Versatile gasketing adhesive available as a roller pen

Henkel says the major causes of failure and leakage of a compression gasket are poor surface contact, the tendency to relax under dynamic load and bolt hole distortion that cause it to crack and tear. Loctite 518 offers an alternative as it fills all voids, resists high pressure and when fully cured maintains clamp load and prevents corrosion. 

The new, oil-tolerant formula ensures a consistent cure in standard workshop and maintenance conditions. Any size or shape can be achieved; there is no need for stockholding multiple gaskets. It forms a flexible, high-strength seal that will not tear or decay. It also allows parts to be easily disassembled, even after extended service, by simply applying cleavage load between the flanges.

One company already benefiting from Loctite 518 is TEREX, a manufacturer of lifting and materials handling equipment. It moved away from PTFE gasketing material to this Henkel gasketing adhesive to seal cast steel housings on power take off gearbox units.  

Loctite 518 is applied along the gasket face with a Trax Roller, which in reality is a large version of the Loctite 518 pen. The mating faces are then brought together and secured using M10 nuts on studs that have been secured with Loctite 648 threadlocking adhesive. The move to adhesives has provided a stronger assembly which prevents micromovement between the flanges and any subsequent leaks; it has also speeded up production.