What is the Industrial Purpose of Rubber Gasket?
Rubber gaskets are basically used to fill space between two objects so as to join them appropriately and avoid leakage of gas or liquid while under compression. We assume the only rubber gasket most of you can think of is that of the pressure cooker but mind you this is not the only place it is used. Rubber gaskets are used across industries, of course in different shapes and forms. From building bridges to guarding the focus of camera lens, rubber gaskets come handy for various purposes.
Rubber gaskets provide high pressure seal to help various industrial machines as well as household appliances work efficiently. They are also used to seek protection from outside elements and serve as a barrier between two metals. The versatility they offer is what makes them popular across industries. They are high in demand all around the globe. Thus, the number of Gasket Manufacturer in India is increasing in the market.
Types of Rubber Gaskets and Their Industrial Use
Rubber gaskets are made using different rubber materials to suit the need of different industries. The rubber’s hardness, tensile strength, resistance to permanent indentation varies based on its material. Rubber material which is softer is less dense and more flexible. You can make a greater impression on the rubber material which is softer. Rubber sheets with greater hardness are denser and less flexible. They are also heavier. The tensile strength of the rubber determines the stress it can undergo when stretched. The rubber material is chosen based on the application of the gasket and the weather conditions and chemicals it shall be exposed to.
Here are some of the commonly used rubber gasket materials:
- Silicone: It is highly resistant to UV rays, ozone and oxygen. It has a working temperature greater than 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It can resist good amount of pressure but does not possess good tear strength. It is best suited for automobiles and electrical appliances.
- Neoprene: Neoprene rubber provides three gasket forms. These are homogenous, diaphragm and sponge. This type of rubber gasket can be compressed easily. It offers good resistance to weather, oil and ozone and moderate resistance to petroleum products. It makes for perfect sealing for refrigeration fluids. It is also used in air conditioners.
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE): It offers high resistance to heat. It is also highly resistant to water. It is mostly used in equipments that are constantly exposed to water. O-rings are usually made of PTFE.
- Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM): It offers high resistance to heat. It is also highly resistant to water. It is mostly used in equipments that are constantly exposed to water. O-rings are usually made of PTFE.
- Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM): Rubber gasket made with this material is resistant to grease, oils and UV rays. It is available in two durometers. One of which is moderately flexible while the other is hard. It is highly resistant to corrosive liquids. It has a black plate finish and is fit to be used in outside applications.
- Santoprene: Gasket made with this type of rubber is highly flexible and has low compression. It is known for its smooth surface design and versatility. This gasket is quite popular in automotive industry.
- Fluorocarbon: This is an all purpose rubber with a high temperature range. It is used in various applications such as fluids, gases, oils and even acids.
- Nitrile: This rubber material is known for tear resistance and has excellent abrasion. It does not break easily. It is resistant to animal fats and petroleum products but finds it hard to withstand weathering applications and ozone. This type of rubber gasket is well suited for automotive applications. It is also used in food processing equipments.
Different types of rubbers are moulded into gaskets using different cutting methods including hand cutting, water jet cutting and die cutting. It is essential to choose the rubber gasket material cautiously and select its cutting method with equal precision to efficiently accomplish the task at hand.