The Challenge
Used across agriculture, utility tasks, and recreational powersports, ATVs must perform in some of the harshest environments. Often fitted with storage boxes to carry essential equipment, these enclosures are exposed to constant environmental stress, from sub-zero winter conditions to wet, muddy terrains, while protecting valuable contents.
A leading manufacturer of ATV vehicles required a sealing material capable of maintaining long-term performance under dynamic use. The lid of the storage box is frequently opened and closed, placing repeated compression stress on the gasket. Over time, this can lead to material fatigue, compression set, and ultimately seal failure.
Key requirements included:
- Low compression set to maintain sealing performance over repeated cycles
- Durability under frequent opening and closing (dynamic application)
- Wide operating temperature range, including resistance to freezing conditions
- Protection against water ingress in wet and muddy environments
- Closed-cell structure to prevent water absorption
- Cost-effective solution without compromising performance
- Mechanical resilience to support heavy loads applied to the storage lid
The customer also required a material that could be easily converted into precision gaskets for integration into the lid channel of the storage box.
The Solution
To meet these requirements, kSil® QR400 closed-cell silicone sponge sheeting was selected.
kSil® QR400 offers an excellent balance of flexibility, resilience, and durability, making it particularly well-suited to dynamic sealing applications. Its closed-cell structure prevents water ingress while maintaining consistent sealing performance across a wide temperature range.
The material was waterjet cut into bespoke gasket profiles, allowing for precise fitment within the lid channel of the ATV storage box. This ensured uniform compression and reliable sealing along the entire perimeter.
Outcome
By integrating kSil® QR400 into the storage box design, the customer achieved a robust sealing solution capable of withstanding the rigours of real-world ATV use.
The gasket maintains consistent compression and recovery over time, ensuring continued protection against water, mud, and environmental contaminants. Its durability under repeated use reduces the risk of premature seal failure, contributing to improved product reliability and customer satisfaction.
This solution highlights how high-performance silicone sponge materials can deliver reliable sealing in dynamic, outdoor applications where environmental resistance and long-term durability are critical.
