Why APM Should Be Your Sole Provider

APM HEXSEAL was formed in 1947 with the express purpose of developing sealing products for the U.S. Military for equipment operating in the most adverse conditions and harshest environments. In WWII, the military recognized the need to environmentally protect critical equipment. APM stepped up to their challenge and assisted with development of the MIL-B-5423 (now MIL-DTL-5423) specification to meet these stringent requirements. Indeed, this military specification was written based on APM’s proven design and manufacturing processes. APM proceeded to engineer a full line of switch, potentiometer and circuit breaker seals that could operate reliably to 100,000 plus actuations. And, year after year these boots pass rigorous, independent QPL military inspection/equivalent. They also carry UL Recognition and continue to pass this rigorous third party testing. We then further developed and patented our complimentary line of self-sealing fasteners and washers which were first used on our circuit breaker seal’s mounting flange to provide added sealing protection (IP66/68 ingress rating). APM has in excess of 100 patents to its name including our “trigger” to help actuate switches/breakers where necessary and the recently filed IQ 1030 toggle switch boot patent pending application. Our imitators have never innovated or had any patents … not even one.

APM seals have seen service in every military conflict since WWII. When a Scud missile is hurtling to its target, APM makes sure the anti-missile launcher switch is protected from the environment and will work time after time. More than 50 million HEXSEAL® switch covers have been produced in a wide variety of types and sizes for military, commercial and industrial applications throughout the world. Installed by more than 200,000 customers, APM is the dominant prime supplier in everything from the boating industry to beverage dispensing machines, to the off-road vehicle industry, to medical equipment and emergency power equipment, etc.

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. This may be true, but imitators can be problematic and at times even catastrophic to the unwary. This is especially true today, with customers demanding reliable performance in all environments and when failure (during or after warranty) can give the manufacturer a bad reputation that will be difficult to erase. You can make a product that looks like someone else’s, but appearances are often deceiving. There can be significant manufacturing process differences creating more problems than they solve and usually not evident until after installation. For example – our patented HEXSEAL® switch sealing silicone rubber boots are bonded to the metal insert (bushing) mounting-nut using a proprietary process. This technique is as much an art as it is a science. Done incorrectly, separation of rubber from the metal can occur. The silicon itself, if not properly blended and processed, can outgas. Ironically, it is the outgassing that can migrate and deposit on nearby electronic components and switch contacts, causing premature failure which the boot itself was supposed to prevent.

I urge you to be skeptical about unsupported claims made on the internet by neophytes with absolutely no track record or experience. Their website may exude sizzle, but there’s no substance as they lack not only experience, but important technical data and independent agency approvals. Contrast that to our web site that includes real life application successes, downloadable drawings, a vast national distribution network, worldwide sales representation, a broad product line set forth in our catalogs, 1,049 National Stock Numbers (used by the U.S. government for purchasing), unrivaled technical support availability, and a machine shop that produces actual custom products. If you have a technical problem, our engineers will work and visit with you, to resolve your requirements resulting in the most efficient and economical design-solution. Our imitators, are just that, they lack substance in terms of production capacity and know how, technical assistance, local sales and distributor network, and a technical-sales support team with a track record. Typically, they are primarily engaged in other businesses, and are by no means regarded as sealing specialists like APM. Original, authentic HEXSEAL® sealing boots and self-sealing fasteners is always the safe sealing decision.

Sincerely,
William C. Foster
General Manager

Involved in electrical/electronics equipment-controls reliability
(switch, circuit breaker & potentiometer sealing boots)?
Visit the APM HEXSEAL website for other challenging sealing solutions.

The APM line of self-sealing fasteners includes self-sealing screws, self-sealing locking nuts, self-sealing locking bolts, self-sealing rivets, and self-sealing washers all designed to seal in/out air, water, lubricants and other liquid or gaseous contaminants.