New GORE® PolyVent Compact Series

MUNICH, Germany (November 25, 2013) – With its new GORE® PolyVent Compact Series, W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. introduces higher-performance venting in a smaller footprint. About 30% smaller than the widely-used PolyVent Snap-Fit product family, the new Compact Series is easier to integrate into even the smallest automotive electronic housings. It provides a higher level of protection for sensitive components like sensors, motors and control units, while providing reliable and rapid pressure equalization. The combination of protection and pressure equalization is due to an enhanced microporous GORE™ membrane that breathes to allow airflow, yet blocks entry of water and contaminants.

"The new PolyVent Compact Series was designed as a best-in-class solution for two crucial industry needs," said Rainer Enggruber, Global Product Manager at Gore Automotive. "Its compact size supports automotive engineers who are developing ever smaller and lighter under-hood housings. And its performance surpasses today's most rigorous industry standards, to help OEMs facing the dual demands of longer warranties and even harsher test requirements in the future."

More Design Options for Smaller, Lighter-Weight Housings

At about 30% smaller than the PolyVent Standard, High Temperature and High Airflow Series, the PolyVent Compact Series is ideal for smaller housings with thinner walls where both internal and external space, as well as weight, is at a premium.

  • Smaller vent diameter (only 14.3 mm) makes the Compact Series easier to integrate into today's smaller housing designs, especially when the installed housing has very limited clearances.
  • Low installed height (only 3.45 mm) means less external protrusion and less vulnerability to mechanical impacts or steam-jets. Often, no protective wall is needed, so housing design is simplified, its development is less costly, and the enclosure more readily fits into the tightest under-hood spaces.
  • Smaller total vent height (only 8.9 mm) means shorter snap-fit "legs" that intrude less deeply into the enclosure. This provides more flexibility in component layout and facilitates heat transfer from printed circuit boards to the housing exterior.

Higher-Performance Materials for More Reliable Protection

The new GORE® PolyVent Compact Series provides advanced levels of protection, as measured by the most stringent validation tests, to extend the reliability and service life of sensitive electronic components.

  • An enhanced oleophobic GORE™ membrane design provides about 30% better WEP (Water Entry Pressure) resistance, yet with the same airflow and chemical resistance as the PolyVent Standard and High Temperature Series.
  • The Compact Series uses the same advanced PolyVent materials technology that has been proven reliable in automotive applications worldwide. The vent body, of hydrostabilized PBT GF30, provides excellent mechanical stability and resistance to high humidity and temperatures. The silicone O-ring durably withstands temperatures up to +150 °C as well as aggressive engine, hydraulic, and gearbox oils.

Globally, in the past 18 years, billions of GORE® Automotive Vents have been installed and proven reliable in many challenging applications. In partnership with tier suppliers and OEMs worldwide, Gore develops venting solutions that meet today's automotive requirements and anticipate tomorrow's challenges.

For more information about the GORE® PolyVent Compact Series and the overall GORE® Automotive Vents portfolio, visit gore.com/autovents.