The manufacturing process of numerous industries relies on the ability of the gaskets in sealing the space between two or more mating surfaces and preventing any kind of leakage from or into the paired objects. Some of the industries that utilise different types of gaskets include power generation, chemical processing, mining, aerospace, oil & gas, food & beverage, military, and pharmaceutical.

Gaskets used to be made from asbestos as the material can resist steam, oil, water, pressure, and extreme temperatures. However, the health hazards and dangers of the said material prompted gasket manufacturers to look for an alternative and safer material. One of the materials used as a substitute for asbestos is fibre since it can directly match the abilities of the asbestos gaskets.

Fibre Gaskets Composition

Fibre gaskets, as the name implies, are made from fibre strands that are stretched and infused with a resin material. Once the strands and the resin material dry out, they form numerous sheets that can be easily moulded and shaped into gaskets.

To date, there are a wide variety of gaskets that a lot of industries use and maximise. Some fibre gaskets are made from cellulose, which can be further impregnated with rubber, insulating fibre, synthetic fibre, or vulcanized fibre. Others, however, can be made from either vegetable fibre or aramid. Most industries use gaskets out of vegetable fibres since they can be used in low pressure and low-temperature applications. 

All the materials used in producing fibre gaskets have distinct strength, compressibility, and temperature ratings. These sets of properties can be enhanced by adding like cork or rubber bind into the gasket. Vulcanising the cellulose fibre material, alternatively, can make the gasket sturdy and lightweight.

The Role of Fibre Gaskets

Since fibre gaskets are made from different materials, their specific applications also vary. Fibre gaskets that are made from vegetable fibre and cellulose fibre with rubber can easily resist the damaging effects of oil, gasoline, and steam. Aramid fibre in NBR binder, on the other hand, is best used for high-temperature applications in a wide range of industries.

Just like any gaskets, fibre gaskets also prevent chemicals, oils, water, alcohol, grease, air, gasoline, and other elements from penetrating or leaving the surface of the combining objects. Their high mechanical strength and high-quality flexibility also allow them to perfectly fit components that are used in industrial, chemical, petroleum, petrochemical, and automotive industries without getting damaged. Any irregularities between mating surfaces are also fixed by the application of fibre gaskets. The materials used for fibre gaskets and their associated properties make them recommended for different sets of applications. For your fibre gasket needs, feel free to contact us at Gasketech.

Gaskets are sealing materials that can help close the gap, as well as fix any misalignment and uneven space between two or more flanges and objects. Many industries use gaskets since they can effectively prevent leaking and pressure loss that are frequently evident at the connection points of the objects. One material that is typically used in creating gaskets is rubber.

Rubber gaskets, which can be either natural or synthetic, are utilised by different manufacturing industries since they can prevent leaks of gas or liquid between two objects. Aside from leaks, rubber gaskets also protect the objects from getting damaged by elements such as moisture, dirt, and dust. Industries also use them as they can be cut or shaped into different sizes thanks to the elasticity of rubber materials.

For most electronic assemblies, manufacturers turn to rubber gaskets because of the following factors:

The Presence of International Protection Rating

The International Protection (IP) Rating or Ingress Protection Code of an electronic device or equipment usually tells its ability to prevent or shut off exterior elements like dirt, dust, and moisture from entering the enclosure or casing. Electronic assembles like phones, cameras, speakers, power supplies, outdoor lights, and even medical equipment have respective IP ratings for them to be functional under any conditions. Rubber gaskets can help some of these electronic assemblies in achieving their needed protection against liquid, dust, chemicals, and other damaging elements that may enter their components.

The Flexibility and Elasticity of Rubber Gaskets

Rubber gaskets are known for their flexibility and elasticity, which is why most electronic devices and equipment are equipped with this type of gasket. The overall composition of electronic devices varies from one object to another, and since rubber gaskets can be compressed easily, this makes manufacturers prefer them over other gasket materials. Additionally, various methods like rubber extrusion process, rubber injection moulding process, and compression moulding are all available in crafting rubber gaskets that are needed for sealing large areas of electronic assemblies.

Fitting Electronic Devices with Rubber Gaskets

Since electrical components have a different set of requirements, the needed sealing for them must also vary. Electronic devices must also operate under different conditions, which means the gaskets must be customised to effectively avert elements from entering and leaking. Fortunately, rubber gaskets can be made from different rubber types like neoprene and Viton and cutting methods. By identifying the elements that may be present on an electronic assembly, the manufacturer of the gasket can easily pick and choose the correct rubber material and process it with an appropriate cutting method. Electronic assemblies must have rubber gaskets that can protect them from damaging elements and help them prevent any instances of leaking. If you want to know more about rubber gaskets, feel free to call us at Gasketech.

Gaskets are mechanical seals that create a physical barrier between two or mating surfaces. The application of these barriers can prevent dust, dirt, fluids, gases, and electrostatic discharges from affecting the performance of certain machine parts or engines.

Most of the time, gasket applications can be very easy and simple. However, the presence of these barriers can also ruin and destroy perfect engine build and construction, especially if they are installed and sealed in the wrong way. If you do not want to damage certain components or engine parts, then here are some gasket application mistakes that you must totally avoid.

Preparing Gasket Surface Improperly

One of the most common mistakes in gasket applications is improper surface preparation. Most people tend to just install a new piece of gasket without removing any remnants of the old gasket, glue, or adhesive. And if they attempt to remove the old pieces of the mentioned materials, a lot of them use a razor blade that can easily scratch the surface and subsequently allow fluids or gasses to leak.

Applying Inadequate Amount of Sealant

A sealant is important to secure the gasket to a certain place. However, a lot of people tend to apply too little sealant, which can give off an inefficient seal for the gasket once it is installed. Alternatively, certain people apply too much sealant that can easily clog certain areas of an engine or component. 

Using the Wrong Type of Gasket Maker

Gasket makers are intended to eliminate leak paths. They also help withstand the effects of vibration, fluids, and temperature. While most gasket makers can provide these benefits, using the wrong type of these components can make your application inefficient. Some gasket makers have higher temperature resistance, making them more appropriate for a certain use. Others, on the other hand, are suitable for sealing out gases under specific operations.

Replacing Sealant with Gasket Maker

Many gasket application mistakes point towards the replacement of sealant with gasket maker. Gasket makers are not intended to be used as a means of keeping a gasket in place. Gasket makers have a very thick formula that makes them an ineffective replacement for sealants.

Leaving Other Old Gaskets Behind

While replacing old gaskets is essential, there are numerous instances where professionals will just leave other gaskets behind. Leaving other gaskets untouched would often result in inconsistency when it comes to the performance and service life of an engine or component. Failures, after all, are often caused by a varying set of gaskets.

Applying Gasket with Wrong Material

Gaskets can be made from different materials. These materials include metal, silicone rubber, nitrile, and graphite. Each of these materials possesses a wide variety of properties, strengths, and weaknesses that make them suitable for specific applications. The use of gasket with the wrong material can significantly affect several factors of an engine or component, which can lead to their failure. The use of the wrong material can even lead to danger.

Avoid these application mistakes can help your gaskets last for a long time. If you want to know more gasket application mistakes, feel free to ask us at Gasketech.

Automotive products rely heavily on engines to perform their main uses and functions. Engines are a fuel-consuming machine that gives sufficient power for automobiles, airplanes, buses, and others to run optimally. One key component of engines, especially an internal combustion engine, is the cylinder head.

The cylinder head is typically located above the cylinders on top of the cylinder block. This component closes in the top of the cylinder, which is sealed together by a gasket. It houses components like intake and exhaust valves, springs and lifters, and the combustion chamber. The purpose of this component is to provide adequate space for the passages that provide air and fuel to the cylinder. It also allows the escape of the exhaust.

Cylinder Head Needs Covers

The cylinder head uses oil for the lubrication of its included components. And as mentioned, a cylinder head utilises a gasket that seals it with the top of the cylinder. Without any covering, the oil inside the cylinder head would leak and possibly damage other engine components. Additionally, the absence of cover will now allow the infiltration of dirt and debris inside the sensitive components of the engine.

To prevent any signs of leakage and accumulation of dirt and debris, engine manufacturers would include rubber or cork gasket to the valve covers. But as time goes by, the exposure of these covers under direct heat and oil can cause them to fail ultimately. 

Rock Cover Gasket Can Help 

The concept behind rock cover gaskets is pretty much straightforward. For starters, a rock cover gasket is a rubber or cork gasket that is seated above the engine cylinder head. This placement allows it to effectively seal and hold the valve cover in place. Aside from the valve cover, a rock cover gasket can also seal spark plug ports or tubes. 

The material used for this type of gasket is durable and flexible, which helps it in protecting the engine cylinder head and preventing oil from leaking and contaminating other components of the engine. It can also help in limiting the amount of dirt and debris that enters the interiors of the cylinder head. Rock cover gasket can also provide cooling properties to your engine components. Lastly, any engine fires that may happen due to leaking elements can be prevented through rock cover gaskets.

Preserving Rock Cover Gasket

The replacement of a rock cover gasket can be expensive, which may still depend on the situation. However, to avoid spending too much on this type of problem, you must make sure that you regularly check and maintain your engine. Checking on your rock cover gaskets regularly can help in preventing damages on your sensitive engine components and expensive repairs in the future.

Fortunately, you can easily determine if your rock cover gasket is failing. One of the most frequent signs of failing rock cover gasket is the presence of oil from the top of the engine, spark plugs, and onto the ground. A failing rock cover gasket also contributes to the presence of a burning oil smell whenever you are driving. Given the importance of rock cover gaskets for automotive use, it is safe to say that they are indeed helpful in maintaining safe driving operations. If you want to know more about this gasket, just contact us now at Gasketech.

Gaskets are mechanical seals that are often used in closing the gap between two or more mating surfaces. In any given operating conditions, filling the space between surfaces or connecting flanges is crucial to prevent leakages. Fortunately, the overall properties of gaskets allow them to seal the irregularities of each surface without worrying about the disastrous effects of leakage and even vibration.

Several parameters are often considered in manufacturing gaskets. For one, different gaskets are designed to withstand a certain temperature range. Additionally, their capability to handle pressure, specific types of fluid, and corrosion is also considered in making the gaskets. Another element that affects the overall properties of gaskets is its material.

All About Non-Asbestos Gaskets

One of the simplest types of gaskets today is non-asbestos gaskets. These gaskets can be further grouped as either full-face type for full-face flanges or flat ring type for raised face flanges. They are normally manufactured by cutting graphite, organic or inorganic non-asbestos sheets through water jet cutting machines. Non-asbestos gaskets are normally suited for low pressure, low temperature, non-critical piping, and plumbing applications.

Asbestos gaskets have been proven to demonstrate health risks whenever they are produced, used, and disposed of. For this reason alone, health experts hugely recommend and endorse the use of non-asbestos gaskets in different applications since these gaskets do not pose danger to human health. The production, application, and disposal of non-asbestos gaskets are way safer than their counterpart.

Materials of Non-Asbestos Gaskets

In selecting the right material for non-asbestos gaskets, one must consider multiple factors that include fluid, temperature, pressure, laws of fugitive emissions, and mechanical issues. The ASME B16.21 specification can also help you determine some features of non-asbestos sheet gaskets as it covers the types, sheet materials, dimensions, dimensional tolerances, and marking requirements of non-asbestos gaskets.

Some of the most common materials in manufacturing non-asbestos gaskets include aramid fibres, glass fibres, elastomers, Teflon, graphite, and neoprene. These materials are often mixed with various binder materials like nitrile rubber, carbon graphite reinforced, glass reinforced, biaxially oriented PTFE, styrene-butadiene, ethylene propylene, fluorocarbon, graphite, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, ceramic fibre, and mica sheet.

Coating non-asbestos gaskets with graphite are also possible so that they obtain non-stick and steam resistance. A non-asbestos gasket coated with polytetrafluoroethylene ensures the gasket’s excellent chemical resistance. As for potable water applications, a non-asbestos gasket must be coated with Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. If you want to know more about non-asbestos gaskets, feel free to ask us at Gasketech. We are a manufacturer and supplier of gaskets and sealing washers, extrusions, and mouldings for all industries. Moreover, we are always ready to solve sealing and leakage problems and service you with a supply of gaskets for imported and local machinery working in local conditions.