With packages of all sizes, shapes, and weights moving along your conveyor system daily, "log jams" are bound to occur. Often employees have to resort to "makeshift" jam break poles, or whatever is within arm's reach, to unjam conveyors. Unfortunately, when employees use these sorts of bent metal makeshift conveyor jam-up tools, safety issues or product damage can often result. Whether your company moves hundreds (or millions) of products each day, product damage or downtime due to these package jams can mean the difference between success and failure for your operation. 

Engineers are tasked with selecting the perfect material for your gasket application. Each part must be able to withstand the task at hand, including operating temperature and being flexible enough to maintain a proper seal throughout the process. 

As we discussed in our last blog, engineers historically chose asbestos because it served a myriad of important functions; it was durable, able to handle high temperatures and parts-handling, and relatively affordable. Unfortunately, it was also linked to mesothelioma, an invasive and often fatal type of lung cancer. Once it was pulled off the market, workers had to find an alternative for their gasket solutions.