Data Sheet: GORE^® SKYFLEX^® Aerospace Materials

GORE SKYFLEX Aerospace Materials are engineered with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), a unique proprietary material that Gore specializes in. In fact, our expertise in ePTFE has led to more patents for products and processes than any other company worldwide. During manufacturing, we manipulate the ePTFE membrane’s structure to provide characteristics that can resist fuels, aviation fluids and wide temperatures and make for easier installation, even around the corners. Additionally, we can modify the following:

• Density
• Strength
• Compression response
• And more.

This process yields a diverse portfolio of commercially available material sets, forms and sizes – all engineered with unique properties and specifications. While all dry PTFE-based sealants are non-hazardous and chemically inert, no other ePTFE-based sealant in the industry matches the full-scale performance of our unique tapes and gaskets. GORE SKYFLEX Aerospace Materials also deliver the following advantages over alternatives:

With only a few simple steps required for installation, no special equipment or training, GORE SKYFLEX Aerospace Materials are considerably faster and easier to install than form-in-place (FIP) seals. In turn, they also eliminate curing time for sealing and protective surface materials, which reduces manufacturing cycles and direct maintenance time.

GORE SKYFLEX Aerospace Materials maintain their protective performance over multiple open/close cycles. This means fewer replacements and less frequent reworking of seals, as well as significant time saved during production and maintenance. And unlike traditional two-component materials, Gore’s dry tapes and gaskets require no mixing, masking or clean up after installation, as their non-hazardous properties reduce environmental impact, disposal costs and safety risks for installers.

Because Gore’s aerospace materials are consistent in form, they provide reliable, predictable performance when sealing gaps and other irregular surfaces. Alternative large fairings and panels, meanwhile, have significant variations in piece-to-piece consistency due to gaps.

Unlike liquid sealants, GORE SKYFLEX Aerospace Materials provide a durable barrier between faying surfaces and seal against contaminants, Not only does this protect structures and surfaces from abrasion, vibration and contaminants, but Gore’s materials also remain in place under compression and do not squeeze out.

Gore’s aerospace materials are approved for use on multiple civil, defense, and fixed/rotary wing aircraft and are routinely specified by leading OEMs. They are prequalified and tested to ensure that their properties are consistent along the length of tape and with each gasket. In addition, we use other proprietary processes, equipment and materials to provide characteristics in our material sets that can resist fuels, aviation and wide temperatures.

Suitable in many application environments, GORE SKYFLEX Aerospace Materials are often used as an alternative to FIP seals, as well as in the following areas:

• Access panels (wing, fuel, LE/TE & dry bay)
• Floorboards (cargo & passenger area)
• Structure (cargo & passenger area)
• Engine cowlings
• External fuel tanks
• Fairings
• Fuel bladder cavities
• Helicopter tail boom covers
• Wing D-Nose
• Lighting assemblies

GORE SKYFLEX Aerospace Materials are available in standard or custom sizes with a variety of adhesives. For more information, contact a Gore representative, who will work closely with you to help evaluate the parameters of your specific application and recommend the appropriate series. If you’re ready to order Gore’s aerospace materials, contact a distributor today.