Fluorosilicone Form-In-Place (FIP) Gaskets: A High-Performance Sealing Solution for Harsh Environments
As electronic systems become more compact, mission-critical, and exposed to aggressive environments, the demand for robust, chemically resistant gasket materials is greater than ever. Fluorosilicone-based Form-In-Place (FIP) gaskets have emerged as an ideal solution, offering exceptional chemical durability and precise dispensing capabilities. This article explores why fluorosilicone is uniquely suited for harsh environments and sealed applications involving liquids, highlights key industries and use cases, and explains how TennMax delivers custom-engineered FIP solutions.
What Is Fluorosilicone and Why Is It Ideal for FIP Gaskets?
Fluorosilicone is a silicone-based elastomer modified with fluorine groups, giving it a unique combination of flexibility and chemical resistance. Like traditional silicones, fluorosilicones offer excellent temperature stability and aging characteristics, but they significantly outperform standard silicones when it comes to exposure to fuels, oils, solvents, and harsh chemicals.
Table of Contents
1. How Fluorosilicone Compares to Standard Silicone
While standard silicone excels in thermal and UV stability and polar solvents, it is not well-suited for applications involving hydrocarbons. Fluorosilicone retains the core benefits of silicone—elasticity, compressibility, and thermal range—but adds critical resistance to substances like jet fuel, gasoline, hydraulic fluid, and alcohol-based solvents. This makes it especially valuable in high-demand environments where chemical exposure is inevitable.
2. Standout Material Properties
Environmental durability: Including UV, ozone, and weathering resistance
Fungus resistance: Long-term reliability in humid or biological environments
Chemical Resistance: Withstands prolonged contact with fuels, oils, and industrial solvents.
Broad Temperature Range: Remains flexible and functional from –60°C to over +200°C.
EMI Shielding Compatibility: Can be filled with conductive materials like silver-aluminum or nickel-graphite to block electromagnetic interference.
Aging and Weather Resistance: Maintains properties over years of use in mission-critical devices.
Compressibility and Precision: Excellent sealing performance even when dispensed in ultra-fine bead geometries, critical for tight-tolerance electronic housings.
3. Key Industries and Applications
Fluorosilicone FIP gaskets are used in sectors where both environmental exposure and tight sealing are essential. Common applications include:
Aerospace & Defense
Aircraft and military systems rely on fluorosilicone for its resilience against aviation fuels, synthetic oils, and hydraulic fluids. Its longevity and chemical resistance are essential in maintaining seal integrity during extended missions.
Medical Devices
Fluorosilicone’s compatibility with aggressive sterilization agents and frequent cleaning cycles makes it ideal for sealing critical medical equipment and diagnostic devices.
Industrial Controls
In control systems exposed to temperature swings, moisture, or caustic fluids, fluorosilicone ensures long-term performance. It’s widely used in process automation, sensors, and environmental control systems.
Automotive & Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Modern vehicles—especially EVs—demand rugged gasketing solutions for battery packs, under-the-hood electronics, and ADAS modules. Fluorosilicone FIP gaskets offer a dependable seal even in high-temperature, chemically aggressive environments.
Telecom & 5G Infrastructure
Base stations, antenna modules, and outdoor enclosures benefit from the material’s ability to resist weathering, UV, and temperature extremes, while maintaining a consistent, repeatable seal.
4. Advantages of Form-In-Place (FIP) Dispensing
FIP gasketing technology is a modern, automated method of applying liquid or paste elastomers directly to component flanges. Once cured, the gasket conforms precisely to the part geometry.
Automated dispensing streamlines production and reduces labor cost
Custom-tailored bead profiles ensure a perfect fit, reducing material waste
No manual cutting, trimming, or adhesive application required
High repeatability and precision, especially important for IP-rated and EMI-sealed enclosures
Adaptable to complex, multi-level surfaces that would be difficult to seal with traditional gaskets
5. TennMax’s Fluorosilicone FIP Gasket Capabilities
At TennMax, we specialize in high-performance, application-specific FIP gasketing solutions using advanced fluorosilicone compounds. Our services include:
Custom Formulations: Tailored for chemical exposure, EMI shielding, or thermal extremes
Conductive FIP Variants: Incorporating metal-filled elastomers for EMI/RFI shielding
Scalable Production: From prototyping to high-volume runs, we support all project phases
Cleanroom-Compatible Dispensing: Essential for aerospace, medical, and semiconductor applications
Turnkey Integration: Collaborative design and engineering support from concept through production
6. Environmental and Regulatory Considerations
As industries move toward more sustainable and compliant materials, fluorosilicone FIP gaskets offer several environmental and regulatory advantages:
RoHS and REACH compliance ensures global material safety standards are met
UV, ozone, and weathering resistance enable long-term outdoor reliability
Low outgassing supports use in sealed, vacuum, or optical-sensitive enclosures
No “Forever Chemicals” or persistent fluorinated compounds that raise environmental concerns
Partner with TennMax
Fluorosilicone FIP gaskets represent a best-in-class sealing solution for demanding environments where chemical, thermal, and mechanical performance are paramount. Whether you're designing next-gen aerospace electronics, EV battery enclosures, or rugged industrial controls, TennMax’s expertise in fluorosilicone FIP gasketing can help you achieve uncompromised protection, precision, and production efficiency.
Contact us at Sales@TennMax.com to explore how our fluorosilicone solutions can support your product’s performance and longevity.