Gaskets

A gasket is a mechanical seal which fills the space between two or more mating surfaces, generally to prevent leakage from or into the joined objects while under compression.

Gaskets allow for “less-than-perfect” mating surfaces on machine parts where they can fill irregularities. Gaskets are commonly produced by cutting from sheet materials.

Gaskets for specific applications, such as high pressure steam systems, may contain asbestos. However, due to health hazards associated with asbestos exposure, non-asbestos gasket materials are used when practical.

Most major manufacturing sectors, including the automotive, aerospace, electronics, appliance, and military industries, employ gaskets in their production methods.

Gaskets are available in a large number of specifications, making proper gasket selection an important step in many manufacturing processes. They can be formed from a wide range of materials, such as metals, rubbers, plastics, corks, foams, and composite substances.

Gaskets play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of numerous industrial applications, including Food Processing, Petrochemical, Plumbing, Machinery, and Gas. Here’s a breakdown of their key advantages:

Leak-Proof

A gasket is a mechanical seal which fills the space between two or more mating surfaces, generally to prevent leakage from or into the joined objects while under compression. Gaskets allow for “less-than-perfect” mating surfaces on machine parts where they can fill irregularities.

High-pressure resistant

Gaskets are typically designed to withstand a maximum amount of pressure, which is reflected in their pounds-per-square (PSI) rating. As long as the pressure to which a gasket is exposed is under this rating, it will create a sealed and leak-proof mating surface.

Leak Blockers for Tiny Holes

No surface is perfectly smooth. Gaskets can compensate for these minor imperfections. The gasket, being softened under loading conditions, will more than likely flow into the surface imperfections on the flange, thereby completing the conformation between gasket and flange. This is called “settling in.”

Simple To Install

Most gaskets are already cut to size and super easy to put in. You don’t need a bunch of fancy tools or be an expert to use them. That’s why they’re a great choice for fixing leaks – they’re convenient and won’t break the bank!

Metal Gaskets

Metallic Gaskets are used for sealing higher temperature and pressure applications, where non-asbestos materials will fail.

Typical applications are for heat exchangers, compressors, condensers, pumps, and valves. This ensures safe and reliable operation in these demanding environments.

Rubber Gaskets

Rubber gaskets are elastic components used for mechanically sealing the microscopic gap between two mating surfaces or joints to avoid leaks and take up the irregularities of the surfaces.

As flexible components, rubber gaskets are very versatile. Some examples of these surfaces are flange faces of piping and fittings, tank rims and covers, door edges, frames, and many more.