Comparing Rubber Gasket Sheets: Material Types and Their Uses
Rubber gaskets are one of the crucial components of any industrial machinery and equipment because of their many uses, like preventing leaks, contamination, and vibration by providing seals. That said, choosing the right rubber gasket material is important because it directly affects the seal’s performance; making the wrong choice of sheet material may compromise work safety. In today’s article, we’ll list the different rubber gasket sheet materials and their respective characteristics ideal for their accompanying applications.
What are the most common gasket sheet materials?
Natural rubber (NR). Known for its elasticity, tear resistance, and resilience, natural rubber is derived from the sap of rubber trees. The rubber gasket sheets at Industrial Experts are good examples of this material, which are commonly used in seals for general-purpose gaskets, seals for food-processing equipment, and automotive gaskets.
Silicone Rubber (SiR). Similar to NR, silicone rubber is also known for its elasticity but with added characteristics. It’s both heat- and chemical-resistant and commonly used in high-temperature practices. SiR is also used in seals for food equipment and as a gasket for medical devices.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM). EPDM is the ideal gasket sheet material for conditions that have extreme temperatures because it can withstand weathering and has great resistance against ozone. We commonly see this material used as seals in refrigeration systems because it can withstand the cold and also in outdoor practices.
Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR). Another form of synthetic rubber is NBR, but this time, this gasket sheet material has impressive resistance against greases and oils. With that said, the best and most common use of NBR is in machinery and equipment exposed to oily conditions, pneumatic systems, and automotive gaskets.
Fluoroelastomer (FKM). Finally, we have the final variation of synthetic rubber, FKM, which is known for its high resistance against chemicals, fuels, oils, and the like. Some of FKM’s common applications are in chemical processing equipment, aerospace components, and gaskets for high-pressure systems.
What factors should be considered when choosing the right gasket material?
Now that you have an idea of the different types of gasket sheet materials, there are a few other factors you should also consider when making a choice, such as:
Physical properties. The right gasket sheet should have the right properties to ensure a high-performing seal.
Temperature range. Depending on the working conditions, you need to be mindful of choosing a material that can withstand extreme temperatures. With that said, NR is out of the question since it performs poorly in extreme conditions.
Chemical compatibility. There are different kinds of fluid, so having a compatible material that it interacts with is crucial. If we’re talking about oily environments, then NBR is the better choice of materials.
Environmental factors. It’s also important to choose a material depending on the environmental conditions, like the natural elements, sunlight exposure, and moisture, to name a few.
Ultimately, choosing the right rubber gasket sheet is paramount to ensuring that the performance of various industrial applications isn’t compromised. By understanding the different characteristic features of the sheet materials, you can make informed decisions on which ones are better suited for your specific needs.