With its VentingXperience, Schreiner ProTech opened a new chapter for direct customer dialog at the Oberschleissheim location. For a whole day, professional visitors from Automotive, Mobility, and General Industry had the opportunity to experience an event centered on the topic of Pressure Compensation Seals (PCS), showing how modern membrane technology and intelligent fastening solutions enhance safety and performance in challenging applications.

The VentingXperience program offered a wide variety of topics. In compact technical presentations, the specialists from Schreiner ProTech provided information about the basics and functionalities of membrane technology, the diversity of self-adhesive PCS solutions, high-protection variants such as PCS HighProtect, or combined nameplate solutions. The method of ultrasonic welding met with keen interest as well—especially for applications that must do completely without adhesives. Product stations and discussion rounds gave the participants opportunities to discuss specific use cases and to engage in exchanges about project experiences.

The discussions and exchanges showed that the requirements to be met by pressure compensation technology keep growing—not only due to the electrification in vehicle engineering but also due to increasing miniaturization and the demand for longer lifecycles.

The exclusive plant tour was one of the highlights of the event. At several stations, the participants had the opportunity to directly observe how Schreiner ProTech develops and produces various PCS solutions. A particularly impressive showcase was the demonstration of how high-tech membranes reliably protect sensitive electronics and what quality assurance actions are taking place in the background.

Adrian Marggraf, Product Manager for Pressure Compensation Seals, was the expert on hand to answer the guests’ questions. Many conversations revealed that exchanges between development partners and customers are particularly important to realize products that are fit for the future.

The positive response to the first VentingXperience event reinforces Schreiner ProTech’s motivation to continue offering professional events focused on PCS technologies. In terms of trends like the combination of pressure compensation and functional labels the demand for tailored solutions will keep growing. Consequently, Schreiner ProTech is planning to expand its role as a development partner and to support customers early in the concept stage.

Whether at our VentingXperience event, in customer conversations, or in exchanges with developers and buyers: Our continuously growing PCS HighProtect product group is in high demand. That’s hardly surprising because the requirements for pressure compensation, protection, and traceability have clearly changed in recent years. Electronic in-vehicle components are subject to extremely high stress—moisture, dust, and mechanical influences call for robust solutions and often raise specific questions. Below, experts from Schreiner ProTech provide practical answers to the most frequently asked customer questions about this special Pressure Compensation Seal.

What distinguishes the HighProtect version from other PCS variants?

This PCS product group is tough. Dust, dirt, water, harmful media—and, due to protection class IPX9K, it even resists high-pressure water jets. Only with proper protection can sensitive electronics or control units reliably function.

Do I have some latitude in terms of size?

No doubt about it! We’ve alread implemented several customized solutions in regular production. The unique design offers much greater flexibility than snap-fit or screw versions. Size, adhesive, and shape can be modified without additional tooling costs.

Is it effective and traceable even in the case of small design spaces?

For this use case, our TTR-printable HighProtect variant is ideally suited, combining a label and Pressure Compensation Seal in one product, which naturally reduces your process steps—with a minimal design height of less than 5 millimeters.

All-in-one often sounds enticing: fewer steps, less effort. Yet sometimes it pays to deliberately split processes. That’s exactly what the team of the Schreiner Services competence center did in the case of an ultrasonic welding unit for Pressure Com­pensation Seals (PCS). An approach that noticeably enhances stability and process reliability.

In the case of many applications, the sonotrode must do not just one but two jobs in terms of ultrasonic welding of membranes: It first cuts out the membrane and then welds it onto the component. That means it must have sharp edges, which makes it prone to wear. This results in several potential sources of defects, which poses a risk especially in the case of large volumes.

That’s exactly where the new solution comes into play: It deliberately splits the previous process into two steps by using pre-cut membranes. At Schreiner Group, that step is performed on high-performance cutting machines in regular production. “In that case, the sonotrode can focus on its primary task: precise welding in a reliable process. Without the additional cutting function, its geometry remains stable and its service life clearly longer. The result is a robust, durable process with far less failure potential,” explained Michael Reineke, Head of the Services competence center.

Automatic Precision Dispensing

Another advantage of the new unit is automated handling of the Pressure Compensation Seal. While in other assembly processes involving ultrasonic welding the membranes often need to be positioned manually, a precision dispensing system takes care of that in this case. It guides the pre-cut membranes automatically and precisely underneath the sonotrode. That enhances repeat accuracy, reduces operator effort, and minimizes the risk of positioning errors in the current process.

In addition, an airflow measurement unit is directly integrated in the system. Immediately after manufacturing, it checks if the Pressure Compensation Seal reliably performs its job. Together with the sonotrode that needs to do only one job anymore and the automated “travel” of the membranes this has resulted in a solution that constantly guarantees high component quality and process reliability.

What do high-tech membranes from Schreiner ProTech that are normally used in the automotive industry etc. have to do with fresh milk? Nothing, at first glance, but an application example from Switzerland shows where proper pressure compensation is crucial even in a cow barn.

WMB AG in Balgach (Switzerland) is the global leader in the development and production of milk meters. Their portable devices called LactoCorders measure various parameters such as milk flow, quantity, and temperature. These small meters are used with herds of cattle around the world—from the United States to Asia to Europe—helping to ensure precise data acquisition in the dairy farming sector. “LactoCorders provide essential data for analyzing animal health. For instance, they can identify inflammatory markers enabling fast responses to treat the animal,” explains Dr. Ansgar Andryani, product manager at WMB AG. “Another thing that plays an important role for our customers is the easy and, above all, reliable use of our devices.”

Among other things, the integration of a Pressure Compensation Seal (PCS) from Schreiner ProTech ensures perfect performance of the LactoCorders during the milking process. “Our Pressure Compensation Seal,” says Adrian Marggraf, the product manager for Pressure Compensation Seals at Schreiner ProTech, “has an oleophobic coating with a fluid-repelling effect while continuing to ensure venting of the membrane. In this specific case, the ingress of milk must be prevented that might damage the sensitive electronics inside the device.” Unfortunately, milk packs a punch not only in terms of calories: “If milk gets onto an oleophilic membrane the membrane will immediately become saturated. Neither must the milk be allowed to start drying because the lactose will cause the liquid to adhere to truly any structure and cause everything to stick together, inevitably leading to failure of the device,” adds Dr. Ansgar Andryani.

However, thanks to this knowledge, a special component inside the LactoCorder, and the Pressure Compensation Seal, customers can trust the reliability of the milk meters. Precision measuring technology from Switzerland paired with high-tech membranes from Oberschleissheim: this combination ensures that animal welfare and technology go hand in hand during the milking process.

Sometimes it is the small components that perform great feats. Pressure compensation seals (PCS) are a perfect example. For more than 25 years, they have been an integral component of Schreiner ProTech’s portfolio. Despite their unspectacular look the small pressure compensation seals are of crucial importance when it comes to protecting electronic components. A brief overview shows what has been going on this year and where things are headed in 2025.

2024 was dominated by electrification, a mega trend that would be unthinkable without pressure compensation seals. “The more electronic components are installed in an automobile the more pressure compensation seals are necessary to ensure the safety and functionality of a vehicle,” explains Adrian Marggraf, Product Manager, Pressure Compensation Seals. The small multi-talents are important not only during a vehicle’s service life but even as early as during transportation of the individual electronic components. Temperature and pressure fluctuations, dust and dirt can damage component even before they start being used, so pressure compensation seals provide an element of stability within the supply chain as well. Due to their flexibility in terms of shape, functionality, and type of attachment, emphasis continues to be placed on the self-adhesive versions.

Although pressure compensation seals are used in many other applications they play a particularly prominent part in mobility of the future. This area is not only about electrification but also about miniaturization, i.e., smaller and lighter-weight components. A case in point is PCS HighProtect, a product version that despite its minimal component height and reduced weight resists even steam cleaning and represents a true alternative to previous snap-fit or bolt-on versions.

With a wide-ranging PCS portfolio and the new PCS process center Schreiner ProTech is in an outstanding and, above all, forward-looking position because this much is certain now: In 2025, there will be no lack of momentum in this field!

More information on our PCS portfolio: https://www.schreiner-group.com/en/competences/technologies/venting-of-housings/

Longitudinal ultrasonic welding systems are a time-tested technology not only for joining membranes. However, up until now, only self-adhesive versions have been usable for fleece-backed membranes with high airflow. Those days are over now:

In a pioneering joint project, the team from Schreiner ProTech together with MS Ultraschall Technologie GmbH developed an innovative ultrasonic welding system for mechanically sensitive pressure compensation seals (PCS). The machine has clear advantages: high speed and precision.

In less than two seconds, the PCS sits exactly where it should. Plus, a quickchange system for tools significantly reduces production costs as well. Product Manager Adrian Marggraf is more than happy: “The basic machine is a development by MS Ultraschall while the expertise in ultrasonic membrane welding was provided by Schreiner Group’s Technology and Innovation Management (TIM) team. This project combines the professional knowledge of both parties and together we can now offer our customers an allnew all-in-one solution.” That solution is nothing short of a small revolution: Unlike longitudinal ultrasonic welding, a process in which the energy is transmitted directly in one direction, the torsional technology features indirect energy transmission through a rotary motion around the welding seam axis. That method is particularly gentle and specifically suited for mechanically sensitive membranes with high airflow. The benefits are obvious: “Especially in the automotive sector, where the components with sensitive electronics are becoming increasingly smaller and compact,” explains Marggraf, “they need proper pressure compensation.”

PCS attachment using torsional ultrasonic welding not only ensures a totally precise and extremely durable connection but also means that you may only need one high-performance membrane with high airflow instead of several classic PCS.”

Consequently, the complete package of the material and machine available from Schreiner ProTech is ringing in a new era of efficiency and quality enabling customers in the automotive engineering industry to benefit not only from a technological advantage but also from a sustainable competitive edge.

Efficiency and safety in industrial applications are imperative. Schreiner ProTech offers a wide variety of specialized products that satisfy exactly those requirements. From high-tech labels to RFID technology: a brief overview of the innovative solutions.

It was soon clear that the film-based solution for housing closures developed by Schreiner ProTech was a true alternative to existing variants on the market, and when the Film-Based Cover (FBC) won recognition by FINAT, the European association of the self-adhesive label industry, the team was even more delighted. Now, a little less than a year later, the Film-Based Cover scores with new functional features. Here’s a peek at “FBC all inclusive.”

Admittedly, at first glance, the small, dark box still appears to be rather inconspicuous. It’s the thing replacing a cover that packs a punch: a strong polyester film, precisely applied, and permanently and reliably bonded with the housing by means of laser welding. A lightweight and permanent closure solution that resists chemical, mechanical, and thermal stress.

But that’s not all, because the Film-Based Cover has evolved into a veritable all-in-one product: Be it as an integrated Pressure Compensation Seal, warnings, or subsequent TTR overprinting, the new Film-Based Cover provides customers with flexibility. “Our initial motivation was to offer a true alternative to the conventional injection-molded cover,” explains Markus Loris, Product Manager, Protection Films at Schreiner ProTech. However, conversations with customers soon made it clear that this product has great potential! “Due to a generic evolution,” says Loris, “we managed to realize customer wishes step by step and integrate more and more additional functions into this product.”

For customers, switching to this housing solution specifically means that Schreiner ProTech provides them with one flat component where they previously needed to use and install four individual components: a housing cover, a nameplate, an information plate, and a Pressure Compensation Seal.

The results are less space required in the production line, lower capital expenditures for manufacturing machines, cycle time reductions, and a lower administrative workload: a clear reduction of complexity that truly adds value.

Suitable uses for the Film-Based Cover include sensor applications such as those of interior space monitoring. Radar permeability, which is clearly better than that of solid injection-molded covers, increases sensor performance and so makes this solution particularly attractive. The Film-Based Cover is a perfect example showing how a smart basic idea keeps evolving and growing bit by bit. Stay tuned to learn what the next growth spurt is going to offer.

Light is deemed to be one of the most important safety factors on the road. In the area of vehicle lighting, the automotive industry increasingly focuses on adaptive lighting systems, laser light, or matrix LED. Reliable on-board venting elements ensure that drivers don’t find themselves standing in the dark. Schreiner ProTech sets new standards for self-adhesive membrane elements used in venting elements paired with precision dispensing and testing systems. Because: no light, no sight!

Before being used, pressure compensation seals (PCS) must survive a range of functional tests: decisive performance characteristics for all membranes are air permeability (airflow), water entry point (WEP), and their oleophobic character (repelling oil and dirt).

For PCS used in vehicle lighting applications, there’s a small additional task: The moisture vapor transition rate (MVTR) plays an additional key role. MVTR describes the permeability of a membrane for water vapor. The higher it is, the better the suitability of the membrane for use in vehicle lighting applications.

There’s a simple reason for that: The utilization of PCS in lighting applications is supposed to prevent condensation. Fogging of the headlights reduces lamp performance and increases the safety risk. “From a purely scientific point of view,” explains PCS Product Manager Adrian Marggraf, “water vapor permeability is nothing but a diffusion event. However, compared to air permeability this is a test that takes time. Airflow testing is a matter of seconds or minutes, whereas MVTR measurements not only take hours but days.”

That investment of time, however, is crucial for the membrane’s future use. The test is not identical for all membranes. Type, thickness, and size of the material make a difference. “Another factor in conjunction with pressure compensation seals used in vehicle lighting applications is precise and automatic processing and subsequent testing of the pressure compensation seals,” Adrian Marggraf adds. “Because we produce processing and testing systems, adapted to the respective PCS, in-house we can support customers from the initial idea to the prototyping and pre-production stage all the way to adoption for mass production.” That’s a decisive aspect because, due to the high venting volumes, the membranes may exceed the standard dimensions.

The demand for reliable venting systems for innovative lighting technologies keeps growing. After all, fogged headlights cast a poor light on the whole vehicle. From that perspective, pressure compensation seals not only ensure the performance of the lighting system but also of the high-grade appearance of the vehicle. A total package for which Schreiner ProTech offers suitable solutions.

Smaller, lighter, and simpler: That’s what components should be—not only in the automotive industry. There’s an obvious trend to “keep it simple” while the exacting demands to be met by the components continue to exist. In the form of the Film-Based Cover (FBC), Schreiner ProTech offers its customers an optimal solution.

Currently, plastic component housings are typically closed using injection-molded covers. However, those covers entail high tooling costs and require a certain amount of space during shipping as well in relation to installation.

A film-based cover as a housing closure provides a simpler solution reducing handling complexity. It features a strong polyester film that is cut to size and delivered on rolls. Its benefits are obvious: The film considerably helps save weight of the entire component—up to 85 % weight savings are possible! Lightweight and flat, the film-based solution provides a watertight and dustproof closure and withstands chemical, mechanical, and thermal stress. Consequently, a wide variety of challenging automotive applications can be implemented with it. Schreiner ProTech’s applicator system enables precision application of this substitute for injection-molded covers. Laser welding creates a permanent and reliable bond between the film and the housing.

The possible integration of pressure compensation seals is another advantage of the film-based solution. Schreiner ProTech’s total solution is rounded out by the significant cost benefits of the Film-Based Cover for customers.

Attractive alternative: Film-Based Covers are clearly lighter and flatter than injection-molded housings. In addition, they can be provided with (left) and without (right) pressure compensation seals.

Film-Based Covers can be used in various vehicle applications. Whether in electronic control units or sensor housings, the film-based components are advantageous wherever weight savings and minimal space requirements are crucial.