Technologies

Venting of Housings

Schreiner Group develops application-specific venting membrane solutions that reliably protect housings against harmful media and liquids while enabling the necessary pressure compensation for the housing.

The most important functionalities of a venting membrane are described below

Airflow

Venting of housings is important for preventing deformations.

Controls Airflow in a Housing

Airflow is the measure for the gas permeability of a venting membrane. The airflow value indicates the level of protection a housing provides against pressure loads.

The air that is present in a housing causes overpressure or vacuum in case of temperature changes. As a result of inadequate compensation, the pressure loads lead to housing deformations up to and including damage to seals and weld seams, resulting in ingress of water and other harmful fluids that damage the sensitive electronics or may lead to functional failure of the application.

Housing without PCS

Housing with PCS

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Electronics housing without ventilation expands and can break

▶ Pressure Compensation Seals Pressure Compensation for Electronics Housings

Water Entry Point

Degree of Protection Against Water Ingress in a Housing

Pressure Compensation membranes have different water entry points, depending on the type and manufacturing method of the venting membrane. The water entry points indicate at what point water might start to penetrate the waterproof vent membrane and damage the sensitive electronics. Using compressed air, a corresponding water column is simulated on the PCS to determine the water entry point.

Water remains on membrane

Water beads off membrane

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▶ Pressure Compensation Seals prevent water from entering the electronics housing

Oleophobicity

Protection Level Against Harmful Liquids in the Automotive Environment

Oleophobicity describes the wettability of a material with non-polar liquids and is represented in degrees.

For oleophobicity testing, defined drops are applied to the venting membrane surface. Subsequently, behavior is evaluated and categorized.

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▶ Pressure Compensation Seals prevent hazardous media from entering the electronics housing

Robustness

Additional Protection Against Harmful Media and Environmental Conditions

Climatic and humidity/moisture resistance are essential to versatile utilization of pressure compensation membranes in industrial settings. A venting membrane must resist harshest requirements due to temperature shocks and retain its full functionality.

The extent of necessary media resistance has consistently been growing in recent years and venting membranes are exposed to battery acid, transmission fluids, degreasers, or anti-freeze, for example.

Our self-adhesive venting membranes are also used on a wide variety of surfaces where permanent adhesion to the substrate must be ensured.

Environmental Protection/Compliance

Compliance with Standards and Legal Requirements

All of Schreiner Group’s venting membranes are free of harmful substances and contain no perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and PFOA-related compounds. This ensures that no persistent organic pollutants harm humans and the environment as well as compliance with EU POP Regulation 2019/1021.

With our products, we comply with the requirements of the REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals) and RoHS (Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances) regulations as amended.

All Schreiner Group membranes are PFOA free

The Schreiner Group works in accordance with PFHxA

Product Variety/Customization

Product diversity of our Pressure Compensation Seals

Compliance with Process Requirements and Optimizations

Modern and automated production operations entail corresponding requirements for the delivery quality of products.

Customers can choose between a wide variety of standardized forms of delivery, and specialized forms of delivery such as ESD bags against electrostatic charging or protected packaging for overseas shipments are part of our delivery portfolio as well.

Our transparent end-to-end tracing system meets the highest automotive demands. Every roll is quality-inspected and provided with a closure seal.

Customized forms of delivery/packaging are always available and can be provided with different winding reel sizes for automated processing systems.

Pressure compensation seals on roll discs

PCS on roll discs

Pressure compensation seals packed with transport protection

Additional transportation protection

Quality

Quality Assurance and Technical Cleanliness

The development of Pressure Compensation Seals is subject to an extensive product verification program.

Wide-ranging material tests, as well as in-process and finished parts inspection ensure a consistent quality of the Pressure Compensation Seals.

All series products pass through a comprehensive requalification process.

In the PCS Process Center in Oberschleissheim/Germany, the product is manufactured under cleanroom class ISO 7 based on the standards of DIN EN ISO 14644-1 and 14644-3

Venting Solutions

Our venting solutions consist of a watertight and dustproof yet air-permeable membrane enabling air exchange in housings and protecting electronics against liquids and dirt.

The installation of a membrane depends on application-specific requirements. Your venting membrane will deliver its full performance only when installed in the correct position. Special emphasis is placed on the design of the vent hole and precision application of the venting membrane.

Self-adhesive component design

Ultrasonic welded component design

System Expert

For testing the full functionality of a pressure compensation seal after application to your component, we’ll be pleased to support you in selecting suitable measuring tools and testing methods.

Our systems expertise extends from individual PCS dispensing and testing/inspection units to fully automated system solutions. We’ll be pleased to advise you regarding the wide variety of customized options.

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Dispensing unit for pressure compensation seals

Pressure Compensation Seal on cold metal

Product Solution

Pressure Compensation Seals for the Technical Industry

Pressure Compensation Seals enable pressure compensation in enclosures with their air-permeable membrane with oleophobic properties.

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Product Solution

Pressure Compensation Seals for the Automotive Industry

We offer Pressure Compensation Seals for numerous automotive applications: from sensors to electric motors to vehicle lighting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which criteria are crucial when selecting a Pressure Compensation Seal?

The selection is based on the application-specific requirements: airflow, water retention capacity, oleophobicity, attachment method, protection rating, temperature range, media resistance, and installation situation.

How is the appropriate protection rating determined for an application?

The required protection rating is determined by the environmental conditions and area of use defined by the customer.

How does airflow affect the performance of a Pressure Compensation Seal?

Airflow describes the air permeability of a Pressure Compensation Seal. It determines how quickly pressure differences caused, for example, by temperature changes (positive or negative pressure) are equalized. Insufficient airflow puts stress on seals and housings and, without a suitable PCS, may lead to functional failure.

Where are Pressure Compensation Seals installed on a housing?

Pressure Compensation Seals can be installed on the outside or inside of a housing. The optimal installation position depends on the application, mechanical loads, attachment method, and environmental conditions.

What needs to be considered when installing Pressure Compensation Seals?

Full functionality depends on selecting the right PCS, its attachment method, the correct installation orientation, a properly designed vent opening, and precise application. After application, a functional test on the component is always recommended, such as checking airflow or the water ingress point.

What is the importance of Technical Cleanliness in production?

High Technical Cleanliness requirements apply especially in the automotive and electronics industries. Clean production environments reduce the risk of particles impairing the function of sensitive electronics or membranes and ensure process stability. A prime example is Schreiner ProTech’s in-house PCS Process Center in Oberschleissheim, where our PCS are manufactured under ISO Class 7 cleanroom conditions.

What role does miniaturization play in Pressure Compensation Seals?

As electronic systems become increasingly miniaturized, the requirements for compact, high-performance solutions grow. Despite their smaller dimensions, Pressure Compensation Seals must deliver high performance and reliability. In addition to membrane solutions with diameters as small as 3 mm, Schreiner ProTech also offers space-saving marking solutions or protective-film solutions (Film-Based Cover) with an integrated PCS.

Can the functionality of Pressure Compensation Seals be tested?

Yes. After the PCS has been applied to the component, its functionality should always be verified—for example by testing airflow, water retention capacity, or other application-specific requirements. For this purpose, Schreiner ProTech offers proprietary test equipment specifically designed for PCS that can be adapted to the respective manufacturing process at different levels of automation.

Are customized Pressure Compensation Seals available?

Yes, in terms of shape, size, material, and adhesive. Customized solutions are particularly necessary when standard solutions do not fully meet the requirements for installation space, protection rating, media resistance, airflow, or water retention capacity. A broad portfolio of tools, membrane types, adhesives, and ultrasonic welding systems enables customized product variants.

What errors can occur when using Pressure Compensation Seals?

Typical errors include an unsuitable installation position, an incorrectly dimensioned vent opening, or improper application. These can impair functionality and lead to leaks or insufficient pressure equalization due to damaged PCS.