuous processing. Sensors
can determine the presence of splices and move into position for the first
grommet on the new roll.
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