Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: Mastermime on December 26, 2012, 11:03:02 AM

Title: Waterproofing robot with removable panels
Post by: Mastermime on December 26, 2012, 11:03:02 AM
Hi everyone,

I am trying to figure out the best way to waterproof my robot with removable panels.  The panels are held in place by wing nuts and are removable for easy access to electronics and what not.  I'm considering use silicone sealant (caulk) and just cutting it from the panel so the silicone doesn't adhere to the panel.  This seems like an unconventional way.  Do you guys think this would work or do you have any better suggestions.

Thanks
Title: Re: Waterproofing robot with removable panels
Post by: Soeren on December 26, 2012, 05:08:51 PM
Hi,

smear a thin film of oil, butter, or similar, that the sealant won't adhere to on one of the mating faces and make sure that the thickness of the sealant is kept fairly equal all way 'round.
1..3mm should do, depending on the hardness (shore) of the sealant.
Test first with some scrap.

Is it to be used in water or just to be protected from sprays?
Title: Re: Waterproofing robot with removable panels
Post by: Mastermime on December 26, 2012, 07:54:25 PM
Ok thanks a lot Soeren.  Yeah I guess a better term would be 'water resistant'.  It only needs to be protected from splashes not complete submersion in water.
Title: Re: Waterproofing robot with removable panels
Post by: brianb00 on January 05, 2013, 12:21:22 PM
THere is a "grease" known as TEF GEL. It is used in sail boat construction to lube surfaces exposed continuously to water. For example, the bearing surfaces on deck that hold the rigging at the deck and atop the mast. This material is designed to be non corrosive and extremely tenacious.  A testament to its longevity, I recently completed a trip from San Francisco to Hawaii and back. The TEF GEL applied on surfaces that were submerged a lot of the time is still there.
It is teflon based and I am not sure of the liquid carrier. It does not evaporate and is insulating.  I have applied it to large servos as well as boat rigging, all operate in salt water.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Waterproofing robot with removable panels
Post by: jwatte on January 05, 2013, 02:01:43 PM
Quote
It does not evaporate and is insulating

The information on tefgel.com claims it is *not* an electrical insulator, and it does not increase resistance of contacts "even at several hundred amps." (Paraphrased -- resistance isn't *usually* modeled as current-dependent anyway ...)
Title: Re: Waterproofing robot with removable panels
Post by: Mastermime on January 05, 2013, 10:56:24 PM
Thanks for the suggestion. I did not use silicone for the removable panels because it was messy and looked horrible so instead I actually used weatherstripping like this http://www.menards.com/main/doors-windows/weather-stripping/tack-on-sponge-rubber-vinyl-coated-weatherstrip-17-ft/p-1318764-c-3624.htm (http://www.menards.com/main/doors-windows/weather-stripping/tack-on-sponge-rubber-vinyl-coated-weatherstrip-17-ft/p-1318764-c-3624.htm)

That's not exactly what I used, but is very similar though.  The weather stripping I used was smaller, grey, and didn't have that foam tube.  It works fantastic and creates a nice seal.