UKGSA technical visit to Clwyd Compounders

On the 21st March, members of the UKGSA visited Clwyd Compounders in Wrexham to find out more about the elastomeric compounding specialists, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year.

David O’Hare, Managing Director, welcomed nearly 30 attendees and gave an overview of Clwyd’s expansion, future plans, and details of what the day would hold in store, including a factory and lab. tour.

David explained “We have segregated our compounding into three distinct areas: silicone and perfluoroelastomers which require a positive pressure, filtered air, clean-room environment, an area for coloured organic compounding and a closed area for black compounding.”

For us technical visitors, it was useful to be able to ask questions, particularly regarding specialist polymers, including perfluoroelastomers, FDA/EC1935 2004 compliant grades, and to see new developments like EMI/RF shielding compounds, Ferrite filled (Metal detectable) fluorescent, luminescent and thermochromic materials.

A short video showing how thermochromic silicone reacts to heat.

David handed over to Ian Haywood (Sales Manager) and Mike Winrow (Technical Director). Following more in depth information on Clwyd’s processes we then commenced our laboratory and factory tour.

We saw most processes, including weighing, mixing, testing and moulding. We also witnessed the segregated areas, designed to ensure that no cross contamination occurs.

Mike also explained, with the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, that they had increased stocks substantially in case of any supply shortages.

It was reassuring to see the technical expertise on hand for us moulders, particularly so when we observed a high grade natural rubber being tested for tensile strength. It came in at 26 mega-pascals! By comparison, a high grade Semperit Blackstar, abrasion resistant shotblast, is only 15 mega-pascals.

As companies and manufacturers look for ways to improve longevity of seals, reduce man-power and down-time caused by gasket or seal failure, and improve overall health and safety in the workplace; having an experienced, quality, compounder in the supply chain is invaluablFor more details on available polymers or technical information, please contact us or visit https://www.clwydcompounders.com

The UK Gasket & Sealing Association (UKGSA) is a trade association representing the specialised interests of companies engaged in the conversion of materials into gaskets and seals for all types of industrial use. For details of upcoming events (The Annual Golf Day is the next event in June) and technical visits, please click on the logo.

If you need any help or advice simply give us a call or fill in the enquiry form and one of our technical team will help you out.

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