Elastomeric Gasket Types

Posted by MPRC Seals on September 26, 2024 5:22 am | Leave a Comment

Consisting of various compressible elastomeric materials, these gaskets are rugged components capable of creating a tight seal between two mating surfaces in high-pressure or -temperature systems. They reliably prevent liquid or gas leaks, making them suitable for a diverse range of industries from automotive and aerospace to medical and food and beverage. Learn more about the various elastomeric gasket types available, as well as their primary benefits and applications.

Types of Elastomeric Gaskets

Elastomeric gaskets come in several types, allowing you to choose the one best suited to your application.

Cut Gaskets

Failed gaskets require quick replacements in process plants to prevent extensive interruptions and costly system downtime. A highly popular gasket type, cut gaskets are relatively simple to manufacture using high-speed, computer-controlled cutting tables or steel rule dies. This facilitates fast shipments and deliveries to get your equipment up and running again, maintaining optimal productivity.

Lathe Cut Gaskets

By using different production processes, lathe cut gaskets reduce material waste and so are more cost-efficient compared to die-cut varieties. Manufacturers wind the raw or uncured polymer material around a mandrel to create the gasket’s inner diameter (ID), continuing to wrap it to a thickness greater than the intended outside diameter (OD). Trapped air pockets within the wrapping are squeezed out and the wrapped material goes into an autoclave oven, which heats it at the appropriate temperature for that material to vulcanize. After cooling, manufacturers will mount the mandrel on a specialized lathe. This tool removes material from the surface of the workpiece to achieve the necessary OD, finally slicing it to the desired thickness for the final gasket.

Molded Gaskets

Another gasket type that generates minimal waste is the molded gasket, though this variety takes more time to produce than die-cut gaskets. Manufacturers make a mold based on the gasket’s desired dimensions and engineering drawings, accounting for the material’s shrinkage rate. After placing or injecting the uncured polymer into the mold cavity, the mold will maintain the necessary temperature for a set amount of time to ensure material vulcanization in the shape of the mold. Manufacturers then remove the component from the mold for cooling, following this process with flashing removal, as needed. This process enables companies to produce gaskets of tighter tolerances and higher durometers than cut or lathe cut types.

Elastomeric Gasket Benefits

Elastomeric gaskets deliver a variety of benefits, with some of their primary advantages including:

Creating superior seals. The inherent compressibility of elastomer materials allows elastomeric gaskets to create leak-free seals by conforming to surfaces — even irregular ones.
Affordability. Manufacturers can produce elastomeric gaskets at a relatively affordable price.
Material versatility. Given the wide array of elastomers available — from silicone and fluorosilicone to nitrile, EPDM, and Viton™ — you can select an elastomeric gasket with the material properties most applicable to your unique project.
Thermal resistance. Elastomers are suitable for use in a spectrum of extremely high and low temperatures, enabling them to withstand fluctuating thermal conditions effectively.
Chemical resistance. Depending on the elastomer, these gaskets can achieve chemical resistance to substances like solvents, fuels, and oils to withstand harsh conditions.
Vibration resistance. Elastomers are also capable of absorbing vibrations, allowing them to safeguard sensitive or delicate equipment.
Simplicity. Elastomeric gaskets facilitate both installation and replacement tasks by being easy to use.

Elastomeric Gasket Applications

Numerous industries depend on elastomeric gaskets for their sealing capabilities, resistance to chemicals and temperatures, and affordable cost. The following are some common application examples:

Aerospace. Elastomeric gaskets are suitable for sealing aerospace components like hatches, windows, and doors. They can also resist the pressures and temperatures within jet engines.
Appliances. Devices like ovens, refrigerators, and washing machines depend on elastomeric gaskets to create reliable seals and safeguard against leakage.
Automotive. Automotive systems like suspensions, transmissions, and vehicle engines all rely on elastomeric gaskets to seal components and prevent fluids like coolant or oil from leaking.
Construction. Elastomeric gaskets are ideal for construction applications, sealing panels, doors, and windows to prevent moisture, air, and even noise from infiltrating a building.
Electronics. These gaskets shield electronic equipment from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electrostatic discharge (ESD), protecting anything from circuit boards to consumer smartphones and laptop computers.
Food and beverage. Processing equipment in this industry utilizes elastomeric gaskets to avoid product contamination and support hygienic operations. They’ll hold up against regular cleaning or sanitization and adhere to applicable food safety standards.
Healthcare devices. Elastomeric gaskets’ ability to withstand repeated sterilization, as well as their biocompatibility properties, also makes them applicable in the medical sector. You’ll find these gaskets in diagnostic tools, syringes, pumps, and related medical devices.