Challenge

A leading manufacturer of CNC machines in Bangalore, India used PTFE tapes to seal the threaded joints at the oil filter inlet and outlet manifold. The PTFE tapes shredded while assembling - some of these shreds get into the system and the customer was receiving field complaints of oil filter being blocked with shreds of PTFE tapes. To protect the fittings from loosening and leaking the OEM also used copper washers as an intended locking aid.

Solution

Loctite 542 anaerobic thread sealant designed to seal fine threads was recommended for this application.

Loctite thread sealants seal and secure metal pipes and fittings. Applying liquid, these sealants cure to fill the space between threaded metal parts and prevent leaks. Designed for low and high pressure applications, Loctite liquid thread sealants seal instantly for low pressure testing. When fully cured, they seal to the burst strength of most piping systems.

The controlled strength of Loctite 542 ensures consistent opening torque and easy disassembly.

Results

Loctite 542 gave 100% sealing of threads - filling the thread imperfections and gaps and creating a leak proof joint. Applying liquid, it cures only between mating threads - any excess remains liquid and passes through the filters and system without curing or blocking the system. In addition to sealing the threads it also locks the threads reliably. The use of expensive copper washers was eliminated - creating additional savings in costs.