Are Design Services Cost-Effective for Industrial Needs?

February 7, 2025

Understanding the Cost-effectiveness of Design Services

In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, the cost-effectiveness of design services is a critical consideration for businesses aiming to optimise their operations. Design services, particularly in the realm of industrial design, are invaluable for companies like TT Gaskets, where precision and reliability are paramount. The cost-effectiveness of these services can be evaluated through several criteria, including the quality of the output, the speed of execution, and the ability to customise solutions to specific client needs.

When assessing the value for money that design services offer, it’s essential to consider the potential for increased efficiency and performance. For instance, TT Gaskets leverages its multidisciplinary approach to swiftly transition from design to production, ensuring that solutions are not only innovative but also economically viable. Our flexibility in manufacturing and material independence allows us to provide the most cost-effective solutions tailored to diverse industrial needs. Moreover, comprehensive testing and the ability to generate detailed cost-benefit analyses further contribute to the cost-effectiveness of our design services, ensuring that clients receive maximum return on their investment.

Comparing In-house vs Outsourced Design Services

In the industrial sector, companies often face the decision of whether to develop design services in-house or to outsource them. Each approach has its own set of advantages and challenges that can impact cost-effectiveness. In-house design services offer the benefit of direct control over the design process and can be more aligned with a company’s specific goals and culture. However, they may require substantial investment in specialised personnel, equipment, and ongoing training, which can lead to significant long-term costs.

On the other hand, outsourced design services provide access to external expertise and state-of-the-art facilities without the overhead costs associated with maintaining an in-house team. This approach can be particularly beneficial for companies like TT Gaskets, who require specialised knowledge in gasket and sealing solutions. Outsourcing enables us to maintain flexibility and adapt to changing client demands quickly, leveraging our extensive partner network for material selection and customised testing. Ultimately, the choice between in-house and outsourced design services should be guided by a company’s specific needs and the strategic importance of design to its operations.

The Role of Design Services in Innovation and Efficiency

Design services play a pivotal role in driving innovation and efficiency within industrial operations. By integrating cutting-edge design techniques and technologies, companies can enhance their product offerings and streamline their processes. At TT Gaskets, our design services are integral to delivering industrial solutions that not only meet but exceed client expectations.

Innovation is fostered through our comprehensive approach to design and product development, where we assess the customer’s needs and operating environment to craft the best solutions. Our agile testing and continuous development processes ensure that each product is optimised for performance and durability. This commitment to innovation not only results in superior products but also in tangible cost savings for our clients. The potential return on investment from improved processes and products highlights the strategic value of incorporating robust design services into industrial operations.

Future Trends in Industrial Design Services

As we look to the future, several emerging trends are poised to shape the landscape of industrial design services. Technological advancements, such as digital simulations and artificial intelligence, are revolutionising the way design processes are conducted, offering new opportunities for cost savings and efficiency gains. At TT Gaskets, we are committed to staying at the forefront of these developments, leveraging technology to enhance our design capabilities and deliver superior solutions.

Additionally, the growing emphasis on sustainability is driving demand for eco-friendly design practices. Companies are increasingly seeking solutions that minimise environmental impact without compromising on performance. By prioritising sustainable materials and processes, we aim to meet this demand and contribute to a greener future. As market demands continue to evolve, staying agile and responsive to these trends will be crucial in maintaining the cost-effectiveness and relevance of design services in the industrial domain.

How Do Moulded Rubber Products Compare to Other Sealing Solutions?

February 4, 2025

Advantages of Moulded Rubber Products

Moulded rubber products offer a host of benefits that make them an excellent choice for various sealing solutions. One of the primary advantages is their flexibility. Unlike rigid sealing solutions, rubber seals can withstand significant deformation without losing their integrity, making them ideal for applications that require a tight seal under variable conditions. This flexibility ensures that they can adapt to irregular surfaces and maintain a consistent seal, which is crucial in environments subject to vibration or thermal expansion and contraction.

Durability is another key feature of moulded rubber products. Their resilience translates to a longer lifespan compared to some traditional sealing solutions, which can degrade more quickly under similar conditions. This durability reduces the frequency of replacement, offering both convenience and cost savings.

Speaking of cost, moulded rubber products are often more cost-effective than alternatives. The materials used in their production are generally less expensive, and the manufacturing process can be more efficient, leading to lower overall costs. Moreover, the longevity of rubber seals means that the initial investment is spread over a longer period, further enhancing their cost-effectiveness.

Common Applications of Moulded Rubber Seals

Moulded rubber seals are incredibly versatile and adaptable, making them suitable for a wide range of industries and applications. In the electrical industry, they are commonly used in engines, transmissions, and air conditioning systems, where their ability to withstand heat and pressure is invaluable. Marine applications also benefit from rubber seals, particularly in environments where exposure to saltwater and varying pressures are common challenges.

Industrial sealing is another area where moulded rubber products shine. In manufacturing plants, they are employed in machinery and equipment to prevent leaks and maintain operational efficiency. Their versatility extends to applications in the food and beverage industry, where hygiene and safety are paramount, and the seals must be resistant to various cleaning agents and processes.

Additionally, moulded rubber products are used in the aerospace sector, where they are required to perform reliably under extreme conditions. Their adaptability ensures they meet the stringent standards of this industry, providing critical sealing solutions for aircraft and spacecraft components.

Environmental Impact of Moulded Rubber Products

Environmental considerations are increasingly important in today’s world, and moulded rubber products offer several eco-friendly advantages. The sustainability of these products begins with their production, where advancements in rubber technology have led to the use of more environmentally friendly materials and processes.

In addition to being recyclable, rubber seals often have a lower environmental footprint due to their long lifespan. By reducing the need for frequent replacements, they contribute to less resource consumption and waste generation, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.

Cost Considerations and Economic Benefits

Cost is a critical factor when selecting sealing solutions, and moulded rubber products offer compelling economic benefits. Although the initial investment in high-quality rubber seals may be comparable to or slightly higher than other options, their durable nature ensures long-term savings. The reduced need for replacements and maintenance translates to lower operational costs over time.

Moreover, the efficiency of rubber seals in preventing leaks and maintaining system integrity can lead to significant savings by minimizing downtime and avoiding costly repairs. In industries where uptime is critical, such as manufacturing and automotive, the reliable performance of rubber seals can be a decisive factor in maintaining profitability.

The cost-effectiveness of moulded rubber products is further enhanced by their adaptability and versatility. Their ability to be customized to meet specific requirements means that companies can invest in solutions tailored to their unique needs, optimizing performance and cost-efficiency.

Understanding Fast Track Service: Speed and Efficiency

January 30, 2025

The essentials of Fast Track Service

Fast Track Service represents a paradigm shift in how industries approach time-sensitive demands. Prioritising speed and efficiency, this service model is designed to cater to urgent needs that cannot be met by traditional methods. By expediting production and delivery processes, Fast Track Service ensures that businesses can continue their operations without costly interruptions. It is a solution tailored for scenarios where every moment counts, and delays could result in significant financial losses.

In various sectors, from combustion engines to batteries and industrial applications, the ability to respond swiftly to urgent needs is crucial. Fast Track Service leverages advanced logistical strategies and streamlined processes to deliver products in record time, always within 24 hours of order confirmation. This capability transforms emergency situations into manageable tasks, allowing companies to maintain their operational momentum and meet their clients’ expectations with ease.

Benefits of Fast Track Service at TT Gaskets

At TT Gaskets, our Fast Track Service offers numerous advantages that set us apart in the industry. One of the most significant benefits is the reduction in lead times. By optimizing our production and logistics, we ensure that orders are fulfilled as quickly as possible, often within the same day. This rapid turnaround time is crucial for clients who face critical situations where delays could lead to severe operational disruptions.

Moreover, our commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in the bespoke solutions we offer. Fast Track Service at TT Gaskets is not just about speed; it is about providing a tailored experience that meets the unique needs of each client. By delivering high-quality gaskets efficiently, we enhance our clients’ ability to operate smoothly and effectively, which in turn builds trust and long-term relationships.

How Fast Track Service enhances operational efficiency

Fast Track Service significantly enhances operational efficiency by streamlining processes and minimizing downtime. In industries where equipment failure or missing components can halt production, having a reliable partner that can deliver essential parts swiftly is invaluable. This service reduces the time spent waiting for critical parts, allowing businesses to resume operations faster and avoid extended periods of inactivity.

By incorporating advanced manufacturing techniques and logistical planning, Fast Track Service ensures that each step of the production and delivery process is optimized. This approach not only saves time but also reduces operational costs associated with prolonged downtime. As a result, businesses can maintain a competitive edge by ensuring their operations remain uninterrupted and efficient.

Comparing Fast Track Service with traditional methods

When comparing Fast Track Service with traditional service methods, the differences become apparent. Traditional methods often involve longer lead times due to standard production schedules and shipping processes. In contrast, Fast Track Service is designed to circumvent these delays, offering expedited production and delivery tailored to urgent needs.

While traditional methods may suffice for routine orders, they fall short in emergency situations where speed is of the essence. However, it is important to note that Fast Track Service might come with a premium cost due to its prioritised nature. Despite this, the benefits, such as reduced downtime and enhanced operational efficiency, often outweigh the additional expense, making it a worthwhile investment for businesses facing time-sensitive challenges.

AI – Artificial Intelligence Creating Artificial Promises

September 27, 2024

The biggest hype surrounding AI seems to be over – at least according to my trustworthy LinkedIn index (which means scrolling through my feed for a few minutes every now and then). A couple months ago every other post was AI this and ML that, but now there was only one post mentioning AI. Even though AI was supposed to revolutionize everything in a matter of weeks.

Patience and elbow grease required

But AI is no different from any other trend or system for that matter. All sorts of snake oil salesmen tend to crawl out of their hideouts to ride the current wave promising that this time around putting garbage in doesn’t result in garbage out. These inflated expectations inevitably led to a collective hangover as AI wasn’t as easy to implement as it was marketed.

The unfortunate truth about AI is that it is only as good as the data it is trained with. The reason why ChatGPT doesn’t do our dishes or laundry yet is because it doesn’t have enough data to accomplish these tasks (also it doesn’t have a physical form). As the LLM is trained with data originating from the Internet, it is good at making recipes and such that are widely available, but asking it to do something more sophisticated probably only causes confusion. You can still ask it how to do it, even though it can’t do it, and it’ll give you instructions.

Garbage in, garbage out

Our AI pilots have faced the same issue: putting garbage in leads to getting garbage out. These GIGO failures are, in my opinion, the biggest reason why AI pilots remain only pilots and don’t progress further also causing frustration and delaying the start of possible successes. Filtering and enriching data takes either blood, sweat and tears from yourself or you pay a hefty sum for an expert to do it, which seems unreasonable even though it is the most crucial part of the project.

Several not-that-successful pilots

Our first pilot was to predict the need for materials in our stock, which was basically doomed to fail from the beginning, but we had to do something so I could present the case after the AI training course. We knew the data we had was incomplete, but still we managed to create a model that is useful once we have better data from our production. And this should become reality soon as we are currently ramping up our new MES.

The second pilot (also a demo for a course) was also doomed to fail as once again the data set was incomplete – it is currently waiting on my desk to receive better labeling and links between the tables. Still the idea of a predictive maintenance algorithm for our production is so revolutionary that we’ll continue to work on the case. And we hope that the new MES is more willing to hand over the data it possesses in a useful form. The MES data together with the data from the machine monitoring system should give us an actual possibility to accomplish this.

The third pilot relates to ML. We are trying to create an algorithm that recognizes gaskets from cuttings and learns how to pick them up with a cobot picker. This is probably a longer-term project but at least we have created a data set and designed a picker suitable for our production that is currently being tested. The algorithm hasn’t progressed much due to lack of resources, but hopefully we’ll have something to brag about in the coming months.

So many ideas, so little time

In addition to these pilots, we have plenty of AI ideas in the pipeline. The lowest hanging fruit is of course implementing an internal Copilot within our office environment. It is, however, such a powerful tool that we want to ensure that it doesn’t cause harm. It doesn’t obey borders, so we must educate it to do so before letting it answer any questions. Luckily, patience is our middle name.

But hopefully sooner rather than later we’ll have a ChatTTG tool to help you with your sealing issues to provide you with Smarter Sealing for a Safer Tomorrow. But before that happens you can always contact us the traditional way.

Batteries – Paving the way for the future

May 16, 2024

One of my favorite alternative timelines is to imagine a world where electricity would have already overtaken petrol as the de facto power source for cars. And this is not just due to my electrical engineering background. In the early 1900s, electric cars were the most popular choice over petrol or steam due to their convenience. The petrol car was considered noisy, smelly, and difficult to operate due to the need for hand-cranking to start the engine. The lack of petrol stations also curbed its popularity.

Cost over comfort

After the introduction of the Model T Ford and, ironically, an electric starter motor, the petrol car started to dominate the automotive market by the 1920s. The cost of a noisy and smelly Model T was roughly a third of an equivalent electric car, paving the way for petrol motoring. Eventually, all electric vehicles basically disappeared from the roads for decades.

Doing something is better than doing nothing

As we are heading towards 2030 and the first checkpoint for the Paris agreement, there’s once again plenty of bustle around electric cars and their popularity. It’s easy to think that private motoring is the number one cause for global warming as all we see is cars every day, even though it’s actually a minor contributor in the big picture. Electric cars are possibly one of the solutions for reducing emissions, but certainly not the only one, let alone the most effective.

Infrastructure and efficiency issues are universal

If electric vehicles would have become prevalent decades ago, the current go-to grievances about heavy, resource-intensive batteries, short range and lack of charging stations would have most definitely been solved. The same issues were solved with petrol cars as well, as gas stations weren’t popping out of thin air and reliable fuel-efficient engines took time to develop. There’s currently a chicken-or-the-egg problem with the breakthrough of electric motoring as we lack the infrastructure due to lack of vehicles and vice versa.

Not a jack of all trades

Despite the boundaries set by physics, I firmly believe that going electric in small-scale vehicles and appliances is the only way. The issue with batteries in comparison with internal combustion engines is that a battery has to carry 100 % of the energy needed to power the vehicle, while the fuel needs to carry roughly 5 % and the rest of the energy comes from the air needed in combustion. This doesn’t matter much in cars as the energy consumption is relatively low, and charging options are easily available compared to a container ship sailing in the Indian ocean.

Sustainability over performance

The scarcity of rare-earth metals and their ethical sourcing is another discussion, but after the latest crises and the political rumblings in the Far East, there’s a heavy incentive to reduce the need for dubious minerals and resources. At first this may compromise the performance of batteries but will most likely be the best alternative in the big picture. And at least from our perspective, companies are making increasing investments in developing electric and hybrid power trains.

Engineering wonderland

All in all, together with hydrogen, batteries and electric drives are something where we at TT Gaskets see a bright future ahead of us.

The engineering problems with sealing and insulation of electric drives are usually the opposite of our traditionally strong field of large engines. In ICEs, we want to keep the stuff inside the engine and protect the outside world, but in batteries we usually want to keep the outside world away from the package in many senses. This has already been fruitful from the engineering perspective as existing solutions are used in a whole new way.

In the end, all technologies are compromises and have their drawbacks, but that doesn’t prevent us from delivering Smarter Sealing for a Safer Tomorrow.

Hydrogen – Hype, Hope, or something in between

February 21, 2024

A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since I last talked about hydrogen and its potential in the energy revolution.

The world has changed in the past couple of years, and instead of gradual steady development, we were forced to take leaps to adjust. This, in turn, has paved the way for hydrogen economy and solidified its necessity in terms of holistic sustainable development.

Engineering problems remain the same

The physics of hydrogen have remained the same throughout the years, which has been a good thing in terms of engineering, as it is easier to find workarounds for constants instead of variables such as politics and whatnot.

The first and foremost issue to tackle is the production of hydrogen by electrolysis which takes ridiculous amounts of electricity. A rule of thumb with current methods is 50 kWh per kilogram of hydrogen.

Astronomical numbers that keep on growing

To put this in perspective, the current annual production of hydrogen is roughly 90 million metric tons, which is almost entirely grey hydrogen made from natural gas by steam methane reforming.

If we converted this production to electrolysis, it would require 4 500 TWh of electricity, or roughly 18 % of the annual consumption of electricity worldwide. Big numbers grow even bigger if we account the need to replace fossil fuels in all relevant industries, not just the ones that currently use hydrogen. Rumor has it that 500 million tons per year would be in the ballpark.

Endless possibilities require thorough research

At least we at TT Gaskets are not afraid of big numbers. Instead, we regard them as big possibilities. Hydrogen seems to pop up in virtually every discussion we have with our clients and other stakeholders. And as always, sealing is usually the last thing that pops to mind when our clients develop and test new hydrogen applications. Naturally this is good news for us as otherwise our services wouldn’t be required.

Our current focus is in finding hope from all the hype surrounding hydrogen. We are heavily invested in co-operation with academia, research institutions, and engineering partners. We are not going big – instead, we are going do our homework and scale our solutions from the ground up. The devil is in the details, and we cannot aim high before we have laid down the groundwork.

Our niche is a constant

Although the numbers loom large, our niche within the sealing business won’t change. Our partners and competitors supply large volumes of standard gaskets for distributing and storing hydrogen, and our focus is on special solutions that we do best.

To provide a small teaser, the big three electrolyzers and fuel cells as well as P2X applications are currently of interest to us, but don’t hesitate to contact us on other matters. There’s also a major nomination coming soon regarding our expertise in the field, so stay tuned to hear more about Smarter Sealing for a Safer Tomorrow.

Education – Shining a light on our silent knowhow

November 16, 2023

I wrote about the importance of continuous learning in January, such an important topic that it needs highlighting every so often. I had then just started my vocational qualification for R&D which I completed in the beginning of November demonstrating my will for continuous learning.

Training, long overdue

Early this autumn, we started to discuss the need for an internal gasket training program which we haven’t officially provided during the past 80 years – or at least not to our team’s knowledge reaching 25 years back. We have trained our clients and shareholders but not too many of our employees in the fascinating ways of gaskets and sealing.

This issue was crying to be fixed as soon as possible, and thus we started to gather knowledge together. The presentation deck kept on growing towards the October deadline when the first pilot training was to be arranged. We managed to put together a concise package of general knowledge about sealing and all the essential elements about the topic from our perspective.

Sealing the deal

At first, we planned the training to span two days, but after scrolling through the slides we decided to shorten it to one day and use the second day for a brief practical training session. The pilot group was carefully selected to include our shutdown team working in the field and at the office, but also neutral players from our production and back office.

Sales personnel were tactically left outside the pilot group as we knew their training will require heavier means and easily derails towards serious conversations about the competence of the lecturer.

Setting the baseline and making a difference

The lecture was preceded by a survey for mapping out the starting level of our participants (8 people). The average score (out of 16) was 9, with the lowest being 2 and the highest 15. After the lecture we repeated the survey and the average score was 14, with the lowest being 10 and the highest 16 – I guess the lectures had some impact on the participants when the average score was improved by over 50 %. And no one had a lower score after the training!

We then got our hands dirty and explored the intriguing process of flange assembly in practice. We wondered how something seemingly simple can be so difficult and why so many things can go wrong in something that at a glance looks like a trained monkey could do.

The most captivating moment was when I demonstrated the effect of impurities on gaskets and completely destroyed a graphite gasket. The installation looked flawless on the surface, but the inner structure was severely damaged by the medium.

Reaping the rewards

At the end of the session the conversation spiraled to Smart Gaskets and their potential for improving the safety and efficiency of processes and equipment. All in all, the training sessions were highly beneficial, and everyone involved learned something new, even I as the lecturer. This, in turn, led to a holistic increase in our personnel’s competence and once again gave us pride in being one of the very few industrial sealing specialists, a group that doesn’t grow in trees or in lecture halls. This great experience made us decide to arrange the next internal training in early spring, and possibly we might be brave enough to let one or two salesmen join as well.

If you and your team got interested and want to learn more about Smarter Sealing for a Safer Tomorrow, don’t hesitate to contact us. Let’s arrange a session where we can spread the gospel of sealing together for mutual benefit.

Anti-counterfeiting – The problem with fakes extends far beyond clothing brands

October 10, 2023

I was a bit surprised when scrolling through the results of the recent EUIPO questionary for youth regarding counterfeit goods. On average, over a third of 15- to 24-year-olds in the EU – and nearly half of Finnish youngsters – have intentionally bought fake goods, especially clothing.

The youth are not to blame. The pressure from social media and peers to wear certain brands easily influences the young mind.

Cutting corners is a (bad) habit

Not everyone is made of money, so finding ways to cut corners and costs is human. However, this skimping extends far beyond expensive clothing brands and is an issue within all industries. As cost saving is at the heart of our current economic system, it’s no wonder companies are turning every stone when searching for cheaper alternatives.

Here’s the but: saving costs often also means saving on quality, and that might not be good in the long run. Quantity over quality is rarely a sustainable business model, but some companies just don’t care. Buying cheap materials and parts for making what are basically disposable goods is one thing, but making bargains that are essentially stealing is another. These bargains are often actual thefts and organized criminals that ruthlessly exploit other brands and sell goods under the same name.

It’s a slippery slope

Each euro spent on these counterfeit goods is a euro for the criminals to continue their illegitimate business. Taking responsibility is rarely the strongest feat of these organizations, so the safety of people and the environment is their smallest concern.

Buying fake shoes might not do any harm in the short run, but procuring illegitimate spare parts just once for an airplane already endangers the life of hundreds. In the long run, everyone except the criminals loses, and it undermines the integrity of our society.

All hope is not yet lost

Then again, there are companies such as TT Gaskets who are doing their fair share to fight the counterfeiters.

We began researching different methods for improving our product security five years ago when we heard some alarming facts from one of our major clients. They said they’re losing tens of millions of euros annually in after sales business due to counterfeiting, and they knew that their products are sold in similar packages and with the same product codes as their own. The supplier is just not their official partner and there’s nothing they can do about it.

Different methods for different needs

We can equip our products with laser-engraved or ink-jet printed markings. This method is already gaining popularity while adding a level of complexity that the counterfeiters don’t want to invest in.

Serial numbers and product codes also help the end user identify authentic parts. The marking may be a QR code that provides more information regarding the product and its use or triggers the warranty. The EU is currently developing a digital product passport, a similar idea to ours. The QR code can be printed on the product label and added to our TTG Smart Tracking software that ensures the authenticity of the product and tracks its location based on the readings.

That’s not all. We are already going one step further by researching and developing invisible markings which can be read by energizing the material with, for example, UV light that reveals the identification by changing color.

A combination of these surprisingly cost-effective methods can increase the complexity of a product to such a level that it is basically impossible to copy. Then again, it leaves the responsibility of choosing authentic spare parts to the end user. At least claim cases are easier to solve when the authenticity is provable afterwards. And if you want to hear more about our methods of Smarter Sealing for a Safer and More Secure Tomorrow, don’t hesitate to contact us.

PTFE – The hero turns into a villain

August 31, 2023

Great discoveries often come about by accident, and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, more commonly known as Teflon™) is no exception. Since its invention in the late 1930s it has shaped all industries from frying pans to aerospace applications.

PTFE is famous for its slipperiness; thus, it’s used in kitchenware, and its chemical inertness allows it to be used for storing fluoroantimonic acid, the strongest acid known to man. 

Forever chemicals for breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper 

Despite PTFE’s versatile use cases, most great things often come with drawbacks. Ignorance is bliss, but it doesn’t remove the fact that PTFE is popping up in places it probably shouldn’t – especially near production and “recycling” (=incineration) sites. These undesirable places include, but are unfortunately not limited to, drinking water, soil and fauna, including us humans.

PTFE derivatives (also known as forever chemicals) found all over the globe are bundled under the term PFAS. You might recognize this abbreviation from the European Commission’s proposal to soon ban 7000 to 12000 chemicals belonging to the PFAS group.

Decades of work ahead

The health and environmental consequences of the PTFE build-up are yet to be discovered, but my layman evaluation is that they are most definitely not a part of a healthy diet. I also think that the goal of banning PFAS derivatives by the end of 2025 is unfortunately unfeasible.

It took us decades to ban leaded fuel even though the evidence of the lead build-up was clear. The same thing happened with asbestos: the health hazards were undisputed but still we continued to use it because there were no (better) alternatives.

History will hopefully repeat itself

Whether the ban comes into effect in a few years or not, we at TT Gaskets are determined to do our share in finding alternatives for PTFE.

It is true that PTFE has features that other materials do not possess, and there are applications where it is (currently) the only alternative. But when asbestos was eventually banned, it led to a disruptive development of new gasket materials that beat any then-available asbestos materials fair and square. The only change was that the materials were designed for specific circumstances whereas asbestos materials were all-around compromises.

No simple answers or solutions available 

We believe that something similar will happen in the future: we would probably already know if there was an alternative that had the exact same properties as PTFE. That’s why the question of finding alternatives for PTFE is irrelevant as there will probably be hundreds of them.

The simplest thing we could do right away is to reduce the use of PTFE-based materials in applications where they are not needed. There is plenty of over-specification in gasket materials for modest environments where a fiber material would do the job just as well.

This should also be a guideline for all manufacturers who add PTFE derivatives to their recipes without thinking about its necessity and consequences. Let’s first reduce and minimize the need and use for PTFE and then think about the difficult part of replacing it in the applications where no alternatives exist yet.

We humans are stubborn but also able to learn and take responsibility, so I believe that we will solve this issue one way or another. As there is no business to be conducted on an inhabitable planet polluted by PTFE, we want to continue providing Smarter Sealing for a Safer Tomorrow – PFAS-free as soon as possible. 

Design – Sealing the deal, digitally

June 8, 2023

I talked about the importance of gaining trust in my previous blog. In the context of our business, trust is built on our customers’ confidence in our ability to solve the issues they are facing. Whether it’s temperature, pressure, aggressive media, long bolt spans or low bolt loads, we have seen it all during the past 80 years. And even if there’s something we haven’t seen, we’ll most certainly find a way to solve it.

The good old days are not coming back

A lot has changed over the decades due to globalization-driven outsourcing. Very few large OEMs or process industry plants have their designs completely in their own hands anymore, meaning they rely on third parties for design applications.

On the one hand this is good, as it means that specialized professionals are doing the engineering. On the other hand, some aspects such as reasonable tolerances and especially sealability may be neglected. In the good old days, the design team worked in the same building and got direct feedback from manufacturing if something couldn’t be done.

Complex problems sometimes have simple solutions

Nowadays, it may be difficult to give feedback on a project that is spread across continents and involves mostly faceless organizations instead of real people. And when the problems neglected during the design phase pop up during prototyping and testing, it’s often a bit too late to maneuver around them – at least on your own.

When these problems revolve around sealing, we are here to help. Solving sealing issues is our bread and butter, even in tight schedules. Our record time is 38 minutes from order to delivery. While we may not break records in every project, our strength lies in our flexibility, willingness to help, and our multidisciplinary Design Board approach. These are qualities that larger players may struggle to provide.

Standing out from the crowd

As we are digging deeper and learning more about our new target markets in Sweden, German-speaking Europe and the United States, we have found that in addition to the large well-known players, we are also competing against hundreds of “one man in a garage” type of manufacturers.

These small players have their own strengths. They usually operate locally and know their clients’ products by heart, but continuity, development and designing something new may not be their cup of tea.

From trial and error to trial and success

It just so happens that continuity, development and designing new solutions are something we are heavily concentrating and investing in. The traditional trial and error method is an example of the kind of elements we are now steering away from. Of course, testing is still needed in the future, but it is not necessarily the most efficient design method in applications that we are involved in.

Our goal is to ensure that our products do what they are designed to do already in the digital world, and then confirm their functionality through physical test runs.

Diving into the future of gasket design

I am currently finalizing a project regarding the FEA of a hydrogen fuel cell – both topics that hold great promise for our future endeavors. The idea is to create a simulation model of the application, a common practice in modern engineering. Our twist is that we can also create material models of the gaskets thanks to our flexible prototype process and testing capabilities. The application is then replicated in the physical domain to see how well the simulation model matches the real world.

After a couple of iterations, we’ll hopefully have a recipe for replicating different sealing scenarios on the computer screen before moving on to physical testing. This is something that potentially revolutionizes our design capabilities and gives us a definite competitive edge over your local handyman.

If you want to learn more about our approach to Smarter Sealing for a Safer Tomorrow, we invite you to join us at the CIMAC Congress in Busan, South Korea, from June 12 to 16. Alternatively, you can contact us using your preferred communication method.