Despite silicone shortages, it’s business as usual for JB Weld with their shelves well stocked via their distributor HPP Lunds.
Many companies worldwide are finding that the supply of silicone is becoming difficult especially those companies relying on supply from China and so products such as silicone sealants are more difficult to obtain.
Supply issues due to increased demand and the availability of raw materials will continue for some time in the manufacture of silicones and epoxies. However, Americanbased JB Weld has no supply problems and the company’s strong ties with its Australian distributor, HPP Lunds means that the large range of JB Weld silicones remain on shelves now and into the future.
JB Weld has recently completed a major expansion of its Texas manufacturing facility, an investment made to ensure it continues to meet the demand for products locally and internationally.
The company does all its own blending, packaging and logistics, and so it has been able to maintain a high supply rate. Additionally, the company has its own R&D department which quality checks every product batch to ensure its high product quality is consistent and maintained. With confirmed factory support from JB Weld, HPP Lunds has been able to realise excellent fill rates on orders and, on top of that, HPP Lunds has substantially increased inventory levels with many more containers ordered to ensure best possible supply rates in these unusual times.
JB Weld uses 100 per cent silicone for its product range which is ideal for gaskets because it has very low shrinkage when cured, and the material remains compliant without being hard or brittle. It is also resistant to gas, diesel, oil and other automotive fluids,so it won’t disintegrate over time.
Each type of RTV silicone – denoted by the differing colours – has its own characteristics that makes one better than another depending on the application.
ULTIMATE BLACK RTV
Ultimate Black RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanised) is commonly used in OEM applications and has a higher resistance to heat with maximum oil resistance, high flexibility and it is sensor safe. Some items suited to Ultimate Black include sumps, valve covers, timing gear covers and transmission pans. Ultimate Black RTV is available in 85g tubes or 280ml cartridges.
ULTIMATE GREY RTV
Ultimate Grey RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanised) is for high torque uses like intake manifolds where high torque loads are applied to the sealant. This sealant is more flexible when cured and remains oil resistant. It is temperature resistant to 260°C and is sensor safe. Ultimate Grey RTV is available in 85g tubes or 280ml cartridge.
HI-TEMP RED RTV
Hi-Temp Red RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanised) is designed for use in mechanical assemblies where the existence of higher, continuous temperatures up to 288°C or 343°C intermittent might exist. Upon curing, which occurs when the product is exposed to the moisture in air, the silicone forms a tough, waterproof seal on most surfaces. It will not shrink or crack, resists weathering, is sensor safe and is great for many automotive applications.
Hi-Temp Red RTV is available in 85g tubes or 280ml cartridges.
COPPER RTV
Copper RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanised) is three times more oil resistant than conventional silicones and designed to resist the high operating temperatures of turbocharged or high-performance engines. It is also designed for use in mechanical assemblies where high torque or closely spaced bolt profiles can lead to higher loads and cause gasket and sealing failures for average silicones. It is available in 85g tubes.
BLUE RTV
Blue RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanised) is a general-purpose silicone. This product is not designed for high temperatures with uses including sumps and water pumps as it is waterproof, flexible and does not shrink. It is also very useful for mechanical assembly bonding of uneven surfaces. It is available in 85g tubes. BLACK RTV Black RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanised) is a general-purpose product used for sealing a variety of metals, rubber and glass. It has high flexibility and is waterproof and is also very useful for mechanical assembly bonding of uneven surfaces. It is available in 85g tubes.
WHITE RTV
White RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanised) is a general-purpose silicone for use in mechanical assembly applications and forms a tough, waterproof, mildew and mould resistant seal. It is available in 85g tubes.
CLEAR RTV
Clear RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanised) is good to use where you don’t want the product to be easily seen such as sealing windscreens. It works on ceramics, cloth, carpet, glass, rubber and metals. It is available in 85g tubes.
While JB Weld RTV silicone is ideal for permanent seals, it can also be used in applications where repeated removal is necessary such as valve covers. The trick there is to apply the silicone and allow it to cure before installing the part. This makes a flexible seal that does not bond to the other surface; however, you have to use the right amount of silicone build-up to make sure there is a proper seal in place.
For more information visit www.hpplunds.com.au or call Ben Leonard on (07) 3722 1111.