subject: Silicone Rubber Is The Ideal Material For Gaskets And Seals [print this page] Silicone rubber gaskets are used in all kinds of industries to prevent leaking from or into adjoined objects while under compression.
They essentially fill in the gaps between connected objects that do not fit together correctly, preventing fluid or air from seeping through.
Produced by cutting silicone rubber sheeting, you are likely to find silicone rubber gaskets in applications such as hoses, cars, air compressors, fluid delivery systems and electrical appliances when they are exposed to moisture and need protecting.
Some gaskets require the application of a sealant directly to the gasket surface to function properly.
Why are silicone rubber gaskets so popular?
Silicone is an ideal material for gaskets because its many properties and its cost effectiveness.
Its useful properties include resistance to extreme temperatures, UV resistance, non-reactivity with fluids, and high compression value.
Specifications can be increased so that silicone rubber gaskets are even more durable and fit even tighter.
Producing silicone rubber gaskets
Silicone gaskets can be produced in a number of ways. The first is cutting from silicone sheeting, using a die or a water jet.
The other way is injection moulding, compression moulding or transfer moulding.
Injection is more often the favoured method where seals must be of premium quality. Silicone gaskets can be produced from either sponge or foam.
The method used really does depend on the purpose and mechanical specification of the silicone rubber gaskets.
Why stick to silicone rubber?
Gaskets and seals are taken for granted until they fail, stopping whatever process was running.
Stop this problem by choosing the best, most reliable gaskets, which will give the longest service life. High quality silicone rubber gaskets are essential to ensuring a smooth running operation.
Types of silicone rubber seals and gaskets
Solid silicone gaskets: Generally die or water jet cut, from silicone sheeting, these rubber gaskets. They are very firm when compared to foam or sponge silicone.
Sponge silicone gaskets: The closed cell structure makes sponge silicone gaskets perfect for environmental seals.
Silicone foam gaskets: Closely related to sponge, foam gaskets differ in how they are made. Foam gaskets can be either closed or open cell. Open cell structures are used for dust seals or shock gaskets whereas closed cell is used for environmental seals.
Injection moulding silicone gaskets: Mould seals are often required for water submersion requirements.
Silicone sheeting gaskets at Silicone Engineering
Choose from an extensive range of silicone rubber seals, gaskets, washers and sleeves at Silicone Engineering.
Using innovative cutting and jointing equipment, Silicone Engineering can produce silicone rubber seals and gaskets in both solid and sponge, punched or water-jet cut from a variety of silicone sheet materials produced on site.
Alternatively, Silicone Engineering has the facility to manufacture vulcanised jointed silicone rubber gaskets from profiles and section, often incorporating items such as clips and valves.
Washers can be punched from a silicone sheet using a high volume-punching machine or, alternatively, parted off from silicone tubing.
Either way, excellent tolerances can be achieved across a range of the silicone gaskets.
Silicone sleeves are produced using automated precision cutting machines to ensure excellent tolerance bands are maintained for both small and high volume orders.
