Our specialist chemicals

Ultraseal specialise in surface impregnation. We hold a wide range of industry approvals relating to impregnation and ensure that our surface impregnation technology remains at the forefront of the science. Porosity, shrinkage cavities, capillary pores and cracks - all can be sealed. This is true for all casting alloys and sintered metals, ferrites, ceramics and composite materials. 

What is resin impregnation?  

Resin impregnation fills the voids and microporosity in a wide variety of cast materials. A micropore is a tiny defect in the surface of a component, which has the potential to turn into a large and expensive problem. By cleaning and then sealing the surface of the component in a vacuum, these small defects can be filled, prolonging the lifespan of the treated piece.

There are many reasons to use surface impregnation:

• To reduce moisture entrapment and to prevent leaks
• To improve integrity of welds on cast iron and aluminium substrates
• To reclaim expensive castings and fabrications that would fail due to leakage
• To prevent "blow-out" of entrapped gases during plating or painting processes

What is the process?

During the impregnation process, components are packed carefully into designated baskets. The baskets are then lowered into a vacuum chamber containing Ultraseal resin sealant. The chamber has its pressure lowered to a vacuum greater than 10 mbar. This draws air out of any porosity that has a leak path to the surface of the component. After a suitable vacuum is achieved and held for a specified time, the air is allowed back into the chamber forcing resin sealant into the previously evacuated pores. The components are drained thoroughly and then excess sealant on the external surfaces and in holes is washed off with cold water.  The basket is then immersed in hot water to cure the sealant and prevent porosity.

What does it achieve?

• Outstanding void filling capacity due to low shrinkage during polymerisation
• Optimised viscosity and capillary action for fast deep penetration of micro porosity
• Tough and flexible attributes to provide resistance to chemical, temperature and vibration
• Excellent adhesion  to cavity walls ensuring a permanent seal
• Stability at operating temperatures between -50C and +200C