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Corry Rubber in the News 3M's Fluorel Fluoroelastomer Penetrates New Market From physicians to industrial engineers, optical endoscopes are being used for everything from examining throats to checking machinery welds, coatings and seals. As industrial applications for this technoloy grow, so too does the need for strong resistant materials. For example, one application of endoscopes is the inspection of jet aircraft fuel tank interiors. Because of the contact with fuel and its fumes, sometimes more than the standard sheath material, neoprene, is required. According to Ernest Ferro, president of Corry Rubber Corp. in Corry, PA, the solution was to find a chemically resistant elastomer for the sheath material. "After considering our options, we selected a Fluorel brand fluoroelastomer," Ferro said. "In addition to helping us select the appropriate Fluorel product, 3M offered technical assistance to adapt the material for optimum processing on our equipment." Terry Grantier, production engineer at Corry's endoscopic sheath customer, said "The main reason we use the Fluorel fluoroelastomer is for its chemical compatibility and durability. The neoprene had poor chemical compatibility for use in aircraft engines and in the presence of clean-up solvents that use toluenes, alcohols and similar chemicals." In spite of its durability, the wall thickness of the sheat is very thin, Ferro explained, making it imperative that there be no weak spots in the sheath. Technical service representatives from 3M offered compounding expertise to avoid potential problems that may result because of the thin sheath walls. For instance, where mold release is sometimes a problem, the Fluorel releases from the mold so easily that an extremely dilute mold release agent can be used. This virtually eliminates knit line problems, Ferro said. He added the fluoroelastomer offers a good combination of strength and flexibility for Welch Allyn's applications. "The typical durometer for fluoroelastomer components is around 70. The Fluorel based compound used in the sheaths has a durometer of 50, which is quite unusual. The very soft durometer results in a more flexible sheath that can easily bend around a tight radii without tearing," Ferro concluded. Source: 3M Digest |
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