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New washer tech for leak-free automotive sealing

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has just launched the Rubore^® Washer, a unique solution offering virtually leak-free sealing beneath screwheads to safeguard critical systems in electric vehicles.

With today's vehicles increasingly packed with electrical sensors and controllers, the proprietary composite technology of Trelleborg's new Rubore Washer provides the ultimate protection against corrosion and leakage.

It's an ideal solution for wherever screws and bolts are used. The Rubore Washer is constructed using advanced processing technologies. Rubber is vulcanized to both sides of the carrier metal to produce a practically indestructible three-layer laminate from which washers of various diameters and thicknesses are stamped.

Axel Weimann, director, Global Segment Automotive at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, says, "The sensitive electronics of today's cars must be optimally protected from external influences such as temperature, dirt, rain, snow, or road salt.

"The plain washer is installed around half-a-billion times a day in new vehicles worldwide, but the Rubore Washer is unique, adapting flexibly to surfaces thanks to its rubber layers. Even if the metal countersurface has tiny scratches or cavities, the external rubber layer overcomes and seals these surface imperfections."

The new washer is suitable wherever electrical sensors, control units, or battery systems are enclosed in bolted housings, which gives it a clear advantage over bonded or welded alternatives due to recycling requirements and repairs. The insulating rubber layers of the Rubore Washer prevent various types of corrosion induced by metal-to-metal contact.

The technology has been proven to perform in the harshest environments, resisting corrosion to meet the toughest original equipment manufacturer (OEM) requirements.

Trelleborg says this washer is particularly effective at protecting the battery packs of electric cars, which require numerous screws or bolts. The screw seals must operate reliably in tough conditions including extreme temperatures, precipitation, and road salt exposure. The Rubore Washer seals by fully covering the screwhead and eliminating direct contact to the housing surface. This effectively prevents moisture, contaminants, and corrosive agents from entering the battery housing, maintaining performance while eliminating safety hazards and minimizing corrosion.

Other Rubore branded products from Trelleborg include slide rings and frame seals.

Interested in learning more? Go to trelleborg.com/en/seals/products-and-solutions/latest-innovations/rubore-washer.

Information about Trelleborg's full range of automotive sealing solutions can be found at trelleborg.com/en/seals/your-industry/automotive.

Source: Trelleborg Sealing Solutions

Published May 2024

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