Lexan FR Gaskets and Seals

Lexan FR is a family of flame-retardant polycarbonate materials developed for electrical, electronic, transportation and other applications where enhanced fire performance is required.

The material combines the mechanical properties of polycarbonate with electrical insulation and flame-retardant characteristics. Different Lexan FR grades are available to meet particular manufacturing and performance requirements.

Lexan FR provides a useful combination of dimensional stability, impact resistance, electrical insulation and flame-retardant performance.

It is particularly suitable for accurately cut gaskets, insulating barriers, interface components and protective parts where a rigid or semi-rigid non-metallic material is required rather than a highly compressible rubber seal.

Yes. Lexan FR materials are specifically formulated to provide enhanced flame-retardant performance.

Suitable Lexan FR grades are available with UL94 flame classifications. The precise classification depends upon the individual material grade and thickness, so the appropriate specification should be confirmed for applications where a particular fire rating is required.

Certain Lexan FR grades and thicknesses achieve a UL94 V-0 classification, but the rating should not be assumed for every Lexan FR material or thickness.

Where UL94 V-0 or another specific flame classification forms part of the component specification, the exact Lexan FR grade and material thickness should be selected accordingly.

Yes. Electrical insulation is one of the principal applications for Lexan FR polycarbonate materials.

Lexan FR offers excellent dielectric properties and is widely used to create insulating barriers and components within electrical and electronic equipment, power systems and printed circuit board assemblies.

Yes. Lexan FR retains the good mechanical strength and impact resistance associated with polycarbonate.

This can provide an advantage in applications where an insulating or flame-retardant component also needs to withstand handling, assembly loads or mechanical impact.

Lexan FR polycarbonate has low moisture absorption, helping components retain their dimensional and electrical properties in many operating environments.

The suitability of the complete assembly for exposure to water or moisture will, however, depend upon the component design and required sealing performance.

Lexan FR is considerably more rigid than materials such as EPDM, silicone, foam or nitrile rubber and is therefore not normally selected where substantial compression is required to create a seal.

It is better suited to rigid or semi-rigid gasket components, electrical insulation, separation, barriers and protective interfaces where dimensional accuracy and flame-retardant performance are more important than compressibility.

Temperature capability varies according to the particular Lexan FR grade, material thickness, mechanical loading and application.

Where sustained elevated temperatures are involved, the exact material grade and operating requirements should be reviewed rather than applying a single temperature limit to all Lexan FR products.

Yes. Bluemay Weston manufactures bespoke Lexan FR gaskets and sealing components to customer drawings, dimensions, samples and specifications.

Components can be produced in simple circular and rectangular formats as well as complex profiles incorporating apertures, fixing holes, slots and other features.

Bluemay Weston manufactures Lexan FR gaskets and sealing components from sheet or film material using precision punching and water jet cutting techniques.

Punching provides an efficient manufacturing method for repeat quantities, whilst water jet cutting is particularly useful for prototypes, lower-volume production, larger components and complex profiles where dedicated tooling may not be appropriate.

Bluemay Weston can manufacture Lexan FR gaskets and sealing components in quantities ranging from prototypes and small development batches through to high-volume production runs of many thousands or millions of parts, depending on component size, material specification and customer requirements.