We can manufacture rubber gaskets to any dimensions and in any shape, from any type of rubber. Whether you are after a standard part, or something bespoke, simply give us a call or send us your drawing and we will be happy to offer you a quotation.
Rubber is the most important class of materials for sealing in the medium temperature range (-50ºC to +120ºC). This is because rubbers rapidly return to their original shape when any deforming stress or load is removed.
Parts can be manufactured from the following rubbers; natural, neoprene, nitrile, EPDM, silicone, viton, styrene butadiene, butadiene acreionitrile, ethylene propylene, butyl and hypalon.
Many rubbers are available for various working conditions; however they all have one property in common – the effect of heat is cumulative and irreversible. They can be used in a variety of working conditions; typically used with water, oils, chemical and other low pressure fluid applications. Examples of rubber gaskets include everything from standard pipe gaskets, to oil and manway gaskets.
The kind of rubber gasket you require will depend upon what you want it to do and the conditions in which you want it to operate. For instance, if your application involves water you should consider using neoprene or EPDM. If you require a part with oil and fuel resistance, you should consider nitrile or Viton®. The properties of the gasket will depend upon the type of rubber from which it is manufactured.
Maximum temperatures must not be exceeded and a good design will allow a safety margin dependent on design sevice life.
Many rubbers are available in foam (sponge) form for simple gasket sealing applications.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for or require a bespoke material, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Buna-N is the American term for Nitrile rubber, it is also known as: Butadiene Acrilonitrile, Perbunan or NBR rubber. Grades vary on their properties due to their acrylonitrile content. A high acrylonitrile content has a better oil resistance while a low acrylonitrile content has better resilience and low temperature flexibility.
Nitrile has outstanding resistance to: oils, petrols, solvents and lubricants but has poor ozone resistance. As such, nitrile gaskets are particularly suited for use with fats, oils, fuels and other liquids contaminated by these.
We stock nitrile in commercial, specification and white food quality grades. It is ideally used in temperatures ranging from -20ºC to +110ºC (Dependant on grade).
Popular examples of gaskets made from nitrile are: Oil gaskets and Cover gaskets.
As a general rule, Nitrile:
EP (ethylene propylene) and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubbers have good chemical, mechanical and wear resistance properties. They are used in anti-vibration, sealing and electrical insulation applications. EPDM gaskets are widely used in the water industry.
These rubbers also have excellent weathering and ozone resistance. Certain types of EPDM are WRAS approved and suitable for use with potable water. EPDM is ideally used in temperatures ranging from -40ºC to +120ºC.
As a general rule, EPDM:
Neoprene rubber (otherwise known as polychloroprene or chloroprene rubber) exhibits good chemical inertia. It is commonly used in electrical installations and weather sealing applications.
Neoprene is particularly suitable for use with water; be that salt or fresh water – although for potable (drinking) water it is better to use EPDM rubber.
It doesn’t support combustion, but self extinguishes. Neoprene also has good resistance to sunlight, ozone and oils. It is ideally used in temperatures ranging from -20ºC to +110ºC.
As a general rule, neoprene:
Silicone rubber gaskets are known for their chemical inertia and as such are useful in extreme environments and temperatures from -55ºC to +300ºC.
Popular examples of gaskets made from silicone are: food quality gaskets and pharmaceutical quality gaskets. Silicone is also a very stable material, used in extreme environments. It is also electrically insulating.
As a general rule, silicone:
Viton® is a brand name for DuPont’s fluoropolymer elastomer. In comparison to other elastomers, Viton® can withstand a higher temperature.
Viton® rubber gaskets are used in the presence of aggressive chemicals, fuels and explosive gases; and as such have application in the oil, gas and mining industries.
We manufacture from DuPont Viton®; a commercial grade (FKM) is also available.
As a general rule, Viton®:
Rubber is probably the most common gasket material, and it comes in many different types. If you are unsure as to which rubber is best for your application then you can consult our gasket material selector or our guide to rubbers. Alternatively, we are always happy to offer technical help and advice so if you require assistance then please do not hesitate to contact us.
As a general rule, rubbers:
For more information custom rubber seals, please get in touch with us!