Tight seals for the long haul

摘要

Obviously, tiny water molecules that penetrate exterior automotive joints will wreak havoc on sensitive components for GPS antennas, cell phones, and communication-modules. Windshield-wiper motors, backup sensors, and fluid reservoirs also must be sealed tightly from water. Proper seal and gasket selection, however, involves more than looking at how a material resists water. Tests reveal that the vast majority of foam-gasketing materials — EPDM, neoprene, EVA, poly- ethylene, and various blends — seal well initially, but often collapse over time and under compressive loads.