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Author Archives: APM Hexseal

1. Seal Stuff In, Seal Stuff Out Part 1 – Sealing Boots & Bushings

   January 29, 2019 4:11 pm Comments Off on Seal Stuff In, Seal Stuff Out Part 1 – Sealing Boots & Bushings

   Industrial mechanical equipment must reliably perform essential tasks, even while operating in challenging conditions. The slightest error or malfunction can lead to time-consuming and costly maintenance or repairs. A lack of appropriate or complete sealing can cause failure in industrial machinery, so using appropriate sealing solutions and checking them regularly during maintenance operations can help to avoid unexpected downtime.

   Improper sealing of critical elements, such as switches, circuit breakers, and control panels, can leave them vulnerable to adverse environmental conditions. Corrosion, contamination buildup, and electrical malfunction can arise from unwanted indoor or outdoor environmental exposure.

   Sealing boots and bushings are employed by numerous industries to preserve the reliability and longevity of various tools, equipment, and their components. These elements act as barriers to protect sensitive components by sealing them from the external environment. Sealing boots are elastomer-based covers that are placed over various types of switch configurations, while bushings are specially designed to protect the mounting holes.

   Eliminating the Risk of Contamination

   Sealing products can be used in a broad range of industrial applications to form an impenetrable seal that either keeps contaminants in or locks them out. Boots and bushings are typically used to protect equipment against numerous indoor and outdoor contaminants including:

   • Extreme temperatures
     Extremely high temperatures can cause overheating, which can damage sensitive electrical components in switches. Conversely, extremely low temperatures can result in the formation of ice in the actuator wells if moisture isn’t kept at bay. Sealing boots and bushing seals can prevent these issues by providing effective insulation against extreme hot and cold environments.
   • Oil and chemicals
     Oils and chemicals resulting from leaks in HVAC systems, elevators, security systems, and other industrial machinery can travel down mounting holes and negatively affect internal circuitry. Sealing solutions, such as boots and bushings, are designed to form a 360° airtight seal around the switch, base, and mounting hole to prevent the intrusion of unwanted fluids. This form of protection also applies to spilled food and beverage items.
   • Environmental contaminants
     Contamination from the environment occurs as a result of both indoor and outdoor exposure. Rain, snow, dust, and sand are just some of the environmental elements that can seep into the vulnerable areas of electrical equipment and cause a multitude of problems. The presence of salt in the environment can also be especially damaging to various mechanical equipment and components. Salt-rich environments, which can be found near seawater and on roadways with deicing chemicals, can promote or accelerate corrosive processes.

   Sealing solutions protect against contamination by forming a hermetic seal which shields sensitive components from these undesirable contaminants and conditions.

   Common Industrial Applications

   As technology continues to advance, so too does the reliance on electronic and automated mechanisms. These sophisticated systems, however, are highly sensitive to adverse external conditions and prone to frequent malfunction and failure.

   Some electrical components also have interdependent systems where the malfunction of one element can impact the entire system. Sealing boots and bushings may be used to protect numerous interdependent mechanical and electrical systems including:

   • HVAC systems
   • Security systems
   • Circuit breakers
   • Communication switches
   • Vehicular components
   • Instrumentation panels
   • Aircraft control panels
   • Emergency systems – fire, ambulance, EMS
   • Utility systems – electricity, gas, water
   • Drilling systems and drilling monitoring systems

   APM Hexseal Sealing Solutions

   APM Hexseal offers a broad range of sealing products to help protect almost any mechanical or electrical device. Our seals are specially designed to extend the life of a wide array of switch configurations in the most demanding environmental conditions. Some of the sealing solutions offered by APM Hexseal include:

   • Toggle boots: These seals are ideal for switches that are actuated in a back and forth motion.
   • Pushbutton boots: Our pushbutton boots are engineered to protect switches that are operated by a push or press motion.
   • Rotary boots: These boots are designed to accommodate the rotational motion of rotary switches and can also withstand friction without impeding actuation movement.
   • Circuit breaker boots: Circuit breaker boots help to seal and protect breaker switches, preventing short-circuits and potential fire hazards.
   • Rocker boots: These seals protect rocker switch panels while accommodating their unique actuating movements.
   • Busing seals: Bushing seals complement sealing boots by protecting vulnerable mounting holes.

   Our engineering team can also provide customized engineered solutions to meet the requirements of any unique application. If you are interested in using our sealing solutions to protect your electrical or mechanical equipment, feel free to contact us or request your quote today.
   

   Ever better.

2. APM Hexseal’s 2018 Year in Review

   December 5, 2018 4:52 pm Comments Off on APM Hexseal’s 2018 Year in Review

   As the year comes to an end, we reflect on our highlights from 2018. Read on as we honor our employees and celebrate our achievements from one of APM Hexseal’s most productive years.

   Honoring Riva Solins-Morse and David Morse

   2018 began with the devastating loss of our co-founder, Riva Solins-Morse, in February, and her son and APM Hexseal owner, David Morse, in April. Both were beloved and respected by the entire APM Hexseal family, and their loss was monumental to us all.

   We’ve worked hard to honor their memory. Despite the losses of these foundational family members, we’ve honored their memory by ushering in one of APM Hexseal’s most productive and transformative years.

   A New Leadership Team

   APM Hexseal celebrated a number of exciting and significant changes in our organization during our 71st year in business. Susanna Morse, granddaughter of co-founders Milton and Riva Morse, has stepped into a leadership role, guiding the direction and development of the company. She is the 3rd generation to occupy a strategic role at APM Hexseal and is joined by her mother, Carol Morse, in defining the vision and plan for the company as we look towards the future.  

   Our General Manager, Bill Foster, has retired and we are excited to have Russ Wheeler join APM Hexseal and assume this key leadership role for the company.  Russ comes from a diverse manufacturing background and under his guidance, we are confident that APM Hexseal will achieve our strategic vision and aggressive growth goals.

   Rounding out the leadership team are Jackie Hackett, new Senior Director of Global Sales, and Frank Konchalski, new Senior Director of Engineering and Quality. Together with Russ Wheeler, they will chart APM Hexseal’s course for 2019.

   APM Hexseal looks forward to new strategies for the planning and development of the company under the vision and guidance of our new leadership.  

   Lean Initiatives

   As part of our efforts for self-improvement, we’ve undertaken a companywide 6S Lean Initiative. Focusing on six core features (Sort, Set, Standardize, Shine, Sustain, and Safety) crucial to manufacturing success, this initiative aims to identify ways in which we can improve individual processes and procedures to optimize the services that we provide.

   This initiative has already lead to massive transformations throughout our team. 6S Lean Initiative’s focus on self-evaluation and ongoing improvement will help us achieve our goal of delivering top-quality products and services to our customers.

   Training Initiatives

   In 2018, APM Hexseal introduced a series of on-site training programs for employees. These programs work within the Lean Initiative curriculum to boost employee engagement and enthusiasm throughout our facility. Through our on-site training initiatives, we increased employee–management communication, empowering employees to share ideas and suggestions in a collaborative and supportive environment.

   Launching new products and services

   We at APM Hexseal are constantly searching for innovative solutions to new challenges. Our wide-reaching sales force works hard to nurture relationships with long-term customers and uncover new ways for them to achieve their goals.

   APM Hexseal will continue to build its status as an innovator and leader in sealing solutions into 2019. With the introduction of a new line of standard and customized products, we look forward to providing our customers with unmatched services.

   Giving back to the community

   APM Hexseal has launched several eco-friendly and philanthropic initiatives in its effort to help improve the quality of life locally and around the world. Along with our ongoing support for a number of domestic and international charities, we’re continuously seeking to improve the environmental efficiency of both our products and processes.

   ISO 9001:2015 Certification

   As of August 2018, we are now proudly certified in accordance with ISO 9001:2015. The ISO 9001 is a gold standard of quality management, certifying the safety and efficiency of our processes.

   With the ISO 9001:2015 certification, APM Hexseal demonstrates that it provides products and services that consistently meet customer requirements. The certification testifies to the quality management principles that our company embodies, including strong leadership, commitment to customers, and evidence-based decision making.

   Renewed Marketing Strategy

   To bolster customer engagement in 2019, we’ve adopted a more aggressive marketing approach. We hope to reach diverse audiences across the globe through our marketing efforts.

   As part of our revamped marketing strategy, we will be publishing comprehensive blog posts and eBooks offering insights and news concerning the sealing industry. We are very excited to further cement our position as a sealing industry leader. Stay tuned for more insights and information as they go live on our site.

   Updates to the Website

   As part of our revamped marketing strategy, we’re giving our website a full overhaul. With exciting new updates releasing soon, we seek to meet the growing needs of our customers across a range of industries.

   Our visitors will now be able to find engaging and insightful content on our site. Subscribe to our newsfeed for receiving timely information on these updates.

   Download Our New eBook: Seal Stuff In, Seal Stuff Out

   We launched our first eBook, “Seal Stuff In, Seal Stuff Out”, earlier this year. The free eBook informs readers about the best ways to improve their machines’ efficiency by using the right sealing solutions.

   This insightful guide will cover:

   • Why equipment failures occur
   • Hostile environments where problems can occur
   • Sealing mechanical equipment
   • Sealing electrical equipment

   Full Speed Ahead for 2019

   We once again want to take this time to honor the passing of Riva Solins-Morse and David Morse. Their steady leadership has made APM Hexseal into the industry leader it is today.

   We are quite pleased with our performance in 2018. Our Lean Initiative, employee training programs, and new marketing strategy will continue to build our reputation as a service-based and customer-focused organization. Having been certified as a quality service provider by ISO, we are extremely optimistic about the year ahead.

   If you would like to learn more about our products and processes at APM Hexseal, please contact us. We would love to have a chat with you.

   Ever better.

3. APM Hexseal is proud to support our local community!

   November 27, 2018 10:30 am Comments Off on APM Hexseal is proud to support our local community!

   APM Hexseal is proud to support our local community!

   This Thanksgiving, our generous owners and staff donated more than 500 lbs. of food, along with a sizeable monetary contribution, to The Office Of Concern Food Pantry at St. Cecelia’s in Englewood, NJ.

   Together, we rise!

   Ever better.

4. Are Your Electronics Prepared to Weather the Storm?

   October 12, 2018 8:59 am Comments Off on Are Your Electronics Prepared to Weather the Storm?

   For most manufacturers, equipment and system failures can be the stuff of nightmares. When one thing fails, it may have ripple effects that end up endangering your entire operation. While everyday wear and tear can certainly affect your equipment, it’s often substances found in your equipment’s environment that are the most damaging––such as water, chemicals, and dirt. When these materials come into contact with your equipment, they can threaten to contaminate, damage, and even ruin your electronics, which can send shockwaves across your entire system.

   Ubiquitous substances like water and dirt are hazardous in their own right, but for equipment located outdoors, these materials can become even more dangerous. You’re not only facing some serious environmental challenges, but extreme changes in temperature paired with increasingly frequent hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and blizzards are becoming the norm.

   As we delve into the warm summer months, 2018’s hurricane season is just around the corner and shaping up to be a year with above-average hurricane strength and activity. The environmental effects brought upon by serious weather events can be especially threatening to mechanical and electronic instruments, making it critical to find protective solutions.

   Opening the Flood Gates

   Flooding is one of the greatest threats extreme weather events pose to mechanical equipment. Severe floods cause much more than moisture damage, as flood waters gather debris, dirt, oil, waste, and other contaminants and carry them along. These contaminants can get into equipment and cause severe damage. This type of damage to improperly protected equipment can be wildly unpredictable and financially catastrophic.

   APM Hexseal’s line of sealing solutions can help commercial and industrial sites protect electronic equipment against possible damage, contamination and failure caused by flooding. These products shield electronics, enabling them to withstand prolonged exposure to dangerous contaminants. There’s an old saying: Forewarned is forearmed. Preparation is key to ensuring your electronics remain safe during any extreme weather event.

   Electronics Sealing Solutions

   For 70 years, APM Hexseal has been providing our customers with reliable, secure sealing solutions for a wide array of fields and industries. We know what the cost of failure is for our customers, so we strive every day to prevent them from ever experiencing that failure. This is the driving force behind our efforts to create cost-effective, high-quality products.

   We offer a complete line of electronics sealing solutions, including sealing hardware and boots, designed to protect sensitive electronic components and instruments from a variety of invasive and damaging elements. Here are a few of our favorite products that can help put another layer between your equipment and hazardous moisture and other contaminants:

   • Seelskrews®/Seelbolts®
     Our Seelskrews® and Seelbolts® offer a reliable and reusable seal that prevents dust, air, water, lubricants, liquids, and gaseous substances from contaminating your instruments. Conversely, they also excel at containment of substances. They’re vibration-resistant, making them the ideal choice for applications that experience day-to-day jarring or repetitive movement. APM Hexseal’s Seelskrews® and Seelbolts® are available in many standard thread sizes and with various o-ring elastometer options to ensure that they fit your unique application.
   • Seelnuts®
     Our Seelnuts® are innovative self-sealing hexagonal nuts that can be used with ordinary screws, bolts, and studs. Use as a conventional nut makes them a quick and easy sealing option for many applications—particularly those that need to withstand high internal or external pressures. Made from a high-quality rubber, these self-sealing nuts provide a positive seal along the threaded section of the nut and the surface it contacts, eliminating the need for gaskets, sealing compounds, or other coatings along the contact surface. Additionally, our Seelnuts® are reusable, so they can easily be reapplied––making them a cost-effective and efficient option.
   • Seeloc® Washers
     The design of Seeloc® washers bonds molded silicone rubber to specially formed stainless steel washers. Like our Seelnuts®, our Seeloc® washers can be used with conventional screws, bolts, or studs, making them an easy alternative in place of regular washers in almost any application. The washers provide extra strength as the silicone rubber creates a unique, high-pressure seal under the head of the associated fasteners. Though versatile enough for nearly any application, these washers make excellent plugs for knockout holes found in control boxes or electrical cabinets. Like APM Hexseal’s other products, these washers are also reusable, making them ideal for applications that require regular maintenance or adjustments.
   • Circuit Breaker Boots
     Using our custom silicone material, RUBRGLAS®, our lever-actuated circuit breaker boots protect breakers from weather exposure, washings, salt water, lubricants, solvents, dust, dirt, grease, and more, without interfering with the circuit breaker’s operation or status recognition. We offer both front-of-panel and back-of-panel options to fit your particular need and application. No matter which you choose, you can be sure that APM Hexseal’s circuit breaker boots will extend the longevity of your circuit breaker and protect the security of your system as a whole.
   • Rocker Boots
     APM Hexseal’s rocker boots use rocker switches, which do not include a threaded mounting nut.  Most of our rocker boots do not include an insert or frame of any kind, and they’re designed to be inserted as an added component during the switch installation, while also providing protection against splashing water, salt spray, and other liquids. Like our circuit breaker boots, our rocker boots use our own RUBRGLAS® for optimal protection.

   Learn More

   At APM Hexseal, we pride ourselves on offering a wide selection of products that fit almost any application and industry. We are a time-tested company serving customers in a wide range of sectors, such as:

   • Military/Defense
   • Agriculture
   • Marine
   • Food & Beverage
   • Warehousing/Distribution
   • Construction
   • Drilling
   • Medical/Healthcare
   • Power & Energy
   • Manufacturing/Industrial

   We also understand that a standard design doesn’t always suit the specific needs of every application. We have a team of customization experts prepared to create a customized sealing solution specific to the needs of your facility or operation. We also have a strict “all-under-one-roof” policy, which means we will handle your entire order – from the first contact, to design, to manufacturing – under the roof of our own New Jersey facility.

   With another hurricane season bringing with it the potential for more violent storms, it’s important to be prepared for almost any weather emergency. While we certainly hope that you never have to experience a catastrophic failure in your equipment or system, part of responsible operation means preventing those failures. This can be achieved by taking steps to protect yourself and your electronics from potential damage by water, salt, and other contaminants in the event that the worst happens.

   Our products carry numerous quality certifications, many are recognized by UL, and all are reusable to promote sustainability and ease in your operation. APM Hexseal products provide you with a smart, economical choice for NEMA-rated enclosures, as well as applications that require frequent maintenance or access. When failure is not an option—Cover it. Seal it. Protect it.

   We have the solutions available to make sure you’re fully capable of avoiding catastrophic failures due to environmental contamination. Contact our team of sealing experts at APM Hexseal today for more information.

    

   Ever better.

5. Download Our New eBook: Seal Stuff In, Seal Stuff Out

   September 13, 2018 2:55 pm Comments Off on Download Our New eBook: Seal Stuff In, Seal Stuff Out

   One of the best ways to make sure that your machinery stays up and running in the face of adversity is to make sure that it’s properly sealed. Of course, it’s not always easy to determine whether the integrity of your seals are up to par. How can you tell when you have a problem? Our eBook, Seal Stuff In, Seal Stuff Out, offers guidance on selecting the right sealing solution for your situation.  

    

6. Hazardous Environments that Cause Equipment Failures

   August 31, 2018 12:17 pm Comments Off on Hazardous Environments that Cause Equipment Failures

   

   If you frequently work in hazardous environments, you already know the risks they pose to your equipment on a daily basis and how important it is to protect against mechanical corrosion—and, worse, equipment failure. It’s crucial to take precautions so your machinery stays up and running even in the most unforgiving operating conditions.

   One of the best ways to prevent equipment failures is to make sure that your tools are properly sealed. If you need guidance on selecting the right sealing solution for your application, the experts at APM Hexseal are here to help.

   The Causes of Equipment Failure

   Hazardous environments are settings in which typical atmospheric conditions can damage a piece of equipment. Regardless of the exact location, unsealed electrical devices are much more likely to succumb in harsh conditions than other pieces of equipment.

   The three main causes of equipment failure, particularly among unsealed machinery, include:

   • Surface degradation. This is the most common cause of failure, usually precipitated by corrosion and mechanical wear when unsealed equipment is exposed to water or other fluids. Exposure to water will often cause iron surfaces to rust and ultimately fail.
   • Obsolescence. Occasionally, the range of components typically deemed suitable for a piece of equipment can be restricted in hazardous environments. This can force equipment downtime while more appropriate parts are being redesigned or upgraded.
   • Accidents. In any hazardous environment, there is always a risk of accidents, but taking preventative action such as routine maintenance checks can help to lower it.

    

   Common Hazardous Environment Types

   Hazardous environments exist both indoors and outdoors and pose varying risks depending on location. Specifically, there are three common conditions that make for a hazardous working environment:

   • Extreme temperature. APM Hexseal products provide effective insulation against extreme heat and cold conditions for applications such as paving or plowing machines, construction and drilling equipment, outdoor survival gear, and laboratory equipment.
   • Oil and chemicals. Our sealing solutions can protect machinery against spills and leaks from oil and other chemicals that may cause a reaction. Common applications withstanding these conditions include elevators, HVAC systems, security systems, and scientific and agricultural instruments that require sealing screws to keep out contaminants.
   • Water and weather. Protecting against water damage is a challenge, but our products are designed with versatility in mind, and range from electrical panels, marine and boating equipment, outdoor construction equipment, and train steering systems.

    

   Learn More from APM Hexseal

   At APM Hexseal, we offer products specifically designed to keep your devices safe from common sources of damage—no matter what environment they operate in. From sealed switches and self-sealing hardware to sealing washers and boots, we have what you need to keep your equipment running for years to come.

   To learn more about our diverse sealing solutions, download our recently published eBook, “Seal Stuff In, Seal Stuff Out,” or Ask the Experts at APM Hexseal about a custom solution for your unique equipment.

   

    

   Download Our eBook: “Seal Stuff In, Seal Stuff Out”

    

   Ever better.

7. APM Hexseal is Now ISO 9001:2015 Certified

   August 16, 2018 2:29 pm Comments Off on APM Hexseal is Now ISO 9001:2015 Certified

   APM Hexseal is proud to announce that we are now ISO 9001:2015 certified. This achievement is evidence of our strategic direction, forward placement in the market, and dedication to continuous improvement throughout our operation. We constantly strive to advance our processes while adhering to strict safety and quality standards.

   At APM Hexseal, our products and services meet or exceed the expectations set forth by our customers. To do this, we understand we must also meet or exceed the highest industry standards, such as those put forth by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

   What is ISO 9001 Certification?

   

   With more than 161 standards bodies comprising its membership and more than 22,000 published standards in its library, the ISO provides a comprehensive set of international standards across a wide range of industries to help businesses create quality products, drive efficiency in processes and practices, and operate safely. ISO 9001:2015 is the most current set of standards put forth by the ISO, and companies that meet these standards demonstrate a commitment to excellence.

   Put simply, ISO certification is a quality management evaluation tool that helps a business update internal processes, which in turn improves efficiency and effectiveness. The certification is assessed and granted only by accredited certification agencies.

   Why is ISO Certification Important?

   ISO Certification is a voluntary means of recognizing a company’s dedication to high quality, consistency, and current best practices. By obtaining ISO 9001:2015 certification, APM Hexseal has proven that we consistently meet the ISO’s high standards for leadership, customer satisfaction, employee wellness, and more.

   Each aspect of the ISO 9001 is constantly reviewed and upgraded every five years to ensure that each new version accounts for new market trends, corporate best practices, and more.

   The following seven quality management principles drive ISO 9000 standards:

   • Customer focus
   • Leadership
   • People Engagement
   • Process Approach
   • Improvement
   • Evidence-based decision-making
   • Relationship management

   ISO standards align with APM Hexseal Corporation’s inclusive quality policy statement, and we are proud to join more than 1.1 million other businesses around the world in demonstrating our commitment to customer satisfaction. Our quality policy states that we will provide products and services that go beyond the norm, and we’ve been doing just that for 70 years.

   Visit our quality policy page to learn more about our dedication to progress. If you would like to view our ISO 9001:2015 registration certificate, click here.

   Ever better.

8. APM Hexseal Announces Leadership Team

   July 25, 2018 11:57 am Comments Off on APM Hexseal Announces Leadership Team

   APM Hexseal, now in our 71st year of business, is celebrating some significant changes in our organization. Susanna Morse, granddaughter of co-founders Milton and Riva Morse, will be stepping into a leadership role, guiding the direction and development of the company. She is the 3rd generation to occupy a strategic role at APM Hexseal and is joined by her mother, Carol Morse, in defining the vision and plan for the company as we look towards the future.
   

   Ever better.

9. Patents Granted Full and Half Inverted Bellows Toggle Switch Boots

   May 14, 2016 6:36 pm Leave a Comment

   Avoid unintentionally tripping a sensitive breaker/switch into the on/off position by attaching the patented APM Hexseal 1131/60 or 1132/60 inverted bellows toggle switch boot. There is an increasing number of breaker/switches that when covered with an environmental sealing switch cover can trip the breaker/switch into the off/on position due to the mere physics of being covered by the wrong type of cover. Our “Ultra Flex Series” with a bellows design incorporated therein is very able to combat this problem!
   

   Ever better.

10. APM Develops Sealing Solution for International Applications

    6:33 pm Leave a Comment

    The pushbutton boot with a flare is well-suited for a variety of different industrial, military, medical, marine and many other demanding applications where substandard quality and failure is not an option. The APM 1231/46 sealing boot provides an additional layer of protection against extreme environments including dust, splashing or hose-directed water. In addition, the sealing boot meets strict UL and NEMA requirements. As always APM toggle boots are molded from a high-tear strength silicone rubber (other materials available for specific environments) molded to a built-in mounting nut. Each encloses the base of the protruding switch bushing and forms a watertight and dust-tight seal to the front panel surface with a molded-in sealing rib.
    

    Ever better.