Blog

Reducing Vibration

Vibration is an inescapable variable in aerospace. Airplane parts can only handle so much fatigue before they begin to degrade or fail. The longevity of instruments and avionics, landing gear, baffling, engine mounts, and even the airframe itself can be drastically impacted by the presence of excess vibration.

RCF Technologies logo. Reducing Vibration with photo of airplaneclick here for video

The Impact of Vibration

When it comes to vibration in an aircraft, there are numerous potential causes:

  • Crankshaft unbalance
  • Bearing problems
  • Loose or worn components in the assembly
  • Defective crankshaft counterweights
  • Cracked airframe components
  • Changes in the operating environment
  • Overloading
  • Lengthened service and aging effects

If ignored, the consequences of vibration are only magnified. In essence, vibration shortens the service life of critical components and, in turn, pushes up costs – often unexpectedly and unpredictably.

Effects of Vibration

Even though some vibration is normal and expected in aviation, when aircraft vibration becomes excessive, the following problems may arise:

  • Cracked exhaust stacks and sheet metal
  • Higher than normal occurrence of oil leaks and light bulb failures
  • Physical movement of the airframe (buzz in the seat, yoke and rudder pedals)
  • Passenger complaints of noise in the cabin

Metal isolation mounts wtih orange seals made of Rishon Material by RCF Technologies

Cutting Down on Vibration

While the elimination of vibration from aircraft is not achievable, reducing it as much as possible and managing its levels for optimum performance will make a noticeable difference and increase the longevity of the airframe and avionics.

Anti-vibration components and materials are a critical starting point on this journey. Careful consideration of characteristics such as deflection, static loading and alignment is crucial when making these selections. Specifying anti-vibration materials and components from the outset, rather than allowing vibration-related problems to become apparent during operation, will result in sustained performance and safety and lower costs.

Rishon® material from RCF Technologies, a low modulus material which absorbs both sound and vibration, is an excellent place to begin. For more information, contact us today.

 

Solving the Two Most Common Problems with High Temperature Gaskets

Gaskets play a crucial role in maintaining a secure seal between connected parts or surfaces, preventing fluid leaks and energy transfer. However, when it comes to high temperature applications, gaskets face two primary challenges: compression set due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and extrusion or blow out caused by high pressure. Below, we will explore these two common problems and introduce innovative solutions provided by RCF Technologies to overcome these challenges.

Problem 1 – Compression Set

Exposure to high temperature over an extended period can cause gaskets to experience compression set, where the material loses its ability to bounce back to its original shape, leading to leakage. Different gasket materials have varying temperature limits. While metallic and composite seals can withstand temperatures above 1000°F (537°C), elastomeric or rubber gaskets have a lower operating temperature of around 350°F (177°C). However, there is a solution that surpasses these limitations.

 

Rishon® Material for High Temperature Stability

RCF Technologies offers a revolutionary material called Rishon®, which is a combination of RCF’s proprietary silicone and fiberglass. This unique composite allows Rishon® to withstand temperatures from -170°F to +850°F (-112.2°C to +454.4°C) continuously. Not only does Rishon® excel in high-temperature applications, but it is also an FAA-approved fire barrier in thicknesses as low as .027″. By incorporating Rishon® gaskets, you can avoid compression set and ensure a reliable seal even in extreme temperature environments.

 

Problem 2 – Extrusion or Blow Out

Extrusion or blow out from high pressure presents another challenge for gaskets. This occurs when the pressure forces the gasket material to deform or dislodge, resulting in leaks and potential system failure. Overcoming this problem requires an innovative approach.

 

Solution: Rishon® Shim Gaskets for High-Pressure Applications

RCF Technologies has developed a solution to combat extrusion and blow out using Rishon® material together with unique design innovations. By utilizing a 1–10 mm shim faced with a single ply of Rishon® on either side, the gasket gains the strength of a metal gasket while retaining the excellent sealing properties of rubber. This unique design ensures that no extrusion or blow out occurs, even in applications with narrow gaps, high pressures, or multiple bolt holes. With Rishon® shim gaskets, you can achieve a secure and reliable seal under extreme pressure conditions.

Paulie Rose holding orange custom gasket made of Rishon material made by RCF Technologies

Click here to watch video!

 

Additional Custom Gasket Solutions by RCF Technologies

In addition to addressing the two most common problems with high-temperature gaskets, RCF Technologies offers a range of custom gasket solutions tailored to specific applications. One notable example is the single-fastener gasket used for plumbing firewalls. This gasket features an overlapped split design, providing a completely fireproof seal while allowing easy access to wire bundles or tubes. This innovative solution minimizes weight, reduces installation and removal labor, and ensures utmost safety.

Paulie Rose holding orange custom fireproof gasket made of Rishon material by RCF Technologies

Click here to watch video!

 

RCF Technologies: Your Partner in Custom Gasket Solutions

When it comes to high-temperature gaskets, RCF Technologies is a leading provider of customized solutions. RCF offers gaskets in any thickness and configuration, with the option to bond them to metal plates or other materials, make them fireproof, or design them to be easily removable. Whether your application involves anti-icing, engine seals, thrust reversers, or plumbing firewalls, RCF Technologies can deliver tailored gasket solutions to meet your specific needs.

 

In Conclusion

High-temperature applications present unique challenges for gaskets, including compression set and extrusion or blow out. However, by leveraging the advanced Rishon® material and innovative designs offered by RCF Technologies, these problems can be effectively overcome. With Rishon® custom gaskets, you can ensure a reliable seal even in extreme temperature and pressure environments. For custom gasket solutions that address your specific requirements, RCF Technologies is your trusted partner. Contact RCF today to discover how their expertise can benefit your applications.

 

AEROSPACE SUPPLY CHAIN 101

The aerospace supply chain is quite complex. This should come as no surprise given that there are between 2 and 6 million parts that must be assembled in order to successfully build various types of aircraft. With so many components and materials involved, each supplier must fulfill its role in order to achieve the final product. The thousands of suppliers which manufacture these 6 million parts and contribute to this complicated process are divided into 3 tiers. Each tier plays a significant role in the supply chain and contributes to the successful manufacturing of a finished product, i.e., an aircraft.

Aircraft are produced by OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). The OEMs, companies like Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon, not only supply their products to airline companies like Delta and Southwest Airlines, and private jet companies like Gulfstream and Cessna, they may also supply aircraft in support of the Military.

With millions of parts being made by thousands of different companies, a strict set of requirements is essential to ensure that safety standards are met, and uniformity is guaranteed. In this way, there can be certainty that all the individual pieces will work together to create a complete unit. Not only must the component parts be made to meet all the specs, but they must also flow through the supply chain in a reliable way so that each of the seals and the fittings, the hardware and the finishes, the gaskets and the ducting, get to where they need to be when they need to be there.

Furthermore, each of the suppliers in the supply chain, no matter which tier, must also be certified and registered in order to participate in the supply chain.

The Three Tiers

 

Tier 1

Tier 1 companies often work hand in hand with OEMs during the designing period. They also typically manufacture the major components or systems utilizing parts or subassemblies from the Tier 2 supply chain. These components produced by the Tier 1 manufacturers are the last systems that are delivered to the OEMs.

The Tier 1 companies that supply directly to the aerospace industry, are the most essential in the supply chain. They manufacture a wide array of vital finished products such as engines, wings, fuselage, control systems, landing gear, braking systems, electronic warfare systems, and interior cabin products.

These organizations are the key drivers of the supply chain. They are responsible for ensuring the entire operation is being effectively and efficiently managed and that all the required government guidelines are being followed. Tier 1 companies form the backbone of the supply chain mechanism and are effectively responsible for ensuring that the entire operation is being carried out properly.

Tier 2

Tier 2 companies are responsible for manufacturing the parts and sub-assemblies used by Tier 1 companies. They are of equal importance to the Tier 1 companies, as they too play a critical role in support of the supply chain. Tier 2 companies are often smaller in size and magnitude as compared to their Tier 1 counterparts but are quite sophisticated in their capabilities and operations. These manufacturers acquire parts from Tier 3 suppliers and forward their end products to Tier 1, making them an essential link in the chain.

Tier 2 suppliers usually shoulder much of the responsibility regarding adherence to safety, compliance, and standards. They are also vital in ensuring the rate of flow of materials and production. These companies provide critical components such as Airfoils, tires, missile nose cones, airframe structures, transmissions, and flight controls.

 

Tier 3

These manufacturers are often larger than Tier 2 supplies. They are responsible for producing and shipping parts and components directly to Tier 2 companies to be used in various components and subsystems. Tier 3 companies play an important role in the supply chain and they too impact the successful completion of an aircraft.

A Tier 3 company may be a smaller machine shop that produces thousands of parts that ultimately serve a critical purpose. They may also be a manufacturer that produces mission-critical components and software, not just nuts and bolts.

Tier 3 manufacturers supply products and components such as instrumentation fittings and tubing, hydraulic fittings and hose, and high strength fasteners and pins.

All these examples of major assemblies, sub-assemblies and components represent the enormous and complex processes that are involved in building aircraft.

Suppliers as Strategic Partners

For manufacturing success, OEMs must work to build strategic partnerships with multiple sources and suppliers across all tiers of the aerospace supply chain. They must consider each tier and select the suppliers that excel. With so many manufacturers involved in such a complex system, each supplier in each tier must do their part in order to ensure a functioning and effective aerospace supply chain.

 

 

What Can Be Expected When Buying Handmade Products?

What Can Be Expected When Buying Customized and Handmade Products?

BY PAULIE ROSE

Side by side photos of hands of RCF Technologies worker working on orange circular part, next to hands of artisan working on orange circular clay pot

Customization vs. Handmade

The concept of customization has been adopted by many businesses over the last few decades. It was incorporated to promote exclusivity. Customized products were a status symbol, a vehicle to make consumers with massive budgets feel special.

Handmade products, on the other hand, have been available forever! And when we think of buying handmade products, we rarely think of large corporations like those who have embraced customization.

When we imagine “handmade products” we envision:

  • One-of-a-kind items
  • Personalized products
  • Home-made goods
  • Unique finds not available anywhere else
  • Intricate designs
  • Pieces of art
  • Beautiful objects

Manufacturing businesses, making industrial components like high-temperature seals, ducting, gaskets, and connectors/couplings are not usually the types of makers you would associate with handmade treasures.

But there is a place where these two worlds overlap most extraordinarily: RCF Technologies.

Side by side photo. hands in blue gloves working on component RCF Technologies part and artisans hand working on pottery piece

5 Benefits of Customized Handmade Products

Whether you are an individual looking for a beautifully hand-crafted artistic creation like a personalized, hand-carved, wooden chess set or an engineer looking for a custom-built, high-temperature solution to a design challenge where no off-the-shelf product exists, you really want the same things!

  1. Excellent quality
  2. Custom built to your needs
  3. Personalized attention
  4. A human contact who is accessible and available
  5. A partner who is equally invested in a beautifully produced outcome

Side by side photos of hands of RCF Technologies worker taking orange Rishon part out of square mold and artisan hands working on a painting in square frame

When you buy directly from the person who creates your handmade item, you know you are going to get exactly what you want.

YOU KNOW at any point in the process, you can pick up the phone and connect directly with the person making your piece!

YOU KNOW when you speak directly to the maker, any questions you have will be answered, because the maker knows their product inside out and will be able to give you the best advice.

YOU KNOW that you will get to partner directly with the maker at every step of the design. You will be able to discuss the particulars and benefit from the professional expertise and experience of the maker so that the final product is a piece of art that will be exactly as you want it both in form and function.

YOU KNOW that your product was made with personalized care, attention, and love. While you are going to receive an item that meets print perfectly, each is also personally checked and inspected by individuals who care about the quality of what they make.

YOU KNOW you are dealing directly with the boss, not a call center employee whose bosses’ boss surely doesn’t know your name or care about your individual needs.

YOU KNOW you are not another number, buying another widget.

YOU KNOW you are a valued individual who will be treated with respect.

YOU KNOW you will be the proud recipient of a product that was designed and developed just for you. A product that meets your specific needs.

Side by side photos of RCF Technologies worker working on a spool of Rishon material and a woman artisan working on a loom

Why Customized Handmade Products Are Better

There is no doubt that a product made by hand will be better in all sense of design and workmanship.

At RCF Technologies, each of our clients receives handcrafted solutions which are uniquely personalized, designed, and manufactured with attention and care at a competitive price.

EACH of our clients can tap into our teams’ more than 137 years of combined industry experience.

EACH of our clients is guaranteed expert design collaboration resulting in customized solutions that will not only meet their needs but will have been built to help them achieve their desired optimal performance.

EACH of our clients knows that we are trusted partners, with documented success and have been serving industry leaders like Sikorsky, GE, Bell, Honeywell, Boeing, and others for more than 45 years.

If you would like to discuss your customized handmade solution, please contact us at RCF Technologies today!

✅ Connect on LinkedIn
✅ Email me at prose@rcftechnologies.com
✅ Visit our website at www.rcftechnologies.com
✅ Call 912.537.1115

 

High Temp, Fireproof, Flexible Material: Rishon® vs. Rubber

Rubber

Rubber is an essential material used in several industries.

Rubber has played an important role throughout the development of human civilization and continues to be of great importance today.  The use of rubber is so significant that the global market size of rubber stood at USD 40.77 Billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 51.21 Billion by 2027.  Rishon components have replaced rubber components in the aerospace industry (as well as others), in a variety of applications and for several important reasons.

What is Rishon?

Rishon is a material which was created by RCF Technologies in 1975. It is a combination of a proprietary silicone and fiberglass (in most cases) although other substrates can be used. The elastomer is coated onto the fabric and forced through the weave of the fabric under heat and pressure forming a homogeneous material.

Rishon material can be:
  • Flexible or rigid
  • Has an operating temperature range of -170°F to +850°F
  • Is fireproof (Rishon is an FAA approved Fire Barrier in thicknesses as low as .027”)
  • Is chemically compatible with most fluids (including Skydrol)
  • Is an excellent vulcanizing material
  • Absorbs sound and vibration
  • Insulates against heat and flame
  • Is electrically nonconductive, but can be made electrically conductive with almost no added weight

Rishon is used primarily in the aerospace industry, though has also been used in the automotive, Industrial, Marine and Medical sectors as well. Rishon material is used by RCF Technologies to design and manufacture components such as:

These products are principally used for applications requiring high temperatures or fireproofing and offer longer life and lighter weight than most components made utilizing other materials.

 

Rubber Temperature Table

Elastomer
Low F
High F
Rishon® -170° 850°
Natural Rubber  -67° 180°
Neoprene -50° 275°
Silicone -70° 570°
Nitrile -30° 250°
EPDM -60° 300°
SBR -50° 225°
Butyl -75° 250°
Fluorosilicone -100° 350°

Natural Rubber

Rubber is a material that was originally made from natural sources such as the rubber tree and other plants (including dandelions which produce the latex that natural rubber is made from).

Natural rubber has:
  • Good durability
  • A temperature range of -67°F to +180°F
  • Is elastic
  • Is flexible
  • Is a good electrical insulator
  • Is resistant to many corrosive substances
  • Has resistance to degrading, abrasions, and surface friction

Natural rubber is used in many consumer and industrial items, including tires, gloves, some types of foam rubber, flooring and roofing, balls, and insulation.

 

Neoprene

Neoprene is a synthetic rubber made up of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine polymers and was invented in 1930. It is used in applications that face harsh conditions and a lot of wear, such as automotive and industrial applications.

Neoprene has:
  • A temperature range of -50°F to +275°F
  • Is resistant to oil and solvents
  • Is chemically inert
  • Has high tensile strength
  • Is flexible
  • Is weather and flame resistant

Neoprene can however absorb water over time and does not work well as an electrical insulator.

 

Silicone Rubber

Silicone rubber is:
  • Generally stable
  • Non-reactive to most chemicals
  • Has a temperature range of -70°F to 570°F
  • Is resistant to ultraviolet rays, ozone, and fire.

Silicone rubber is manufactured in many different colors and is very malleable, available as both solid and liquid products.

 

Nitrile Rubber

Nitrile rubber has:
  • A temperature range of -30°F to +250°F
  • Is resistant to oil and water
  • Is quite durable

 

EPDM Rubber

EPDM rubber is a synthetic rubber compound and has:
  • A temperature range of -60°F to +300°F
  • Insulates
  • Reduces noise

EPDM rubber however, is not resistant against petroleum-based oils, mineral oils, and some other lubricants.

 

SBR Rubber

SBR rubber has:
  • A temperature range of -50°F to +225°F
  • Is hard and durable
  • Is resistant to some fluids

 

Butyl Rubber

Butyl rubber, also known as isobutylene isoprene, has:
  • A temperature range of -75°F to +250°F
  • Has low moisture and gas permeability
  • Has good shock absorption

 

Fluorosilicone Rubber

Fluorosilicone rubber, also known as FVMQ, has:
  • A temperature range of -100°F to +350°F
  • Is resistant to transmission fluids, engine oils, fire, synthetic lubricants, and ozone

Both natural and artificial rubbers are used in a variety of applications and across most industries. Each rubber varies regarding elasticity, electrical insulating properties, resistance to impact, water, cold, and abrasion, temperature range and more.

For more information about Rishon Material, and RCF Technologies products, please contact us today!

What Are Fireproof Gaskets?

Fireproof Gaskets

Combustion requires three elements: heat, combustible material, and oxygen. Combined, they contribute to the sequence of reactions that cause incineration: 

  1. Pyrolysis. This process occurs when a combustible material like plastic begins to soften and decompose under temperatures that exceed its thermal resistance capabilities. The decomposition of the material produces flammable gases (chain fragments or hydrogen radicals).
  2. Ignition. As oxygen mixes with these gases, it creates a combustible mixture, which ignites as temperatures reach a certain level. 
  3. Renewal. The heat released during combustion continues to react with the melting material, releasing additional combustible gases that renew the combustion cycle.

Fireproof gaskets are gaskets designed to mitigate or eliminate the occurrence and spread of fire. They are made of materials that resist softening, igniting, and/or producing combustible gases under high-temperatures, ultimately reducing the risk of incineration.

When designing and manufacturing fireproof gaskets, one of the primary challenges is identifying and sourcing a material that demonstrates both the desired flame retardant properties and the mechanical and chemical properties required to achieve a proper seal. In addition to flame retardance and seal production, other key performance characteristics include: 

  • Ability to adhere to various substrates
  • Low water absorption
  • Resilience
  • Tear resistance
  • Temperature range

Types of Materials Used for Fireproof Gaskets

Industry professionals use a variety of high-temperature materials to manufacture fireproof gaskets. Some of the most commonly employed are: 

  • Rishon®
  • EPDM
  • Neoprene
  • Viton
  • Silicone

Applications of Fireproof Gaskets

Fireproof gaskets serve a critical role in a wide range of industrial applications, preventing or delaying the spread of fire that can lead to damage to sensitive equipment or injury to employees. Examples of common use cases for these components include:

  • Appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers
  • Consumer electronic devices, such as computers and laptops
  • Engines
  • Industrial and commercial electronic equipment and systems
  • Lighting fixtures and systems

Fireproof Rishon Gaskets from RCF Technologies

RCF Technologies specializes in creating custom gaskets with our proprietary Rishon material. We have been creating seals, gaskets, and other industrial parts for over 40 years. Rishon material combines the best elements of fabrics and elastomers to create one homogenous, durable material. Rishon material and products made from Rishon are:

  • Chemically compatible 
  • Fireproof
  • Durable
  • Lightweight
  • Temperature resistant

Contact RCF Technologies today to learn more about our custom gaskets and other industrial parts.

Benefits of High-Temperature Materials in Aviation

High-temperature materials are critical to aviation applications. Aircraft engines can reach temperatures as high as 2100°C, and vehicles at high altitudes are subject to extreme temperature fluctuations. To ensure safe and reliable operation, aircraft equipment and components must be capable of withstanding these temperatures, as well as high pressure, corrosion, vibrations, and impact. Fortunately, with advances in materials technology, a variety of heat-resistant materials have become available for use in aviation.

High-Temperature Materials

Composite materials have become particularly popular in aviation since the 1980s and consist of two or more blended materials to produce a final product that exhibits characteristics different from those of the base materials. Composites used for aviation typically offer exceptional resistance to impacts, fatigue, corrosion, and broad temperature variations. 

They often display high strength-to-weight ratios, flexibility, radar absorption, and flutter suppression, which make them especially useful for aviation applications in which stability and reduced weight are vital. Ceramic matrix composites, braided composites, and intermetallic alloys are especially useful high-temperature materials for aviation applications.

Ceramic Matrix Composites

In ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), the constituent materials are blended in a grid of ceramic fibers for a particularly tough and durable material. CMCs can withstand extremely high temperatures and are used to enhance overall aircraft structural performance. They are lighter than nickel superalloys, with greater temperature tolerance and significant resistance to pesting and fatigue. 

Braided Composites

As the name implies, braided composites are composed of interwoven strands of the base materials. Technological advancements have largely automated the manufacturing process, making braided composites more popular than ever. They are especially valuable for their strength, toughness, and resistance to damage. 

Intermetallic Alloys

In addition to composite materials, intermetallic alloys have found a niche in the aviation industry. Intermetallic alloys consist of multiple metals, often nickel and titanium, blended to form an alloy with solid crystalline structure. The specific properties of intermetallic alloys depend largely on the constituent metals, but those used in aviation tend to have high melting points, superior thermal conductivity, low density, and high resistance to corrosion and oxidation.

High-temperature composites and intermetallic alloys can be tailored to meet the needs of a broad range of applications in the aviation industry, particularly for insulation and hardware such as high-temperature gaskets.

High-Temperature Insulation

High-temperature insulation is crucial for the protection of sensitive aircraft components from temperature fluctuations and high levels of compression. This specialized insulation can be found in a broad range of applications within the aviation industry. 

Aircraft Interiors

High-temperature insulation is a key component of temperature control systems in aircraft interiors. It is often used to insulate air ducts and tubing, as well as paneling for walls, ceilings, and overhead storage compartments. 

Thrust Reversal Systems

Thrust reversal systems help to slow the aircraft by rerouting engine exhaust toward the front of the vehicle, creating air resistance and reducing the speed of the aircraft. Insulation must be used to protect surrounding components from the extreme heat of the released exhaust.

Electrical Components and Batteries

Many electronic components used in aviation are highly sensitive and must therefore be protected from heat and electromagnetic interference. High-heat insulation protects electronic instruments, the ignition battery, and auxiliary power units from extreme temperatures and interference. In addition, high-heat insulation helps to insulate against electrical fires for enhanced aircraft safety.

Black Boxes

High-temperature insulation is also used to protect the black boxes of aircraft to ensure they can withstand extreme conditions that may occur during an emergency. The exterior armor of a black box must be composed of a highly durable and thermally efficient insulating material, so that it can be recovered in the event of an unexpected emergency

High-Temperature Gaskets

Similar to high-temperature insulation, high-temperature gaskets are critically important to the safe operation of aircraft. They ensure an airtight seal between mating surfaces to insulate against leaks. Due to the extreme temperatures in which aircraft equipment operates, high-temperature gaskets are useful for a variety of applications. 

Window gaskets are installed to seal the glass and sheet metal around aircraft windows, and must withstand extreme temperature fluctuations and pressure at high altitude. Similarly, fuel door gaskets are used to seal the fuel system from harsh external environments. To be fully effective, fuel door gaskets must also be resistant to corrosion from the harsh chemicals in jet fuel. 

High-temperature gaskets are also widely used to seal exterior aircraft components, such as the wings and other surfaces. In this setting, the gaskets must withstand extreme pressure, high speeds, and the extremely low temperatures of the upper atmosphere.

High-Temperature Aerospace Parts from RCF Technologies

At RCF, we understand that aircraft components and insulation must be composed of materials that can withstand the high temperatures common in aerospace applications. To this end, we have developed our specialized Rishon® composite material, which exhibits a number of characteristics that make it particularly useful in the aerospace industry. The hallmark properties of Rishon include:

  • Broad Temperature Range
  • Fireproof
  • Chemical Compatibility
  • Speedy Vulcanization Process
  • Sound and Vibration Absorbent
  • Heat and Flame Insulator
  • Electrical Conductivity
  • Low Outgassing

For more than 40 years, RCF Technologies has worked closely with our customers in aviation to design and produce industry specialized seals, couplings, ducting, and gaskets for commercial aircraft. Our broad range of experience in high-temperature applications extends to aerospace, automotive, marine, and petrochemical applications. 

To learn more about our high temperature components and solutions, contact us today!

All About Electrically Conductive Materials

As most people are aware, metals serve as excellent conductors of electricity, while non-metals (such as plastics and rubbers) do not. Electrical conductivity—or lack thereof—make these two types of materials generally suited for different use cases in the industrial sector. When choosing a manufacturing material for an electrical or electronic device, it is important to consider its electrical properties, including its conductivity, to ensure the end product functions as intended.

The following blog post serves as a guide to electrically conductive materials, outlining what causes their key property, the types available, how they relate to manufacturing, and how to turn a typically non-conductive material into a conductive one.

What Causes Electrical Conductivity?

Manufacturing materials vary in the number (one to eight) of valence electrons present in the outer shell of their atoms. In general, the lower the number, the more conductive the material (usually a conductor) and, the higher the number, the less conductive the material (usually an insulator).

Most metals have between one to three valence electrons, which allows the electrically charged subatomic particles to dislodge and mobilize easily. The free movement of electrons results in the passing of a charge—i.e., the conduction of electricity. In contrast, rubber and plastic materials typically have few, if any, free electrons, making them poor electrical conductors but excellently suited for insulating applications.

Examples of Electrically Conductive Materials

Many of the most highly conductive materials are metals. The three metals with the highest electrical conductivity are:

  1. Silver
  2. Copper
  3. Gold

Each of these metals has one valence electron. Aluminum is the next most conductive metal, despite having three valence electrons. Although silver and gold offer greater conductivity than copper and aluminum, respectively, the latter materials are more commonly used due to their lower cost and broader availability.

The Impact of Electrical Conductivity on Manufacturing

The electrical properties of a material influence how it is used in electrical and electronic devices. For example:

  • Conductors—highly conductive materials (e.g., metals such as silver, gold, or copper)—are used for manufacturing electrical wires and cables
  • Insulators—materials with poor electrical conductivity (e.g., rubber or plastic)—are used for making insulation and other electrical protection products
  • Semiconductors—materials that are neither good nor bad conductors of electricity (e.g., silicon)—are widely used to make integrated circuits for computers, phones, TVs and many other electronic devices

How to Make Non-Conductive Materials Conductive

As an alternative to metals, product manufacturing companies may also use a typically non-conductive material, such as a fabric or elastomer, that has been altered to have enhanced electrical conductivity. Material manufacturers can convert a non-conductive substrate into an electric conductor by employing a specialized technique that integrates electrically conductive additives into the base material.

Electrically Conductive Products From RCF Technologies

At RCF Technologies, we leverage our proprietary material—Rishon®—to create a wide range of electrically conductive products, such as couplings and seals. Although Rishon is naturally non-conductive, we can incorporate minute quantities of additives that enhance its conductivity without increasing its weight. To learn more about our electrically conductive products, contact us today.