If you would like us to fulfill your gasket requirements, we can provide you with samples, drawings or CAD files. If additional customization is required, our team is available for your additional customization requirements.
Custom rubber seals and gaskets are common rubber products that are used in a variety of business settings. Gaskets serve as barriers between two objects, helping to prevent leaks or contamination from happening. Compressibility also allows for sealing opportunities between two surfaces- making them perfect for use in various applications.
One of the most versatile and widely used gasket materials is nitrile, also known as Buna-N or Buna N gasket sheet. Except when manufactured for food use, it has a gleaming black appearance. Notable properties include excellent impact and abrasion resistance, as well as resistance to a wide range of chemicals.
SBR is a styrene-butadiene copolymer with properties similar to natural rubber. It has better abrasion resistance, wear resistance, and low temperature flexibility than natural rubber. Although it is more resistant to water than natural rubber, it is not as resistant to solvents and chemicals. It has better heat resistance and heat aging properties than natural rubber, and when exposed to excessive heat, it hardens and becomes brittle rather than softening as natural rubber does. Natural rubber-like resistance to sunlight and ozone. SBR has a temperature range of -55 C to +70 C (-67 F to +158 F). Sheets of SBR rubber are available. Also available according to drawings and specifications.
Hypalon® is a brand name for chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM, CSPE). 1 It is a superior type of chloroprene with superior heat and chemical resistance.
CSM elastomers are generally useful in electrical applications and as corrosion-resistant coatings. Because of its excellent UV stability, it is also suitable for outdoor applications. Acid resistant tank linings, pond liners, static seals, roof sheeting, membranes, fabrics, hoses, and electrical cable jacketing are examples of typical applications.
The normal working temperature range is -20°C to +125°C.
The chemical, mechanical, and wear resistance properties of EP (ethylene propylene) and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubbers are excellent. They’re used for anti-vibration, sealing, and electrical insulation. In the water industry, EPDM gaskets are widely used.
These rubbers are also resistant to weather and ozone. Certain EPDMs are WRAS approved and can be used with potable water. EPDM is best suited for temperatures ranging from -40oC to +120oC.
Fluorosilicone, also known as FVMQ, is a saturated rubber material. It has good extreme temperature stability, similar to silicone, and chemical resistance, similar to fluorocarbons.
Fluorosilicone, which is frequently specified for aerospace applications, is a highly versatile material that can be used in a wide range of sealing applications, including outdoor applications and those exposed to sunlight, ozone, and chlorinated or aromatic hydrocarbons. FMVQ has a good compression set and a high resistance to fuel, oil, and solvents. These properties are maintained in temperatures ranging from -75° to 400°F (-59° to 204°C).
Due to its low physical strength, high coefficient of friction, and low abrasion resistance, fluorosilicone is ideal for static sealing applications but not for dynamic sealing operations.
Fluorocarbon elastomers, or FKM, are an important component in industries that are subjected to harsh chemical conditions, ozone attacks, and high temperatures. FKM can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C and as high as 250°C – or higher for short periods of time.
FKM has been shown to have a high fluorine-to-hydrogen content, giving it exceptional resistance to a wide range of industrial chemicals such as acids, steam, methanol, petroleum-based and silicone oils, diesel fuels, and other highly polar fluids.
Even when exposed to high temperatures, the strong carbon-fluorine bonds help to maintain stability and prevent chemical saturation.
In general, the higher the carbon-fluorine content of a product, the greater its resistance to corrosive agents. Lower viscosity polymers are commonly used in extrusions or to aid in mould flow for complex part configurations.
Masticated rubber is made from recycled rubber that has been reinforced with high-strength synthetic fiber cords. A two-roll mill or an industrial grinder/mixer can be used to masticate rubber. The resulting material is extremely tough and long-lasting.
Our custom Natural Rubber compound is an exceptional rubber known for its abrasion resistance and recovery from high pressure forces. Natural rubber can be used to reduce vibration in industrial machinery and engine components. Natural rubber has low ozone and weathering resistance, as well as oil and solvent resistance.
Natural rubber has the following properties:
The chemical inertia of neoprene rubber (also known as polychloroprene or chloroprene rubber) is high. It’s commonly used in electrical installations and weather sealing.
Neoprene is particularly suited to use with water, whether salt or fresh; however, EPDM rubber is preferable for potable (drinking) water.
It does not allow combustion and self-extinguishes. In addition, neoprene is resistant to sunlight, ozone, and oils. It works best in temperatures ranging from -20oC to +110oC.
Gaskets Made of Urethane – These pressure sensitive gaskets are made of polyurethane or urethane compounds and have an adhesive backing. Urethane gasket material is a Polyethylene-apdate, Polyether material with good aging properties as well as excellent abrasion, tear, and solvent resistance.
Urethane (Polyurethane) gasket material has the elasticity of rubber combined with a very tough and durable performance factor. Urethane has the ability to “self-heal” due to its high cut and abrasion resistance. It has an excellent resistance to ozone and aging. Urethane can also be molded to a number of different substrates.
Because of their chemical inertia, silicone rubber gaskets are useful in extreme environments and temperatures ranging from -55oC to +300oC.
Food quality gaskets and pharmaceutical quality gaskets are two common types of silicone gaskets. Silicone is a very stable material that is used in harsh environments. It also serves as an electrical insulator.
Skirtboard rubber is a tough and adaptable rubber sheet made of an abrasion-resistant SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) blend. Skirtboard is available in a variety of stocked pre-slit widths and is intended for use as chute lining, in conveyor belt systems, as wiping blades, or as mounting pads. It is also a versatile and long-lasting material for equipment bumpers and workshop surface pads. Available in 3/8 and 12 inch thicknesses with a square-cut or 45 degree beveled edge. In select widths, an 80 durometer hardness is available in thicknesses ranging from 1/2 to 1 inch. For applications involving heavy abuse from stone, glass, or aggregate, an extremely abrasion resistant orange natural rubber (40 durometer) is available.
For abrasive and abusive applications, Orange Natural Rubber 40 Durometer Skirtboard is available.
Synthetic polyisoprene is a synthetic polymer made by polymerizing a petroleum-derived raw material. This procedure yields a versatile and pure polymer. KEP’s K-440 synthetic polyisoprene compound has many of the same properties as natural rubber latex, but without the latex allergen concerns.
TPR is a semi-crystalline material that has both rubber-like and thermoplastic properties. This means that it is malleable and can be produced using melt processing techniques such as injection molding. TPR material is created by combining block copolymers such as SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene). Thermoplastic rubber is also known as thermoplastic elastomer. When comparing TPR to typical TPE, TPEs are mostly made from SEBS (Styrene-Ethylene-Butadiene-Styrene) polymers, whereas TPRs are made from SBS polymers.
DuPont’s fluoropolymer elastomer is marketed under the brand name Viton®. Viton® can withstand higher temperatures than other elastomers.
Viton® rubber gaskets are used in the oil, gas, and mining industries where aggressive chemicals, fuels, and explosive gases are present.
