Gaskets are available in different materials, making them ideal for use in different applications. You can chose from elastomeric, fibrous, metallic, stainless steel, among other materials, says the European Sealing. Here are some examples for elastomeric and fibrous materials.
Elastomeric
These are regarded as entry-level materials in sealing technologies and materials and include materials such as butyl rubber, fluoroelastomer, ethylene propylenediene along with neoprene, silicone and natural rubber, among others.
Fibrous
These include aramid, asbestos, cellulose, glass and man-made fiber. Some of these materials are more suitable for use in medium temperature operations while others work great in high temperature operations.
Types
There are three main types of gaskets: metallic, semi-metallic and soft or non-metallic ones.
Thickness
The thinner your gasket is, the higher the bold load it can take on. That also means you lose less of the bolt stress that happens. You also get a lower gasket area, which can expose the material to internal pressure.
Handling
Proper handling can make or break your gaskets. So always remember to carry your gaskets carefully. Use a protective cover for added protection. Never bend or buckle the gasket or you could end up dealing irreversible damage to the part. And if you’ve got large metallic and semi-metallic gaskets you need to transfer, use its mounting and mindfully carry it to the installation site.
Ideal Gasket
Gaskets in tip-top condition make for better performance and results. Some materials, though, are typically more robust or versatile than others. One such type is foam. A foam gasket is particularly well suited to applications that require resilient and durable gaskets. Designed with low compression set, the material is able to withstand low and high temperatures, making it the ideal material to work with in your sealing applications.
Remember these things when you shop around for gaskets. You’ll make better choices that way.
