Rubber Gaskets: Versatility and High Performance
Rubber is one of the most widely used materials in sealing solutions, thanks to its ability to operate in a temperature range of -50°C to +120°C. It is present in numerous products and applications due to its elasticity, which allows it to return to its original shape after pressure release.
Fraktalseals specializes in the manufacturing and supply of various types of rubber seals, such as flange seals, manhole seals, cover seals and O-rings. The latter, being the largest group within rubber seals, deserve a specific section.
Rubber seals are ideal for a wide variety of applications, provided they are used within the recommended temperature and chemical resistance limits. Factors such as exposure to certain substances or extreme conditions can affect their durability.
Materials and Designs
The main materials used in the manufacture of rubber gaskets include:
- EPDM: Excellent resistance to ozone and UV rays.
- CR-Neoprene: Flame retardant, highly resistant to aging and acids.
- NBR (Nitrile): High resistance to oil, gasoline and some solvents.
- VMQ (Silicone): Flexible even at extremely low temperatures.
- FKM (Viton): Superior chemical resistance against most aggressive chemicals.
- CSM (Hypalon): High tolerance to acids, alkalis and high temperatures.
To improve their mechanical strength, rubber gaskets can be provided with woven internal reinforcements. Depending on the application, multiple reinforcement layers can be incorporated to ensure a long-lasting and secure seal.
Applications of Rubber Gaskets
Rubber is a widely used material in various industries. Some of its main applications include:
- Water industry: EPDM is the material of choice for applications involving potable water.
- Oil and gas industry: NBR is widely used in seals for gas, oils and greases.
- Manufacturing industry (OEM): Thanks to their versatility, rubber seals are essential in multiple applications within the manufacturing sector.
Rubber Gaskets for Vibration Control
In addition to their sealing function, rubber gaskets are used in vibration isolation systems, providing stability and noise reduction in various industrial environments.
O-Rings: Efficient Sealing in Various Applications
O-rings represent one of the most widely used categories within rubber gaskets. Given the large number of sizes and specifications, Fraktalseals maintains an optimized stock to meet the needs of its customers.
Depending on the application, O-rings are divided into four main groups:
1. Static Pressure Applications
These include flange gaskets and cover gaskets. Depending on the application, they can withstand pressures of up to 1000 bar. In cases of high pressure, sealing chambers are incorporated to prevent bursting.
2. Applications in Vacuum Environments
In these applications, the accuracy of the placement groove is crucial for optimal sealing. The correct choice of material is also decisive in ensuring performance.
3. Dynamic Axial (Reciprocating) Applications
Common in hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders. The selection of the appropriate O-ring depends on factors such as pressure, speed of movement, working medium and temperature.
4. Rotating and Vibration Isolation Applications
Used in valve stems, steering systems and rotating shafts. However, their use is limited by the available space and the rotation speed, which must not exceed 5 m/s.
Available Materials for O-Rings
O-rings are available in a wide range of materials, including:
- NBR (Nitrile)
- EPDM
- FKM (Viton)
- PTFE
- Kalrez
Recommendations
Given the wide variety of sizes and configurations, it is recommended to opt for standard sizes whenever possible to facilitate their availability and replacement.
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You can browse our extensive stock of gaskets on our website, or if you prefer, contact us for personalized technical advice with no obligation.
