Sealants are necessary in a variety of different facets of life to ensure the preservation of certain products or machinery. This is because sealant are substances that essentially block the passage of fluids or air through the surface, joints, or opening in certain materials, machinery, or piping. There are a wide variety of sealants depending on your needs. If you have heard of hermetic sealing and wondered, what is hermetic sealing, you are in the right place. Below you will find more information on what hermetic sealing is, it’s historical evolution, and what it is used for.
What is Hermetic Sealing?
Hermetic sealing is essentially a watertight and airtight sealant. The process of creating an airtight seal can be done with plastics, epoxy resins, glass, metals, and ceramics. The difference in the types of hermetic seals depends on the application, the materials used, and actual process behind it. There are many ways to make and apply a hermetic seal. However, consulting with a professional can help ensure your project will be successful.
The History of Hermetic Seals
In very early alchemy, the first hermetic seal was an airtight glass tube. It was known as the Seal of Hermes. The process of hermetic sealing was named after Hermes and “hermetic traditions. Hermes was a Greek God, and hermetic traditions were what gave rise to alchemical experimentation. Despite the original hermetic seal being glass, as mentioned above, many materials and applications can be used to create the hermetic seal modernly.
Modern Hermetic Sealant Uses
There are a wide variety of uses for hermetic seals. This is because contact with water and air can damage certain things. Whether it’s a sensitive electrical connection or even food preservation, hermetic sealants essentially protect from the intrusion of air and water. Below are some of the common examples hermetic seals are used for.
- Semiconductors: These can be damaged if they get connected to water or even water vapor. It is vital to ensure they are carefully sealed and protected.
- Electronics: Almost any electronic device can be impacted by water. It is important to keep them protected as they are often expensive and can be crucial to certain industries. For example, cell phones, medical equipment, and computers. These all prove examples of electronics that cannot come into contact with water without issue. Hermetic seals can protect electronics and ensure they last longer.
- Foods: Canned foods require a hermetic seal in order to be preserved. Without it, they will have a very short shelf life and quickly deteriorate. Vacuum seal kitchen gadgets are also beneficial in ensuring that food lasts longer.
- Common Home Items: Thing such as lightbulbs, eco-friendly windows, and your thermostat are all hermetic seals. Everyday items in your house even! In addition, batteries, your television, and home computer all require hermetic seals to remain long-lasting products.
Specialty Seals
Seals remain integral to the successful function of many large and small items. So it proves crucial to have the proper seal for the job that needs doing. That's why it's important to partner with seal experts that have in-house engineers and are backed by the world's top suppliers. Gallagher Fluid Seals has been working closely with our clients for the last 66 years to provide the best seal for our customers' specific applications.
The original article was featured on Real Seal's website.
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