Adhesive Applications on Filter Assembly

Adhesive applications on filters are as diverse as the materials they filter. Here we have selected a few common applications:

Automotive Filters

> Seam Sealing
> Bonding Rubber Gaskets
> Bonding Filter Assembly to End Plates

Process Filters

> Sealing

AUTOMOTIVE FILTERS
Seam Sealing: Rolled seams are found in oil filters, fuel filers, and air filters. They are formed by cold rolling the edges of two metal flanges like the lid of a tin can. Generally the "can" is rotated while a stationary set of rollers moves in to crimp the can closed.

Anaerobic adhesives / sealants are prefered since they are more environmentally friendly, non flammable, 100% solids and lend themselves to automation. Anaerobics cure in the absence of oxygen and the presence of metal at room temperature.

Bonding Rubber Gaskets: Rubber gaskets are found on the base plates of most filters. Choosing an adhesive to attach these gaskets is largely dependent on the temperature and chemical resistance required of the filter. Both cyanoacrylates and epoxies are commonly used.

In automotive filters, cyanoacrylate adhesives are generally used to bond the gasket to the outside of the base plate as they resist upwards of the 200F requirement, and are oil and gasoline resistant. This gasket helps to properly seat the oil filter when it is installed on the engine.

Bonding Filter Assembly to End Plates: Single part epoxies are prefered to bond the filter assembly. This is because they offer a simpler process which does not damage the media as welding can and also provides additional assurance of seal because the epoxy is used as a potting compound and a bonding agent.

PROCESS FILTERS
Sealing: Process industry filters made of metal housing and metal mesh media can be welded or sealed with an anaerobic or epoxy depending on the end use requirements.

Again the temperature and resistance requirements dictate the type of adhesive used but generally ultraviolet & visible light curable adhesives exceed the bond strength of epoxies on plastics and exceed the fluid resistance of cyanoacrylates.