U-Shape Extruded Seals

U-shape extruded seals, also known as U-channels or edge trims, are flexible sealing profiles characterized by their U-shaped cross-section. They are designed to be easily pushed onto the edge of a material (metal, glass, plastic) to provide a tight seal, cover sharp edges for safety, and protect from environmental damage.
Key Features and Benefits
Edge Protection: Their primary function is to cover sharp edges, providing a safe, clean finish and protecting cables, wires, or people from potential injury.
Sealing and Weatherstripping: The tight fit of the U-channel creates a barrier against dust, water, air, and other contaminants.
Easy Installation: The flexible design allows for push-on installation without the need for adhesives, clips, or mechanical fasteners in many applications.
Vibration and Noise Reduction: U-channels can help cushion components, reducing vibration and minimizing noise levels.
Versatility: Available in a wide range of sizes, materials, and internal gripping features (like metal clips) to suit various edge thicknesses and application needs.
Common Materials
Material selection depends heavily on the operating environment and required resistances:
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer): The most frequent choice for outdoor and automotive weatherstripping due to excellent resistance to ozone, UV radiation, sunlight aging, and water absorption.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): A durable and cost-effective option for general-purpose edge protection where high flexibility and good chemical resistance are needed. It often includes internal metal clips for enhanced gripping power.
Silicone Rubber: Offers superior performance in extreme high and low temperatures, good chemical resistance, and is often FDA-compliant for medical and food industry use.
Nitrile (NBR / Buna-N): An excellent choice when oil and fuel resistance are the primary concerns, used in industrial equipment and fuel systems.
Applications
U-shape extruded seals are widely used across diverse industries for protection, sealing, and finishing:
Automotive and Transportation: Used as edge trim on doors, trunks, hoods, and vehicle bodies to provide a finished look and seal against elements.
Industrial Equipment: Employed on access panels, machinery guards, and enclosures to cover sharp metal edges and provide a reliable seal.
Construction: Applied on metal edges in buildings, windows, and curtain walls for safety and weatherproofing.
Marine: Used on boat hatches and panels for edge protection and sealing against saltwater.