Rubber Gasket

A Rubber Gasket is a flexible mechanical seal used to fill the space between two or more mating surfaces, primarily to prevent leakage of liquids or gases while under compression. They are essential in static applications—where the connected parts do not move—and are designed to deform into the microscopic irregularities of the surfaces to create a vacuum-tight or watertight joint. Rubber gaskets are manufactured using several different methods depending on the required precision and volume: Sheet Gaskets: "Punch-cut" or waterjet-cut from large rolls of rubber sheet. This is the most common and cost-effective form for standard pipe flanges. Molded Gaskets: Created using injection or compression molding for complex 3D shapes (like engine valve cover gaskets). Extruded Seals: Long profiles (like window seals) that are cut to length and sometimes "vulcanized" (joined) at the ends to form a continuous loop. Sponge/Foam Gaskets: Made from "closed-cell" rubber containing nitrogen bubbles, making them much softer and ideal for sealing uneven surfaces with low clamping force (like electronic enclosures). Selecting the right rubber "polymer" is critical, as the wrong material can melt, swell, or crack when exposed to certain chemicals or temperatures. Material Key Features Best Used For Nitrile (NBR) Excellent resistance to oil, fuel, and grease. Fuel systems, engines, oil pipelines. EPDM Superior weather, ozone, and UV resistance. Outdoor seals, window gaskets, HVAC. Neoprene (CR) Balanced resistance to oil and weathering; flame retardant. Marine environments, refrigeration. Silicone Extreme temperature range ($-60$°C to $+230$°C); food-grade. Medical, food processing, high-heat ovens. Viton (FKM) Exceptional chemical and high-heat resistance. Aerospace, aggressive chemical plants. Natural Rubber High elasticity and tear strength; poor oil resistance. General purpose water sealing.