Valves and diaphragms
A valve is judged on one thing: does it open and close the way it's supposed to, every time. That comes down to wall section, material hardness and…
See the serviceProject record · Industrial equipment · Compression
An industrial pump maker's fabric-reinforced diaphragm.
A long-standing diaphragm supplier had stopped supplying and the replacement parts from elsewhere were failing early. We re-tooled the diaphragm in compression with a properly positioned fabric layer.
The brief
A diaphragm that had to flex for years.
A UK maker of industrial dosing pumps relied on a fabric-reinforced rubber diaphragm. Their long-standing supplier had closed, and the alternative parts they'd sourced were failing much earlier than the originals.
They brought us samples of both: original parts that had run for years and replacement parts that had split.
The ask was simple: make diaphragms that last like the originals.
The problem
The fabric had moved.
Cutting open failed replacement parts showed the fabric layer was off-centre, leaving a thin rubber section on one side that cracked under repeated flexing.
The original parts had the fabric held centrally throughout the flexing zone.
The fix was a compression tool and loading method that located the fabric precisely and kept it there during cure.
What we changed
We controlled the fabric position.
Most of the work was in the tool and the loading sequence.
Section analysis
Original and failed parts were sectioned and compared.
Compound match
A compound chosen for the pumped media and flex life.
Fabric location
Tool features and pre-forms that hold the fabric centrally.
Loading sequence
A documented sequence for pre-forms and fabric.
Section checks
Sample parts sectioned each batch to check fabric position.
Life testing
Samples supplied for the customer's pump life test.
The commercial shape
Consistent life restored, and a supplier they can reach.
The new diaphragms matched the originals in the customer's life tests. The tool is held by us and runs in regular batches.
The customer now has documented compound and process records, which they didn't have with the original supplier.
“We didn't need a cheaper diaphragm. We needed one that lasted. Now we have it.”
Services used
How this programme was actually delivered.
Diaphragms
A diaphragm flexes thousands or millions of times. Its life depends on material, section and how evenly it was moulded.
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Tell us the part, the volume, and the timeline.
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No call centre and no middlemen. When you contact TCI Products, you speak to the team who design, build and check your mould.
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Thomas LaneManaging Director
George PrestonDesign & Project Manager
Kelly BallingerHead of Partnerships
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