Freudenberg Sealing wins 'bumper' power tool order in North America

Weinheim, Germany – Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) has secured a large order to supply polyurethane-based 'bumpers' to an unnamed American power tool manufacturer for use in its electric nail guns.

In a 23 Nov statement, FST said the contract represented “a major expansion” of its business in the North American power tool sector, and especially in supplying imperial-size (non-metric) components to the market.

According to FST, the company’s manufacturing plant in Troy, Ohio has begun production of 1.3 million components for the order – the first time the facility has supplied parts to a power tool manufacturer.

The 'bumpers', about 1.5 inches in size, are injection-moulded using TODI urethane materials developed by FST to address challenging hydraulic sealing applications.

The material, according to the company, demonstrates “excellent heat, fluid, and wear resistance”, with better durability than other polyurethane material on the market.

With a service temperature range of -59°C to 149°C, and a tensile strength of 6,500 psi/ MPa, the material is claimed to have “extremely high mechanical properties and outstanding resistance to abrasion, tear, and elongation.”

The polymer is also said to be suitable for use with petroleum-based, bio-degradable, synthetic, and natural, ester-based fluids.

'Bumpers' extend the life of power tools by preventing the piston inside the tool motor from striking the bottom of the cylinder and sustaining damage.

The units are also designed to reduce power-tool noise, impact, and shock, and improve ease of use and safety for the operator.