In sealed electronic devices, temperature changes often create internal pressure differentials that can lead to condensation, seal failure, and equipment damage. SST-Porous® Adhesive ePTFE Vent Membrane for Electronics solves these issues by allowing air to pass freely while blocking water, dust, and other contaminants.

Featuring an ultra-thin and compact structure, this adhesive vent membrane reduces design complexity and installation effort, helping manufacturers lower total system costs. Beyond standard sizes, SST provides complete customization in shape, size, and breathability to meet individual project needs.

SST is committed to delivering professional waterproof, dustproof, and breathable solutions that enhance product reliability and extend the service life of electronic equipment.

Product standard

Test reports

Operation guide

                                The picture on the left is a waterproof and breathable component with a support body, and the picture on the right is a waterproof and breathable component with pure e-PTFE membrane

(The left illustration shows a waterproof and breathable component with a support body; the right illustration shows a pure e-PTFE membrane waterproof and breathable component.)

1. General Guidelines When installing adhesive-backed waterproof and breathable products on the enclosure, the following comprehensive factors are very important:

• Smoothness of the enclosure surface
• Cleanliness of the enclosure mounting surface
• Surface profile of the enclosure mounting surface
• Surface energy of the enclosure mounting surface
• Dwell time during application and cure time after application

2. Storage Recommendations Waterproof and breathable products should be stored indoors in a controlled environment for up to one year. Recommended storage conditions: temperature of 21°C and relative humidity (RH) of 50%. Store in the original packaging and keep the environment clean. Avoid direct sunlight and keep away from heat sources.
3. Handling Guidelines Operators should wear latex-free gloves or finger cots when handling adhesive-backed breathable products. Avoid direct contact with the product’s effective venting area (the central membrane) or the adhesive ring. Keep all sharp or jagged items away from the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) breathable membrane.
4. Dispensing / Release Liner Removal Guidelines The carrier roll (backing paper roll) has an inner diameter of 76.2 mm. Waterproof and breathable products can be dispensed manually or with automatic equipment. To prevent damage, do not pry the product away from the carrier roll. For manual dispensing: slowly roll up the liner under the waterproof and breathable product along the edge until the product separates from the liner and can be easily picked up. Use blunt-edged tweezers to gently remove the product from the liner (grasp only the edges, avoiding the central venting area).
5. Installation Guidelines Ensure the vent and enclosure temperatures are above 10 °C. Make sure the mounting surface of the enclosure is smooth, clean, and free of oil, particles, or other contaminants. There should be no jagged or sharp edges that could damage the waterproof breathable product. The enclosure mounting surface can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol. Before installing the waterproof and breathable product, ensure the enclosure mounting surface is dry. A hole of at least 1 mm is usually recommended. Larger diameter vents may require multiple 1 mm holes (distributed evenly for optimal airflow).
6. Positioning Pure membrane-type waterproof and breathable products can be installed on the inner or outer surface of the enclosure. Series products with a support layer can only be installed on the inner surface of the enclosure, with the breathable membrane side facing outward (toward the potential liquid side). Place the product on a flat, vertical surface where water or other contaminants will not accumulate. You can mark or outline a “target area” on the enclosure where the waterproof and breathable product needs to be placed to improve placement accuracy. Use the target frame as a guide to position the waterproof and breathable product fully within the frame.

Note: For corrosive environments, a raised target zone (ridge) around the vent installation location may help prevent damage to the vent edges.

7. Compression – Suitable for Semi-Automated Systems For excellent compression head design and proper application pressure, follow these general recommendations:

• The compression head should be made of soft rubber (hardness 20–40 Shore A), with uniform thickness and at least 5.0 mm thick.
• The compression head should be perpendicular to the enclosure mounting surface and positioned to apply pressure to the target/protective ring area.
• Depending on the size of the adhesive ring, apply a uniform pressure of approximately 2.07 bar (about 30 psi) to the adhesive area of the waterproof and breathable product. The compression head surface should be relieved/offset to avoid applying pressure to the breathable area.
• The dwell time of the compression head should exceed 5 seconds.
• Allow at least 24 hours before using or testing the product. These steps are necessary to ensure the product adheres firmly to the enclosure.

8. Compression – Suitable for Manual Installation Ensure the entire adhesive ring is in close contact with the enclosure surface. Use your fingers to gently press in at least two full circles along the circumferential area of the adhesive ring to ensure the waterproof and breathable product is securely bonded to the enclosure. Be careful not to touch or press the center of the breathable area. Allow at least 24 hours before using or testing the product. These steps are necessary to ensure the product adheres firmly to the enclosure.
9. Final Inspection If a target frame is used, the product should be completely within the target frame and not pressing against the frame walls. Once installation is complete, the product should not be repositioned or relocated. Damage can occur when venting products are removed from the mounting surface.