Radiation is a powerful tool. From medical imaging to airport security and industrial inspection, X-ray and gamma technologies give us the ability to see through objects, identify threats, and diagnose conditions that would otherwise remain hidden. Yet with that power comes responsibility. The same radiation that creates clear diagnostic images or reveals a weapon in luggage must also be contained and controlled, so it does not put patients, workers, or bystanders at risk.

For decades, the go-to solution for radiation shielding has been lead. Lead is dense, abundant, and effective at blocking X-rays. But lead also comes with a long list of problems: toxicity, environmental hazards, regulatory restrictions, and physical limitations in terms of design and durability. In today’s world, those drawbacks are no longer acceptable.

METAPOR® is a high-performance, air-permeable composite material widely used in vacuum clamping applications, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing. Engineered from microporous aluminum or ceramics, METAPOR eliminates the need for drilled vacuum holes while providing uniform suction, high stability, and contamination-free clamping. These properties make it an ideal choice for handling delicate silicon wafers and other sensitive substrates.

Traditional ceramic disk vacuum chucks have been used due to their high precision and rigidity. However, METAPOR line of materials has emerged as a superior alternative to the basic ceramic disc, and offers both a unique microporous aluminum option (BF100 AL) and a superior ceramic based option (CE100), all of which provide enhanced performance at a fraction of the cost. METAPOR can also be used for SMD applications and wire bonding processes.

Globe Composite Solutions is a Boston-based company, established in 1890 under the name Globe Rubber Works. Globe has expanded from primarily working with rubber, to become a modern, full-service, Design-to-Manufacturing company, providing a wide-range of composite-based solutions. While Globe engineers cutting-edge composites and uses the latest robotic production methods, after over 130 years, Globe also remains an expert in manufacturing the highest-quality rubber parts. So, what is rubber and why does rubber remain an important substance to Globe's Defense & Industrial customers?

Many markets have benefited from the advance of composites, but perhaps none more so than the Recreational and Commercial Marine industries. Building vessels that can meet the exacting demands of a water environment, especially a saltwater one, has always been a challenge. Life at sea means continual exposure to harsh elements - including direct sunlight, wind and water pressure, the corrosive effect of saltwater, as well as man-made factors such as diesel fuel, lubricants, and other chemicals.

Composites provide some of the best solutions to issues caused by these marine conditions. From stronger FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer) boat hulls and interiors, to corrosion-resistant marine parts, to specialized submersible components, marine composites have revolutionized what is possible. 

Composites are changing the world we live in. From the Stone Age, to the Bronze Age, to the Iron Age, our civilization’s history has been defined by the materials we use. In the past, humans reshaped the raw materials they discovered in nature to create the items they needed. In our modern age we have moved beyond found objects, and have developed the technology to produce new materials, whose very make up is engineered specifically to fit the task at hand.

Damaged and worn out metal components and assemblies are a major cause of downtime for businesses. However, it’s usually too expensive to replace an entire system with the latest model. The solution may be switching to composite replacement parts, which deliver a cost-effective way to increase the operational performance of existing systems.

By rebuilding your existing components and assemblies using composites, modern technology has the capability to make your parts better than they were before. Better... stronger... faster.

One of the most dynamic and creative technologies in recent years is Additive Manufacturing, often referred to as "3D Printing". The amazing ability to create solid objects from digital files stored on a computer, was only recently considered pure science fiction. Having a magic box that could manufacture items out of thin air became a familiar concept on shows like Star Trek, where a “Replicator” could produce any item their starship needed. While we are still unable to replicate a gourmet meal or quickly replace the captain’s torn uniform, each year brings us amazing new manufacturing capabilities.

Finding the right gasket material for sealing critical applications can be a challenge. Before engineers can even begin to think about installing and testing a new gasket, they face the critical responsibility of selecting a material that can withstand a range of operating temperatures and pressures, harsh environmental conditions, and yet is flexible enough to achieve a proper seal without failure. It is not an easy task.

As mechanical engineers push the limits of what systems can achieve, the demands put on all component parts also increases. Traditional parts made of metal, plastic, or rubber simply cannot keep pace with the demands of modern defense or industrial applications. Even in existing applications, parts are expected to last longer and reduce replacement costs. Few other gasket applications are as critical as having fail-safe gaskets on an underwater vehicle.

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.

Brandonite^® is a patented family of composite materials, specifically composite polymers, designed to replace metal, plastic, or rubber.  This family of composite materials is perfect for a broad number of applications, such as:

• aerospace
• aeronautics
• industrial manufacturing
• self-lubricating parts and materials
• automation equipment
• radiation shielding
• antimicrobial medical devices,
• coverings, and prosthetics