Sealing of cabinets and enclosures

Electrical and distribution cabinets operate under conditions of temperature fluctuations, vibration, dust, and humidity. Reliable sealing of enclosures, doors, and panels plays a key role — it protects electronics, prevents short circuits, and enhances the fire safety of the equipment. Even a small leakage reduces the IP protection class and can lead to system failure.

MAE TECH offers automated solutions for applying gaskets and adhesive systems in the production of electrical cabinets. The FIPFG (Foam-in-Place Gasket) technology enables the creation of seamless gasket contours directly on the product — around doors, panels, and cable entries. This ensures stable joint geometry, high repeatability, and compliance with IP54–IP66 standards.

Our systems work with polyurethane foams, silicones, and MS polymers resistant to temperature changes, moisture, and chemical exposure. To improve adhesion, surface pretreatment such as plasma activation or primer application is used. Precision servo-driven dispensers guarantee uniform application and a clean, aesthetic seal even on large-sized parts.

Automation reduces failures and defects, increases cabinet reliability, lowers maintenance costs, and facilitates compliance with international safety certification standards. MAE TECH solutions are easily integrated into production lines and can be scaled for different types — from compact junction boxes to industrial control cabinets.

Repeated opening and closing of the housing panels of  heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, as well as service doors, is possible while maintaining a constant sealing effect

Thanks to their excellent recovery capability, the cellular structure of the polyurethane gasket maintains its elasticity even after many years (tested in accordance with DIN EN ISO 1856). This allows for repeated opening and closing of service flaps and HVAC unit doors during maintenance while maintaining stable sealing performance.

Sealing of stainless-steel cabinets
Stainless steel is used where durability, corrosion resistance, and a high level of protection are required.
For such cabinets, MAE TECH applies contour gasket technology using polyurethane foam (FIPFG).
The gasket is applied as a liquid mixture directly onto the edges of doors or panels, then expands and cures into a flexible, seamless seal. With the use of primer, strong adhesion to metal is achieved. The result is a durable seal resistant to repeated opening and closing as well as to harsh operating conditions.


Sealing of powder-coated cabinets
Powder coating is one of the most common finishing methods for control cabinets. It provides an aesthetic appearance and protects the metal, but it also creates challenges for traditional glued gaskets — adhesion is not always reliable.
MAE TECH technology solves this issue: polyurethane foam is applied along the contour and forms a seamless gasket that perfectly follows all curves and radii of the groove. When necessary, the surface is plasma-activated or coated with a thin layer of primer. As a result, a soft, durable, and tight gasket is obtained that adheres perfectly even to textured powder-coated surfaces.


Sealing of junction boxes
In junction boxes, compactness and protection against moisture and dust are of utmost importance. In this case, dosing accuracy and process repeatability are crucial: grooves are small, material consumption is minimal, and tightness requirements are high.
MAE TECH uses polyurethane and silicone systems adapted for plastics. If necessary, the surface is plasma-activated to ensure reliable bonding even with “difficult” materials such as polypropylene. The result is a clean, uniform gasket that maintains tightness under all weather conditions and throughout long-term operation.

 
 

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Technological challenges

Proven quality standards
Engineer support and technical assistance
Advanced process control
Less waste, higher efficiency
Accurate dosing and control
Compliance with industry requirements
Seamless contour without gaps or joints
PU foam does not age like rubber
Uniform density and profile in every batch
Elasticity in dynamic conditions
Contour applied directly onto the product
From soft and flexible to more rigid gaskets
Quick change between product types
High humidity, chemical exposure, dusty environments
Smooth, aesthetic seam instead of glued rubber
A “premium” product that works reliably for years

Technology comparison table

 

Criterion

MAE TECH machines for polyurethane foam gasket application in cabinets

Manual gasket application

Dosing accuracyPrecise and uniform application of polyurethane foam gaskets, full control of width and volumeOperator-dependent, risk of uneven application and material waste
Sealing & IP protectionRepeatable, seamless gasket contour ensuring high IP class (e.g. IP54–IP66)Non-uniform sealing, higher risk of leaks and certification issues
Durability & flexibilityPolyurethane foam does not age as quickly as rubber, retaining elasticity for yearsRubber seals dry out, crack, and require frequent replacement
Production efficiencyAutomated process, high speed and repeatabilityLimited speed, higher time and labor consumption
Reduction of waste & rejectsMinimizes defects and human errors, lower rework costsHigher error rate, frequent rework and waste
Product aestheticsClean, modern, uniform contour instead of glued gasketsPossible glue overflow, less aesthetic and inconsistent appearance
Workplace safetyLimited operator exposure to chemicals, improved ergonomicsHigher operator exposure to foam/sealant, increased safety risks
Material savingsOptimal use of polyurethane foam, no cutting wasteExcess material, waste from manual cutting and fitting
Process stabilityConsistent density and profile in every batch, repeatable processNo repeatability, dependent on operator skills
EcologyReduced emissions and waste, compliance with environmental standardsHigher emissions, more waste and material loss
Labor costsHigher initial cost, lower labor and material loss over timeLower initial cost, but higher operating costs and frequent replacements
Changeover timeFast switching between cabinet types and dimensions (machine memory)Time-consuming manual preparation, fitting, and tool cleaning

Application in practice

Examples of  applied materials

Ready-made solution fo your project

Describe the material, geometry, and type of bond – we will select the right equipment and the optimal adhesive.
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