3 Keys to Functional Rubber Gaskets

3 Keys to Functional Rubber Gaskets

 Environment – Design – Style

Frequent gasket replacement is frustrating and costly in machine downtime.  It can leave you wondering if there is something that could be done to improve the gasket. The problem can be as simple as making a better gasket.  That process starts with examining the environment your elastomer will see, the design of your it, and the material style.

• Environment – When designing a gasket you have to consider what temperature and chemicals will be in contact with the it. You must consider the whole process not just use. Examples of areas that are sometimes overlooked are installation and cleaning. The environment can be so critical some industries like food, medical, and military have specific limitations on rubber materials that can be used.

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“I worked with a company who had a part that could hold up to the day to day process but when it came to their cleaning process, a chemical in their cleaning process caused the part to deteriorate. Once we knew the issue it was easily solved.”

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• Design – The shape, cross-section, and thickness all play a major role in making sure the gasket is made the right way. You need to make sure you have the correct size gasket within the assembly. This means not only the shape of the it but also the cross-section, and the thickness. All three are needed to make sure your gasket will be the best fit for your project.
• Style – You need to consider if the gasket should be made of closed cell sponge or dense rubber. This is answered by the hardness and density of the material you need. Often, samples of various degrees of hardness and densities are needed to determine the right fit.

When designing your new gasket, simply saying, “I want black rubber” will lead to the same problems you are currently experiencing. However, starting by answering these three questions, you will be able to get a great start on your project.

Even with the answer to these questions, the final decision of process and elastomer can be a daunting one. 

Not to worry, Aero Rubber has the tools to assist you to make sure you make an informed decision

1. Use our elastomer guide for initial planning.
2. Once on our website, scan the other sections to see several manufacturing types and styles.
3. Then, contact one of Aero’s several Sales Engineers at 800-662-1009 to discuss your project. We will assist you in the process of deciding on the rubber gasket replacement.

We at Aero “Take Rubber Seriously”.

Yes, we have the tools to help you obtain the correct gasket solution.