Common Types of Custom Gasket Materials and Their Uses

One of Precision Cutting’s primary services is manufacturing (that is, cutting) are custom gaskets for industry. We make them in just about any size and shape and in all sorts of material. In fact, one of the biggest benefits of our water jet cutting is that is can precisely cut just about any gasket material.

Many of our customers nationwide rely on us for custom gaskets because of the flexibility of materials.  No matter the use, we have access to the gasket material that is best suited to the application—and if you do not know which material is best, we do and we will help you select it.

Understanding Common Custom Gasket Material Types

Rubber

Rubber is one of the most popular gasket materials, because of its low price, functionality and cutting ease.  Rubber is extremely resilient and holds up well under pressure, and is excellent for creating water- or gas-tight seals.  It is not well suited for corrosive chemicals, however.

Cork

Cork is still widely used in gaskets.  It has similar elastic properties to rubber, but is more resistant to corrosive materials.  On the other hand, it is more permeable than rubber and not always the best choice for containment.

Neoprene

Neoprene is more expensive, but an excellent choice when dealing with solvents or weak-to-moderate acids or bases, along with solvents or fuels.  It is still weak against particularly strong acids, however.

Silicone

Silicone is a popular choice when dealing with many different liquids.  It also has good temperature resistance, as well as being unaffected by either sunlight or ozone.  However, it fares poorly with hydrocarbons or when containing steam.

Glass

Glass gaskets are often called for when being used in high-pressure or high-temperature environments, as well as being resistant to a good range of chemicals.  Its lack of compression may or may not be a problem, depending on the application.

PTFE (Teflon) 

Teflon is prized for its anti-stick properties as well as its ability to resist a huge range of chemicals, solvents, acids, and bases.  It also has a very low permeability that makes it appropriate for many liquids and gases.

C4401

C4401 is one of the more popular materials we use for gaskets because it is an approved and proven replacement for Asbestos. It is a competitively priced, synthetic compressed sheet with a binder that prevents airborne dust. It is this dust, asbestos dust, that is so dangerous, and why asbestos is no longer used for gasket applications.

Precision Cutting Service Can Handle Your Gasket Needs

These are just a few of the materials we can work with.  To learn more, or to consult on the material needs of your next project, contact us today.