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Author Archives: APM Hexseal

  1. The Importance of Thread Pitch and How to Select the Right Fastener for Secure and Reliable Connections

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    Thread pitch is one of the fundamental characteristics of screw design. Pitch directly affects the holding power and integrity of threaded assemblies. It is the key to pairing a screw or bolt with a compatible nut and ensuring smooth installation.

    Whether you’re working with an automotive, aerospace, or any other application that relies on secure fasteners, selecting the correct thread pitch is critical to avoiding issues like loosening, misalignment of components, premature damage, or mechanical failure.

    Here, we’ll go over what thread pitch is and how to select the right pitch for your needs.

    So What is Thread Pitch on a Screw?

    Holding a screw horizontally, it’s easy to see the peaks and valleys of its profile. The distance between two consecutive peaks is called the pitch, and it represents the distance the screw travels per 360° revolution.

    This measurement directly reflects how well the screw or bolt will engage with a corresponding nut or threaded hole. A mismatched pitch between two corresponding fasteners may prevent a screw from engaging, or cause locking or breakage, which compromise the entire assembly.

    Generally speaking, the smaller the distance between thread peaks the more fine the threads are. Thread pitch is generally categorized as standard, fine, or extra fine. The finer the pitch, the closer the threads are to each other, which influences how the screw performs under different conditions.

    Different screw sizes are often available in a range of pitches. For example, an M12-size screw may have a standard pitch of 1.75mm, a fine pitch of 1.5mm, and an extra fine pitch of 1.25mm.

    How to Make Sure You Get the Right Thread Pitch

    There are several considerations in selecting the right thread pitch for an application.

    Understanding Thread Pitch Systems

    Both metric and imperial screws use pitch as a characteristic. Metric thread pitch is measured in millimeters, whereas imperial screw thread pitch is commonly expressed as threads per inch, or TPI. The two systems of measurement can be approximately converted using the equivalent of 2.54 cm per 1 in; however, mixing metric and imperial thread measurements in specifications can lead to mismatched components.

    Differentiating Between External and Internal Threads

    External threads are found on screws and bolts, while internal threads are located inside nuts or tapped holes. Making sure the thread pitches of external and internal components match is vital for smooth installation and a secure fit.

    Measuring and Calculating Thread Pitch

    Specialized tools like rulers, calipers, or thread pitch gauges can be used to measure the distance between thread peaks. Thread pitch gauges provide a reliable comparison against the thread, offering more precision than other methods.

    Thread pitch can also be calculated with the formula P=L/n, where P is the pitch, L is the thread length, and n is the number of threads.

    Selecting the Right Thread Pitch

    Consider whether a standard, fine, or custom pitch is needed. Standard pitch is often the default, so be sure to clearly specify the desired pitch if it varies from standard. Custom pitches can be manufactured but may require some lead time.

    Different thread pitches have physical characteristics that make them more or less suitable for different applications. Considerations include:

    Standard threads:

    • Have a larger pitch and are usually more robust for heavy-duty applications
    • Resist damage and tearing out of holes
    • Install quickly because the screw travels farther with each turn
    • Are less likely to lock than finer threads

    Fine threads:

    • Resist loosening due to vibration
    • Can be used for precise adjustments because they travel a small distance with each turn
    • Have a shallow thread depth that works well with thin components
    • Have a greater risk of locking

    Questions? Ask the Sealing Solution Experts at APM Hexseal

    APM Hexseal has over 75 years of experience providing high-quality sealing and fastening solutions for many industries including military, medical, and energy generation. Our company holds more than 100 patents including the first self-sealing fasteners, Seelskrews® and Seelbolts®, which are invaluable for environmental protection and leak prevention applications.

    We provide a large selection of sealing screws, nuts, washers, bolts, and bushings as well as elastomeric molding capabilities for custom hardware solutions. Our team can help you find the right fasteners for your needs. Contact us with questions or request a quote to get started.

    Ever Better.

  2. Differences Between a Clearance Hole and a Countersink for a Screw, and Why They Matter

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    Screw holes are integral to the structural integrity and appearance of various manufacturing and construction assemblies. There are many types of screw holes, but the two prevalent types are countersinks and clearance holes. Choosing the right fasteners for your project requires a clear understanding of each type of screw hole.

    Here, we will explore the differences between countersinks and clearance holes for fasteners, including their applications, benefits, and why proper sizing is critical to a successful project.

    What Is a Clearance Hole?

    A clearance hole allows a bolt or screw to pass through the material without the threads gripping into the material. Clearance holes are crucial for inserting screws with threads along the length of the shank to prevent them from engaging with material that they must pass through. Clearance holes are typically employed in the following applications:

    • Installing hardware like hinge screws
    • Assembling glued joints
    • When using fully threaded screws with threading along the entire shank (e.g., machine screws)
    • Cabinet part assembly
    • Re-usability of sealing fasteners to not over compress, tear or shear the O-Ring during installation.

    What Is a Countersink?

    A countersink is a hole with a conical shape. The purpose of a countersink is to facilitate a fit where the screw head fits flush with, or below, the material surface. A countersunk hole is measured by its major diameter at the entry point of the hole and tapers to its minor diameter, measured below the conical taper. The most common taper angles for imperial fasteners are 82 and 100 degrees, while the most common taper angle for metric fasteners is 90 degrees.

    Countersinks provide a polished and integrated appearance with the design by allowing the fasteners to sit flush with, or below, the material. They can eliminate the appearance of standard head bolts to create a smooth, flush surface for enhanced aerodynamics necessary in applications such as aircraft panels/skins. Furthermore, countersinks can assist in self-centering screws during installation to maintain precise alignment. Common applications include the following:

    • Thin material fastening
    • Deburring
    • Hardware installation when smooth, seamless surfaces are critical
    • Cabinet part assembly

    Key Differences Between a Clearance Hole and a Countersink

    • Function: Clearance holes allow the screw to pass through a material without biting into it, ensuring secure fastening and re-usability of sealing hardware. Countersinks allow the fastener to sit flush with, or below, the material surface using a conical recess to hide the screw head.
    • Design: A clearance hole has a cylindrical shape that is slightly larger than the threads of the fastener. A countersink has a conical shape that matches the head angle of the fastener head to create a seamless fit.
    • Use cases: Clearance holes are essential for precise alignment in applications like cabinetry, woodworking, joining of assemblies, and allow for re-usability of sealing hardware. Countersinks are ideal for improving aesthetic appearance and surface smoothness for high-visibility applications or where aerodynamics are critical.

    Importance of Using Correct Sizes

    Accurate clearance hole sizing is crucial so that the first layer of material can be tightly drawn to the second piece of material. If the fastener threads bite into the first layer, it can result in a slight gap between the two pieces of material and reduced tightness. Furthermore, the clearance hole sizing affects the sealing capabilities of sealing hardware. Please be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation.

    Using a correctly sized countersink is critical in ensuring the fastener head sits flush with the material surface. A larger major diameter than the fastener head diameter can result in a fastener that sits too far below the surface, and a smaller major diameter will result in the fastener head protruding above the material surface. If a countersink depth is more than 60% of the material’s thickness, it can begin to weaken the material.

    Contact APM Hexseal for Personalized Assistance

    Countersinks and clearance holes are different types of screw holes. Understanding their differences when selecting the proper method of fastening a product or structure is critical to creating a secure, aesthetically appealing assembly. It is also essential to select the ideal hole size to prevent weak joints, and misalignment of components, and cause leakage within sealing hardware. Paying close attention to these details and following the manufacturer’s recommendation will result in a sturdy, reliable final product with a clean finish.

    APM Hexseal can help you select the ideal fasteners and match them to the proper screw holes. Contact us or request a quote today to get started.

    Ever Better.

  3. Advantages of Silicone Rubber for Sealing Solutions

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    Silicone rubber provides a number of advantages over other elastomeric materials. This sealing solution offers a robust combination of tensile strength, vibration and noise dampening, and thermal stability. Silicone rubber is also resistant to various chemicals, abrasions, and weathering.

    APM Hexseal has been developing advanced bonding and sealing solutions for a range of materials since 1947. Various industries rely on our silicone rubber bonding and sealing solutions to provide a high-quality, reliable seal.

    Silicone Rubber: An Ideal Choice for Sealing  Solutions

    Silicone rubber is a versatile compound with a wide range of material properties that help create a durable and robust seal, including:

    • High flexibility and low compression set
    • Overall strength and resilience
    • Dampening qualities
    • Low permeability
    • Chemical stability
    • Insulative properties
    • Low electrical conductivity and flammability
    • Wide temperature operating range

    One can further enhance its material properties using advanced formulas and manufacturing techniques. The resulting seals can be used in some of the most extreme and sophisticated military or medical applications.

    Silicone rubber comes in a range of hardness and color options, allowing our design engineers to fine-tune each solution to the client’s exact design requirements. These advantages set silicone rubber apart from common alternatives like chloroprene or nitrile.

    Suitable for An Array of Applications

    Silicone rubber is tasteless, odorless, non-toxic, and highly biocompatible. These properties are useful in food, beverage, and drug manufacturing applications that adhere to industry-specific standards.

    Medical applications also heavily rely on silicone rubber seals to produce critical devices ranging from:

    • IV components
    • X-ray, MRI, and CT scan equipment
    • Feeding devices
    • Medical pumps
    • Ventilators

    Silicone rubber can withstand various rigorous sterilization methods, including steam autoclaves, dry heat, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, and electron beam (E-beam) accelerators.

    The quality of a rubber silicone seal can have a tremendous impact on the functionality and longevity of critical military equipment. We offer high-end formulations that can withstand the harsh operating conditions and extreme temperatures found in military and other demanding applications.

    Easy Customization Options

    Silicone rubber is highly customizable and moldable. Liquidized silicone rubber can adhere perfectly to different surfaces to create custom shapes and realize unique properties in the following:

    • Medical-grade products
    • Self-lubricating products
    • Conductive materials
    • Self-bonding materials
    • Radio-opaque materials

    Our elastomer design experts can create silicone rubber formulas with different levels of resistance or hardness to meet your application requirements. You can also choose custom colors for your product, which include glow-in-the-dark or transparent options.

    Discuss Your Project with APM Hexseal Today

    Compared to other elastomeric materials, silicone rubber provides many of the best qualities for high-performing industrial seals, even in harsh environments and operating conditions. We’ve worked closely with numerous industries to create RoHS-compliant sealing solutions suitable for use in some of the most challenging and hazardous environments on land, sea, and air.

    To learn how APM Hexseal can solve your industrial sealing challenges, contact us or request a quote from our experienced seal design engineers. Ask the experts at APM Hexseal.

    Ever better.

  4. Military Solutions by APM Hexseal: Advanced Sealing Technology Since 1947

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    APM Hexseal was established in 1947 in response to some of the most fundamental technical challenges that faced military engineers during WWII. Since then, our electronic and electrical device seals have protected aerospace and military control panels and the devices that depend on them from environmental contaminants, weather, spills, and even certain types of gases. Learn more about our first innovations, the major milestones in our history, and our extensive product line.

    The Genesis of Innovation

    Our founder, Milton Morse—a self-taught engineer and inventor—started APM Hexseal on the strength of a vision. He created the original sealing switch boot to protect critical control panel switches used in military operations. The molded covering protected the electromechanical switch as well as the mounting panel from liquid and gas infiltration. Building on the success of the switch boots, Morse developed and patented a full product line of circuit breaker, potentiometer, and switch seals designed to function reliably over more than 100,000 actuations.

    Morse and APM Hexseal helped develop the MIL-B-5423 military specification, now known as MIL-DTL-5423, which sets standards for the protection of military equipment. APM Hexseal continues to research and develop solutions to protect electrical components from unpredictable, adverse environmental challenges. These include our UL-recognized silicone sealing boots, designed to mate perfectly with most standard electrical switches, encoders, breakers, and rotary devices.

    Milestones in APM Hexseal’s History

    After early success with our military silicone switch boots, the team at APM Hexseal went on to invent and patent other types of sealing products, including reusable and self-sealing washers, screws, nuts and bolts, which were initially designed to add IP66/68 ingress protection to our circuit breaker seal mounting flanges. Applications for our self-sealing products have now expanded to include innumerable other functions for electrical devices.

    Focusing on defense and aerospace technologies has given us the experience and expertise to succeed in many other industrial and commercial markets. APM Hexseal’s recent inventions include a trigger circuit breaker boot to actuate more difficult breakers and switches as well as the Ultra Flex full- and half-toggle boot, which protects switches while eliminating the risk of unintentionally tripping sensitive switching components. We have produced over 50 million boots in various sizes and types, installed by over 200,000 customers around the world.

    Today, we have over 100 patents to our name and have become the primary supplier for the U.S. military as well as the following markets:

    APM Hexseal in Military and Defense

    Our advanced sealing products fulfill several important functions throughout the defense and aerospace sectors:

    • Protecting electrical systems from damage, moisture, and contaminants
    • Creating watertight or airtight seals
    • Optimizing performance for critical operations
    • Maximizing equipment lifespan

    In addition to sealing electromechanical switches and mounting panels, our innovative sealing technology can be applied to vehicle or aircraft window and door seals, communication gear, PPE, interior engine components, valves, and numerous other pieces of equipment.

    Backed by a vast repository of innovative sealing products, designed and improved upon over decades, APM Hexseal helps customers achieve greater system function under the most demanding conditions with reliable and effective sealing technologies.

    Our state-of-the-art self-sealing hardware products include:

    Our sealing bushings and boots include:

    We also provide NASM 82496 testing to verify whether sealing screws intended for military applications are fully capable of withstanding the pressures and use conditions involved.

    APM Hexseal: A Legacy That Endures

    Dating back to the founding of APM Hexseal, our switch sealing solutions have been crucial to facilitating the function and efficiency of defense and aerospace applications. Today, we remain just as committed to product quality and innovation as we were at the beginning, with a dedicated focus on the continually evolving technical requirements of the defense and aerospace industries.

    Contact us to learn more about our advanced sealing technology or to start your order.

  5. How to Select the Right Elastomer for Your Sealing Boots and Fasteners

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    Elastomers are the key to providing effective sealing solutions for applications in outdoor, marine, medical and any environment where sealing stuff in or sealing stuff out is imperative. Elastomers are versatile materials typically composed of polymers, and manufacturers prize them for their ability to bend and stretch in a variety of ways before returning to their original shape.

    However, not all elastomers are the same. Elastomers can incorporate a wide range of designs and materials depending on the needs of their intended application. More than 20 different types of standard elastomers exist, and each possesses unique functions in both process equipment and finished products.

    Different elastomer formulations affect the physical properties, functions, and service life of your components and systems. This is why it’s essential to test a few different elastomers to determine the best one for your needs. In this post, we outline ways to evaluate elastomers for their capacity to perform well in your application, and we also describe some of the best uses of each different type of elastomer.

    Questions to Ask When Selecting an Elastomer

    Cover-Assorted-Parts

    When you’re trying to determine the best kind of elastomer to use for your sealing or fastening application, keep the following few questions in mind:

    • Where and how will the sealing boots or fasteners be used? Applications that use elastomers can appear in many different environments, such as:
      • Outdoor
      • Marine
      • Industrial/manufacturing environments
      • Drilling and downhole
      • Food and beverage (some elastomers have FDA approval; others don’t)
      • Aerospace
      • Construction
      • Medical
    • What kind of contaminants will the sealing boots or fasteners come into contact with?
      • Different elastomers hold up better against specific environmental conditions or contaminants.
    • Will the sealing boots or fasteners experience extreme temperatures or wide temperature fluctuations?
    • Will the elastomer be exposed to sharp objects or coarse surfaces or need to withstand a high number of actuations or repeated human contact?
    • What is your budget compared with the cost of failure?

    Elastomer Selection Criteria

    It is vital to choose an elastomer that meets the demands of the given application. The right product will enhance the longevity and overall performance of sealing boots and fasteners.

    The following criteria can help users achieve superior durability and functionality.

    Temperature Capabilities

    • Low-Temperature Concerns. Elastomers become less flexible at low temperatures, hardening and leading to cracks in the seal.
    • High-Temperature Concerns. Irreversible chemical changes caused by exposure to heat can lead to reduced compression resistance and increased rigidity in elastomers.

    Fluid Compatibility

    The reaction an elastomer has to a fluid can vary. For example, compatibility with hydrocarbons, alcohols, acids, and other substances differs significantly across elastomer types. The following factors must be considered to ensure the selected elastomer performs as expected without rapid deterioration:

    • Chemical Concentration
    • Operating Temperature
    • System Pressure

    Abrasion and Tear Resistance

    It is crucial to use a dynamic seal in applications subject to friction and movement. Elastomers such as Aflas and HNBR offer excellent abrasion resistance. Special compounding in carboxylated nitrile seals also enables enhanced abrasion resistance.

    Differential Pressure Resistance

    Elastomers must be capable of accommodating potential pressure changes to avoid seal failure.

    Cost-Effectiveness

    Cost is typically the deciding factor when choosing the right part, assuming functional requirements have been met. Price variations can be attributed to differences in processing and compounding.

    Common Elastomer Types

    There are many types of elastomers on the market, each offering unique advantages and properties. Understanding the differences can help users make informed decisions relating to the specific challenges of an application, whether dealing with aggressive chemicals or high temperatures.

    Common types of elastomers include:

    Ethylene Propylene (EPDM)

    • Key Features. Offers superior resistance to alcohols, steam, water, and glycol-based coolants.
    • Applications. Often used in outdoor applications and automotive cooling systems due to its weather-resistant properties
    • Temperature Range. Effective within a range of -65 F to +300 F
    • Limitations. Not suitable for use with fuels and other petroleum-based fluids

    Nitrile

    • Key Features. Low-temperature flexibility with excellent resistance to fuels and petroleum-based oils
    • Applications. Commonly used in aeronautical and automotive industries for oil and fuel handling systems
    • Temperature Range. Effective within a range of -65 F to +250 F
    • Limitations. Exhibits poor resistance to sunlight, ozone, and other weathering conditions due to the unsaturated carbon bonds in its polymer structure

    Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR)

    • Key Features. Maintains chemical stability and provides enhanced strength, even in harsh environments
    • Applications. Best suited for oil field exploration, automotive timing belts, and other high mechanical stress environments
    • Temperature Range. Serviceable within a range of -40 F to +325 F
    • Advantages. Improved chemical and heat resistance compared to Nitrile

    Polyacrylate

    • Key Features. Ideal for exterior applications due to its excellent resistance to ozone and UV light
    • Applications. Commonly used in seals for power steering systems and automobile transmissions
    • Temperature Range. Functional between -20 F and +350 F
    • Limitations. Not advisable for dynamic sealing due to poor abrasion resistance

    Neoprene

    • Key Features. Offers good weather resistance and moderate resistance to petroleum oils, balancing cost-effectiveness with performance
    • Applications. Refrigeration seals and HVAC systems
    • Temperature Range. -65 F and +212 F
    • Properties. Moderate oil resistance and good flame resistance

    Fluorocarbon

    • Key Features. Extremely resistant to chemicals and high temperatures
    • Applications. Seals for chemical processing plants and aerospace fuel systems
    • Temperature Range. Capable of handling continuous service between -20 F and +400 F, with intermittent exposure to temperatures up to 500 F
    • Advantages. Replaces nitriles in applications demanding superior chemical resistance

    Silicone

    • Key Features. Excellent low-temperature flexibility with the broadest temperature range of all elastomers
    • Applications. High-temperature automotive gaskets to kitchenware
    • Temperature Range. Operates efficiently between -80 F and +400 F
    • Limitations. Generally used in static applications due to its poor abrasion and tear resistance

    Aflas

    • Key Features. Resistant to acids, steam, bases, and other extreme conditions
    • Applications. Chemical processing and oil/gas extraction
    • Temperature Range. Can withstand temperatures from -10 F to +400 F
    • Advantages. Excellent option for high-temperature and high-pressure environments

    Fluorosilicone

    • Key Features. Enhances chemical resistance by merging the best properties of fluorocarbon with silicone.
    • Applications. Commonly used in aerospace and military applications for oil and fuel contact in extreme environments.
    • Temperature Range. Functional between -80 F and +350 F
    • Limitations. Similar to silicone, it is typically limited to static sealing, offering poor abrasion resistance

    Top-Quality Elastomer Sealing Solutions from APM Hexseal

    Building quality sealing boots or fasteners involves accounting for many variables. Fortunately, we at APM Hexseal bring years of experience to the elastomer design process, helping customers across the globe find ways to get the most from their elastomer options.

    We’ve compiled our extensive experience from working with elastomers into our eBook, “Elastomer Shlastomer, Right?”, which is available for download here. If you would like to learn more about our full selection of products and services, contact us today and Ask the Experts at APM Hexseal.

     

    Elastomer Shlastomer, Right?

     

    Download Now

  6. Celebrating a 75-year legacy

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    What does it mean to be a 75-year-old, third-generation, family-owned American manufacturer? Some people might say that family-owned businesses don’t last that long — and are often mismanaged into bankruptcy. Well, at APM Hexseal, our 75th year was our best one ever. We made a lot of changes and investments in the business and our processes, and we are excited to see what the future holds for us.

    The company was founded in 1947 by Milton and Riva Morse. They invented the sealing-fastener and switch boot technology, and Milton was awarded several patents for the products. In addition, he is an inductee into the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame. The company eventually passed on to his son, David Morse, and David’s wife, Carol. When David and Carol passed on, their daughter, Susanna Morse, assumed control of the business. We think she would say that it has been both exciting and terrifying — but overall, an exhilarating experience, being part of a 75-year successful legacy.

    When the company was founded, Milton’s wife, Riva, assumed control of the sales functions. Milton was the inventor and Riva was the sales engine. At that point in time, it was unheard of for a woman to oversee sales for an engineering-based manufacturer, but that did not stop Riva from developing the strategies and framework for the sales channel that still, in large part, exist today. Milton and Riva would divorce, then re-marry, then divorce again — but throughout their personal strife, they remained respectful business partners and caring friends. They continued to keep their focus on APM Hexseal and making it a very successful endeavor. After Milton’s death, Riva continued to focus on the company, and even after her “retirement,” she would continue coming into the office each week to check on the business, say hello, and make sure she was visible to the employees. This continued until her death in 2018, just shy of her 101st birthday.

    So how does a family-owned business survive everything the world throws at it for 75 years? You start with a well-designed and well-made product. We are the inventors of this product and, while there have been competitors who have imitated what we do, there will only ever be one original. One innovator. With that eye for innovation, we strive for continuous improvement and better ways to do things. We are dedicated to better products, better processes, and better and more efficient manufacturing methods. We are mindful of the importance of making things in the U.S., and that has been a driving factor since our inception.

    We strive to provide excellent service to our customers and channel partners. Our goal is to deliver a top-quality product on time and at a fair price — and to do it with a superior level of service. We have an extensive global network of sales reps and distributors who also provide best-in-class support to our customers around the world. We are immensely proud of, and grateful to, our sales channel partners. We could not ship millions of parts to all corners of the world without their dedication.

    The heart of any organization is its staff. Our employees are amazing, hard-working, and talented individuals who are completely committed to our quest to be ever better. They work tirelessly to make sure that our customers get what they need, when they need it. We have several employees who have been with us for more than 40 years. Even more have been here for 20 and 30+. That is not a coincidence. Companies cannot keep employees that long without providing a safe, fun, and productive work environment. We are a tight-knit family. We work together, laugh together, and sometimes we cry together — but always, we are there for each other. The Morse Family cares deeply about creating and keeping jobs here in the U.S., and we have strived to do that throughout our history. Our employees are our life’s blood, and we are eternally grateful for their dedication and hard work. We truly have the best team, and we are so proud of them.

    At the end of the day, you must love what you do and go to work, every day, trying to do a better job than you did the day before. There will be imitators. There will be problems. There will be hiccups, roadblocks, loss, and strife. But you get back up and you keep going. You remember that one tough day does not erase one hundred great ones. You remember all the customers who say thank you. You remember all the problems you have helped customers to solve. You remember all the wonderful people you have met along the way. You remember that no matter what happens, we are a family and we are all working toward the same goals. You remember that making great products is what we do, and even after 75 years, we can always do better. That is what breeds excellence. That is what breeds longevity. That is what breeds innovation. That is what breeds success.

    We are grateful for our history and for the dedicated employees, past and present, who have worked so hard to make this company a success. We are excited to see what is next and we look forward to the next 75 years!

    • 75 years is Challenging.
    • 75 years is Exhilarating.
    • 75 years is Exciting.
    • 75 years is Incredible.
    • 75 years is Amazing.
    • 75 years is APM Hexseal.

    Ever Better.

  7. In celebration of International Women’s Day: What Does It Mean to Be an Icon?

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    Such an interesting term, used to describe many people and many things but what does it truly signify?

    In layman’s terms, icon means idol, standout, pinnacle – the essence of greatness in a category. Icons can come from anywhere or from any walk of life.  It is their unparalleled success or excellence that awards them the status of icon. What is usually fascinating about icons is their journey, their history, their “how I got here” story. There is always a definitive uniqueness to their spirit and character that clarifies the why that was the impetus for the how. Once you understand the innate qualities that would allow no outcome other than success, the story of the journey makes perfect sense.

    APM Hexseal has had our share of Icons. In recognition of International Women’s month, we celebrate and honor the life of our co-founder and matriarch of the business, Riva Solins Morse, who passed away in January of 2018, at almost 101 years old.  APM Hexseal was founded more than 75 years ago by Riva and her inventor husband, Milton Morse.  Milton was the genius in the lab and Riva was the sales engine. Driven and dynamic, her tireless efforts launched what would become a pioneer in the industry.  75 years ago, having women in the tech sector was not only uncommon, in an executive position it was unheard of.  A mighty force of nature, Riva worked side by side with Milton and developed the framework of the sales channel that still exists at APM Hexseal today.  She was the genius behind the genius and is equally responsible, with Milton, for the long and successful history that APM Hexseal has enjoyed. 

    Up until a month before she passed, Riva would still come in from time to time.  She would walk through the office, wave to the people and spend a bit of time visiting.  Smaller in stature but not at all diminished in status, she still radiated the smart, sassy and devoted woman who literally built the company. We miss seeing her but take solace in knowing that she is up there somewhere, an ethereal guiding hand for APM Hexseal. We honor her, and all the hard working and amazing women who have made APM Hexseal successful, by continuing Riva’s tradition of the drive toward excellence, dedication and accepting no outcome other than success.  On the wall in her office still hangs one of her favorite paintings… a Manet.  Another Icon.

  8. APM Hexseal Year In Review 2022

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    What a year!  Looking back, 2022 was a challenging but successful year for APM Hexseal.  We are in the midst of a lot of changes and upgrades and our business is on the march.  The last couple of years have indeed been difficult to navigate. Operating during a worldwide pandemic, then emerging and being faced with major disruptions and price increases in the global supply chain.  In spite of it all, APM Hexseal worked harder, produced more, learned more, changed more and grew more than we have since our founding, 70+ years ago.  Our business is stronger and healthier than it has ever been, and we are so proud of our efforts and successes – all of it focused on delivering better products to our customers. 

    The year was spent finding new and better ways to manage our supply chain.  We added a Director of Supply Chain to the team, who immediately began to find alternative sources and better ways to structure our raw material purchases. We have increased our focus on quality in the supply chain and brought onboard new vendors who meet our strict standards.

    We are committed to continuous improvement in manufacturing. We have upgraded our processes, our tooling and our machine shop to better serve the needs of our customers and partners. We have changed the layout of our facility to be more efficient and represent a lean, continuous workflow. We restructured our warehouse and made significant changes to how we stock product.  We have added head count in key areas throughout the organization, from the front of the building to the back.  We have increased our capacity on the manufacturing floor and augmented our automated processes to focus on efficiency and quality.

    We have raised our internal quality standards and have engaged our entire staff in the pursuit of excellence. We have done several rounds of in-house employee quality training sessions, which will continue.  In addition, we completed, and passed, our full ISO Audit, ISO 9001:2015 – our certificate can be found here.  Everyone in the building is focused on making APM Hexseal’s products the best and most reliable in the world.  Ever Better is our mantra and we live by it, every day.  

    We have increased our investment in Engineering and documentation control.  We added personnel, along with upgrading our drafting and document storage capabilities. We have invested in Solidworks, as well as some other software systems that will allow us to more easily research and develop new products. 

    Our sales team has continued to expand, both internally and throughout the world. We have a full internal sales staff, along with a global network of best-in-class Sales Representatives who assist and support customers on a daily basis.  In addition, our extensive global distribution network stocks and ships products, all over the world, seamlessly. We have also enhanced our software systems to better serve our customers. Excellence in execution is our top priority. Our goal is to provide outstanding products, at a fair price, when our customers need them, with exemplary service. 

    We closed 2022 with strong growth and an ambitious list of goals for the next several years.  Looking ahead to 2023, we plan to continue our aggressive pursuit of growth through excellence.  With an eye toward our future and long-term business objectives, APM Hexseal will embrace a trajectory of ever improving quality, ever improving processes, ever improving service and ever improving execution. Thanks to all of our customers, suppliers, partners and supporters, 2023 and beyond look very bright and we are excited to show you what we can do. We thank you for your support and your business and we wish you all a healthy and prosperous 2023!      Ever Better!

  9. Stainless Steel Advantages

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    Stainless Steel Advantages

    Stainless steel is a metal used in various applications due to its durability, heat and corrosion resistance, and variety of grades and types. We will explore what stainless steel is and the different types of stainless steel while also describing the advantages of stainless steel in various applications.

    What Is Stainless Steel?

    Stainless steel is an alloy composed of varying amounts of manganese, silicon, chromium, and low-carbon steel. The chromium content in stainless steel provides lasting corrosion resistance in oxygenated environments and extreme temperatures and can deliver exceptional durability when hardened. While stainless steel is typically an alloy composed of the four components above, select grades add molybdenum and nickel to improve the corrosion resistance. While there are several compositions, for a steel alloy to be considered stainless steel, it must contain 10.5% chromium or more.

    Various grades of stainless steel exist to deliver performance in a broad spectrum of applications. Additives in stainless steel alloy include:

    • Carbon
    • Copper
    • Manganese
    • Molybdenum
    • Nickel
    • Nitrogen
    • Silicon
    • Sulfur

    Throughout the alloying process, manufacturers assess and measure the composition to create stainless steel with the desired properties.

    Types of Stainless Steel

    There are five primary types of stainless steel and various grades to choose from, with the 300 and 400 series being the most popular. The following five categories classify stainless steel:

    • Austenitic: The most popular stainless steel type that improves formability and weldability with nitrogen, manganese, and nickel additives.
    • Ferritic: A chromium-based, magnetic stainless steel used in limited applications with a carbon content of 0.10%.
    • Duplex: A 50/50 combination of austenitic and ferritic stainless steel that offers resistance and strength but does not withstand welding well.
    • Martensitic: A stainless steel type similar to ferritic steel that offers higher strength than ferritic but less resistance than austenitic steel due to its higher carbon content.
    • Precipitation Hardening (PH): A stainless steel type with aluminum, niobium, and copper additives and exceptional strength due to an aging heat treatment.

    Stainless Steel Benefits

    Stainless steel offers various advantages that make it a preferred choice in many applications. Benefits of stainless steel include:

    Strength

    Stainless steel is a high-strength alloy. It can maintain strength at extremely low and high temperatures making it desirable for many applications.

    Cleanliness

    Stainless steel prohibits pathogen and bacterial growth and can be easily cleaned and maintained. It can be cleaned to a shiny finish with a swabbing and all-purpose cleaner, followed by polishing. Stainless steel’s low maintenance and ease of cleaning make it ideal for sanitary applications in kitchens and hospitals.

    Aesthetics

    Stainless steel has a sleek metallic appearance that works well with classic and modern aesthetics. Homeowners appreciate the beauty and functionality of stainless steel in their homes. Stainless steel is a preferred material for home items like appliances that can increase the value and appearance of the space.

    Corrosion Resistance

    Stainless steel has excellent resistance to water staining, rust, and corrosion. It can handle various environmental conditions with extreme temperatures and pressures. The corrosion resistance of stainless steel comes from the chromium content that creates a self-repairing barrier over the surface of the metal to resist corrosion, rust, and damage. Grades of stainless steel with increased molybdenum, titanium, and nickel content can enhance the alloy’s properties, including corrosion resistance.

    Recyclability

    Stainless steel is highly recyclable. After a stainless steel product has exceeded its lifespan, it can be recycled to make other stainless steel products. Most stainless steel products already contain recycled materials.

    Durability

    Stainless steel is one of the most durable metals used today. It can be made lightweight and maintain a high toughness to reduce buckling under heavy loads. Stainless steel can hold  heavy weights in extreme environmental conditions, including high and low temperatures.

    Applications of Stainless Steel

    The following applications rely on stainless steel for its many advantages:

    • Medical: Stainless steel is a primary component of forceps, needle holders, blades, clamps, and surgical knives used in medicine. Artificial valves and pacemakers to help the heart pump blood and beat rely on stainless steel. Parts made of stainless steel are used in critical healthcare machinery like stretchers, ECG, and EKG systems.
    • Infrastructure: Aviation, marine, railway, and bridge construction applications rely on stainless steel for its corrosion-resistant properties. Many world economies depend on stainless steel infrastructure for its strength and corrosion resistance. It is also ideal for window and door frames, cladding, and roofing.
    • Machinery: Stainless steel’s cryogenic and conductive properties make it the preferred alloy for ovens, tanks, and heat exchangers. Petrochemical, chemical, food pickling, and desalination plants rely on stainless steel machinery. Paper and pulp, off-shore oil and gas, and marine applications also rely on stainless steel components.
    • Defense and Domestic: Stainless steel has been a primary material in defense since World War II due to its light weight and high tensile strength. Missiles, tank fasteners, and springs in artillery guns rely on stainless steel. It is also a primary material in domestic goods for daily life, including kitchen sinks, utensils, and vehicle fuel and exhaust lines. Domestic applications count for approximately 3/4 of modern stainless steel use.

    Rely on APM Hexseal for Your Stainless Steel Manufacturing Solutions

    Stainless steel is a preferred alloy for its durability at light weights, heat, weather, and corrosion resistance, and its ability to be made in various grades for the desired properties. APM Hexseal has been manufacturing stainless steel solutions for various industries for more than 60 years. Contact us or request a quote for your stainless steel solution today.

  10. Get Into the Groove

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    Founded in 1947, APM Hexseal is a leader in developing and manufacturing environmental sealing solutions for the advanced protection and longevity of circuit breakers and electromechanical switches.

    APM Hexseal is a trusted sealing products provider for extreme military, commercial, and industrial applications. With worldwide sales representation, a national and international distribution network, and a growing product line, we are well-equipped to service your sealing needs quickly and effectively. We also offer technical support, an experienced engineering team, and a first-rate machine shop for the development of exceptional customized sealing solutions.

    Our eBook “Get Into The Groove” gives an in-depth review of our processes and extensive line of sealing hardware grooves. Here you’ll find an overview of our sealing solutions.

    Custom Design in Our Sealing Solutions

    The designers, engineers, and manufacturers at APM Hexseal work together to develop durable products that withstand extreme operating environments. Our bolts, screws, and other fasteners have custom built-in grooves to ensure the sealing elements fit precisely under the fastener head.

    To ensure a long-lasting seal, our Seelnuts® have a unique groove that lets us mold the elastomer right into the threads. This product design creates a tight, leak-proof seal while preventing external debris or contaminants from entering operations.

    Our Custom Design Sealing Offerings

    With more than 70 years of industry experience, APM Hexseal has the knowledge and skills to deliver high-performance sealing solutions that meet the demands of even the most volatile environments. Our innovative sealing technology offers easy installation and effective sealing performance.

    Our sealing products are available in various locking options and multiple finishes:

    • Seelskrews® and Seelbolts®: The self-sealing fasteners provide a reusable and reliable seal that prevents contaminants from entering and fluids from escaping. They are effective in a broad range of applications, such as high-pressure and high-impact settings.
    • Seelnuts®: One of our earliest innovations is Seelnuts®, which offers reliable performance in temperatures between 103 °F and 400 °F. The self-sealing hardware products are beneficial in a wide variety of applications, easy to install, and compatible with standard bolts, screws, and studs.
    • Seeloc® Washers: Our Seeloc® washers are compatible with standard bolts, screws, and studs and can accommodate temperatures ranging between 103 °F and 400 °F with external pressures up to 100 psi. Used in a broad range of industries in various sealing applications, the washers consist of molded silicone rubber bonded to stainless steel washers. We also provide a heavy-duty variation that can produce 50% more torque handling capability.

    Uncompromised Fastener Integrity

    To achieve reliable fastening and sealing from the hardware, it is imperative that the fastener’s integrity remains completely intact during fabrication. When a groove gets cut into a screw, bolt, or nut after manufacturing, it could damage the structural integrity of the hardware, potentially leading to breakage and other issues. APM Hexseal maintains the integrity of our hardware by incorporating the groove into the manufacturing process with cold-forming techniques.

    Wide Range of Applications

    Choosing the proper fastener with the appropriate groove geometry is important to provide proper sealing. The screw size, panel cut-out, and other factors will determine the exact parameters of the intended groove for a fastener.

    Our experienced team can make individualized recommendations to ensure our hardware provides the best seal possible. We consider the clearance holes, panel characteristics, and other variables related to the application.

    APM Hexseal can customize nearly any aspect of a self-sealing fastener, such as:

    • Fastener material: While we typically use stainless steel for our standard fasteners, we can utilize many other metals to meet specific application needs.
    • Sealing ring material: We use a wide variety of elastomers to mold our sealing rings. Customers can choose from an array of materials based on the exact conditions the fastener will encounter in the specific application. We can also customize the elastomer color.
    • Value-added design features and finishes. Our fasteners can include locking features such as self-locking strips, patches, and pallets. We offer a broad range of finish and paint options to enhance the final product’s aesthetic appeal and overall functionality.

    Get Into the Groove With APM Hexseal

    Download our eBook “Get Into the Groove” to learn more about our sealing hardware product line. Regardless of your industry application, we can provide an appropriate sealing solution to meet your specific requirements.

Ever Better.

We have been developing and manufacturing quality Sealing Solutions since 1947. Have a project in mind?

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