Flat profiles for cooling systems

Our flat profiles for cooling systems are designed for structural transitions, support surfaces and technical end sections. The flat profile geometry allows for a wide range of applications within refrigeration units and other refrigeration systems.

What is a flat profile?

Compared to pronounced hollow, bead or lip seals, flat profiles have a predominantly flat cross-section. Depending on the specific design, they can be used as a seal, support, cover or functional spacer profile.

Their comparatively simple basic shape makes flat profiles highly versatile. However, width alone is not sufficient for selection. Profile thickness, cross-section, material and installation conditions also influence how the profile behaves under mechanical stress.

Flat profiles in cooling systems and refrigeration technology

Cooling systems involve a variety of components, surfaces and structural elements. Flat profiles can be used wherever a defined point of contact, a support surface or a clean finish is required between these components.

Possible areas of application include, for example, transitions, covers, housing areas or gaps provided for in the design. The function performed by the flat profile always depends on the specific installation situation and the profile geometry.

Flat profiles should therefore not be equated with traditional fridge door seals. Whilst door seals often have a sealing area that can be compressed to a greater extent, flat profiles have a different design and can fulfil other technical functions.

Flat profile, hollow profile or bead profile?

The correct profile type depends on the intended function.

Flat profiles are characterised by their flat cross-section and are particularly suitable for support, transition and cover applications.

Hollow profiles have an internal cavity. This allows them to yield more under pressure and makes them suitable for applications where a defined degree of compression is required.

Bead profiles feature a pronounced sealing area that can be compressed when components are closed or joined together.

Press-fit profiles also have their own fastening geometry for the designated mounting points. When replacing an existing profile, it is therefore important to first clearly determine which type of profile was originally installed.

Selecting the right flat profile

When selecting a suitable flat profile, the existing dimensions and the specific function within the cooling system are crucial.

Particular attention should be paid to:

• Overall width of the profile
• Profile height or material thickness
• Full cross-section
• Available installation space
• Type of support or fastening
• Mechanical stress
• Temperature conditions at the point of use
• Required flexibility and dimensional stability

If a profile is already available, a cleanly cut cross-section with as little deformation as possible is recommended for comparison. Profiles that appear similar externally may differ significantly in function due to variations in thickness or geometry.

Materials and material properties

The material used influences, amongst other things, the elasticity, dimensional stability, resilience and temperature resistance of a technical profile.

Various materials are available for our profile production, such as PVC, TPE and silicone. The choice of material for a specific flat profile or a new cooling system application depends on the technical requirements of the design.

Measuring flat profiles correctly

If an existing profile is to be replaced, it should, where possible, be measured whilst unloaded. Profiles that are heavily aged, stretched or permanently deformed may differ from their original dimensions.

In addition to width and material thickness, the complete cross-section is important. For more complex shapes, it is advisable to take several measurements and compare these with a technical drawing or an existing sample.

With flat profiles in particular, even slight differences in thickness can affect how the profile sits within the structure or is loaded.

Processing and installation of flat profiles

Before installation, contact, bearing and fastening surfaces should be clean and free from old profile residues or other contaminants.

The profile should be fitted or secured with as little stress as possible, in accordance with its intended geometry. Unnecessary pulling or compression must be avoided, as this may alter the position or deformation behaviour of the profile.

After installation, a check should be carried out to ensure that the flat profile sits evenly along its entire length and fulfils its intended support, sealing or end-sealing function.

Flat profiles for replacement and new designs

Our flat profiles may be of interest both for replacing existing profiles and for newly developed cooling systems.

When replacing existing profiles, the priority is to ensure the closest possible match to the existing cross-section. In the case of a new development, however, the dimensions, material and profile geometry can be specifically tailored to the technical requirements.

A bespoke profile solution can be particularly useful when a standard profile does not meet the required width, thickness or function.

Customised flat profiles for cooling systems

We can develop new profile cross-sections to meet specific requirements. Our in-house toolmaking facility, rapid prototyping and production on 17 extrusion lines provide the technical capabilities required for this.

An existing sample, a drawing or CAD data, for example, can serve as the basis for profile development.

GfA – Expertise in flat profiles and cooling systems

With 5,490 standard profiles, our in-house toolmaking facility, rapid prototyping and 17 extrusion lines, we offer a wide range of options for standard and bespoke profiles. Our development and production facilities in Germany cover numerous applications in sealing and profile technology.

For cooling systems, flat profiles are complemented by other designs such as hollow, bead and recessed profiles. This allows the profile type to be selected specifically according to the respective design requirements.

Advantages at a glance:

• Flat profiles for cooling systems and cooling technology
• suitable for transitions, support and end sections
• flat profile geometries for various designs
• selection based on width, thickness and complete cross-section
• Various materials available for bespoke developments
• Suitable for replacements and new designs
• 5,490 standard profiles
• In-house toolmaking
• Rapid prototyping
• 17 extrusion lines
• Bespoke profile development possible