Rubber gasket and seal are an integral part of our day to day life. Even though it hardly gets noticed, it exists all around to us. You can easily find it in your home appliances like coffee machine, refrigerator, laundry machine, and other appliances. In addition, it also tightly seals your windows and doors, lighting fixtures and skylight. It provides perfect sealing for your automobile doors, windows, and other engine parts. It’s also a very critical component for making giant rocket ships, aeroplanes, military tanks, and medical equipment.
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Why do rubber gaskets or seals fail?
However, quite a few sealing failures happen which ultimately cost much more due to down time, repair cost, hurting brand value and much more. It is very critical for OEMs to select the right kind of elastomer while making these gaskets and seals for use in their products. Many times, this wrong selection of rubber material happen due to the absence of right material information, specific application and condition needs, or due to price factor or both.
Silicone Rubber and EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) are very versatile and popular synthetic elastomers which are heavily used for making rubber gasket and seals. As for the life cycle, both have their own merits and demerits which we will explore here.
What should you consider while making a rubber gasket?
To decide whether Silicone or EPDM elastomer is appropriate for your gasket application, these are particulars that ought to be considered.
When you figure out what your requirements are for your venture then you can settle on a data choice on which is best for your project. The table beneath can help you in settling on the choice :
Silicone RubberEPDM RubberTemperature Resistance-67 °F to 450 °F (-55 °C to 232 °C)Silicone additionally has a couple of more focal points:
Nontoxicity and Cleanliness
Silicone rubber doesn’t contain sulphur or any other acid producing element which eliminates the possibility of staining, corroding or deteriorating when it is in contact with other materials. Mostly it is odourless and tasteless.
Different Grades
Silicone rubber is available in food grade, class VI, platinum cure silicone rubber and other special grades. This makes it a perfect choice for making gasket which requires special kind of material due to compliance and safety reason.
Some conventional uses of Silicone and EPDM gaskets:
Silicone rubber gasket and rubber seal are utilized broadly over numerous enterprises and applications like medical and laboratory equipment, pharmaceutical equipment, food and beverage processing, aerospace, industrial oven, automotive, computer, electronics, and many more.
Occasionally referred to just as EPDM, run of the mill utilization of EPDM are window and entryway seals, weather proofing, and electrical gaskets. EPDM is most ordinarily utilized in the automotive and construction enterprises for different seals because of its phenomenal protection from ecological factors, for example, ozone, UV and general weather endurance.
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While silicone seems superior to EPDM in some areas, both elastomers offer excellent sealing solution however the right choice depends on your individual application. Please contact Accurate Rubber Corporation for any questions regarding the right selection of rubber material for your sealing needs.
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When selecting a gasket for an application, consider the material and type of gasket you require. Different gasket materials can withstand different pressures, temperatures, and other factors, such as moisture, chemicals, and oxidation. Gaskets come in a wide range of styles, thicknesses, and dimensions. Their mechanical strength, longevity, and flexibility will also influence their efficacy in a given environment.
Choosing a type of gasket or material that is not suited for its intended application or environment can result in the early failure of the gasket. If the failure is severe enough, it can even result in unforeseen and costly equipment downtime.
Metal Gaskets
Metal gaskets are preferred for extreme pressure applications. They have either an ovular or octagonal cross-section, with the octagonal option offering higher strength to withstand high pressures. Metal gaskets form a tight connection between two contact points to contain high-pressure fluids. Secured with a high-tension bolt, they are commonly found in industrial systems or oil and gas applications.
Metal gaskets come in the following material options:
Rubber Gaskets
Rubber sealing gaskets are made of soft materials and are compressed between two surfaces in low pressure or low tension applications. They are best for preventing leaks in low-pressure fluid sealing settings. Rubber gaskets are easily manufactured, affordable, and versatile enough to meet diverse specifications.
The following rubber gasket materials are the most popular:
Silicone Gaskets
Silicone gaskets are flexible and durable, able to resist water, UV exposure, corrosion, extreme temperatures, and ozone. Solid silicone gaskets create a lasting seal between metal surfaces. They also come in foam and sponge forms to create a seal in applications with minimal pressure. Silicone gaskets will not shrink or become brittle due to temperature changes. They are chemically inert and non-toxic, making them ideal for food and medical applications.
Silicone gaskets are often in outdoor settings as well as healthcare, consumer product, electronics, construction, and aerospace applications.
EPDM Gaskets
Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is a durable and flexible synthetic rubber. Its cross-linked structure provides exceptional stability, strength, and elasticity. EPDM gaskets can resist extreme temperatures, UV rays, ozone, and water.
EPDM gaskets are popular in various industries, including appliances, transportation, aerospace, construction, energy, marine, automotive, medical, and electrical.
Neoprene (Chloroprene) Gaskets
Neoprene is the proprietary name of chloroprene, a rubber known for its thermal stability, strength, and resistance to water, chemicals, and corrosion. Chloroprene gaskets are versatile, lightweight, and compressible, forming a high-quality seal. They are an ideal choice for the oil and petroleum industry, where they can withstand harsh environments and petroleum-based solvents.
Semi-Metallic or Composite Gaskets
Composite gaskets are made of metallic and nonmetallic materials to deliver unique properties. Various configurations—such as in tongue/groove, raised face, and male-female flanges—allow composite gaskets to fit a wide range of temperature and pressure conditions.
Some of the most common composite gaskets include:
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