Prevent Corrosion on Airplane Antennas with Metalastic EXP-URE - Chomerics Division | Parker US
Aircraft antenna with corrosion-resistant METALASTIC® EXP-URE gasket installed on exterior panel

The Problem: Corrosion and Electrical Failure on Aircraft Antennas

Airplane antennas are mission-critical components responsible for communication, navigation, and real-time data transmission. A commercial aircraft may carry up to 30 antennas—military aircraft, more than 130—all externally mounted and continuously exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Jet fuel, deicing fluid, salt air, UV, and rain all contribute to corrosion risk.

At the same time, these antennas must maintain reliable electrical conductivity with the aircraft fuselage for proper EMI shielding, lightning strike protection, and grounding.

Corrosion prevention alone isn’t enough. If the interface between the antenna base and fuselage degrades due to galvanic corrosion, it can result in electrical failure, reduced signal performance, and costly maintenance or replacement.

The Solution: METALASTIC EXP-URE from Parker Chomerics

To meet the unique challenges of antenna mounting, a gasket must do more than just seal out moisture and corrosive fluids—it must also deliver consistent, reliable electrical conductivity across the entire mating surface.

Parker Chomerics METALASTIC® EXP-URE gaskets deliver both:

  • Corrosion protection through a conformable, fluid-resistant urethane filler
  • Superior electrical performance through a continuous expanded aluminum mesh structure

Unlike traditional woven-wire or particle-filled gaskets, EXP-URE ensures uniform surface conductivity for EMI shielding and lightning strike grounding—even under low compression.

Low Compression. High Performance.

EXP-URE achieves through conductivity at less than 15% deflection and requires only 10 psi—compared to 400–600 psi required by typical solutions. That means:

  • Lower torque during assembly
  • Less risk of structural damage
  • Minimal gel squeeze-out
  • Long-lasting seal integrity

Download EXP-URE Test Report here.

Parker Chomerics EXP-URE Conductivity
Uniform, high conductivity across entire gasket surface

Why METALASTIC® EXP-URE is Superior to Traditional Gaskets

 

Engineered for Corrosion Resistance in Harsh Aerospace Environments

EXP-URE is built to endure aggressive fluids and extreme conditions. It exceeds salt fog test standards and performs reliably in areas prone to corrosion such as lavatories, galleys, and external mounts.

 

Enables Reliable EMI Shielding and Grounding

The expanded aluminum structure provides high-through conductivity across the entire gasket surface—ensuring dependable EMI shielding and lightning strike protection in antenna, radar, and electronics applications.

 

Reduces Assembly Force and Risk

EXP-URE delivers electrical performance at low compression, minimizing installation torque, structural stress, and sealing failures.

 

Orientation-Free Installation

EXP-URE gaskets have no orientation requirements, simplifying installation and reducing the chance of errors during assembly.

 

Precision Die-Cut for a Custom Fit

Available in custom shapes and sizes, EXP-URE gaskets are die-cut to your specifications—ensuring uniform contact and consistent sealing in critical aerospace interfaces.

Common Applications for EXP-URE Gaskets

  • External antenna, radar, and lighting base seals
  • Access panels for electronics bays and fuselage hatches
  • Connector and waveguide interface gaskets
  • Corrosive-prone aircraft areas such as lavatories and galleys
Aircraft antenna with corrosion-resistant METALASTIC® EXP-URE gasket

Built for Aerospace. Backed by Global Support.

METALASTIC® EXP-URE has been qualified in a wide range of commercial and defense aircraft programs. Backed by Parker Chomerics’ global engineering and manufacturing network—with facilities across North America, Europe, China, India, and Malaysia—we offer short lead times, application-specific solutions, and a commitment to zero defects.

Protect your antennas. Improve electrical performance. Lower your costs.

Learn more about METALASTIC® EXP-URE or request a sample today.

Blog Post contributed by Jesse Hagar, Product Manager, Chomerics Division.

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