Fuel-powered vehicles rely on engines to move from one point to another. Once an engine fails to run or stops operating, car owners do not have any choice but to have them checked, serviced, or replaced by professionals.

Car engines boast numerous components so they can operate optimally. One of their components is the cylinder. It has a cylindrical piece inside known as the piston, which moves up and down for combustion purposes. Engines also have intake and exhaust valves, allowing the air and fuel to enter while pushing exhaust out. The ignition of the air/fuel mixture is then carried out by the spark plug. Other components of engines are the crankshaft and the sump.

Since these components interact continuously during their operations, some of their substances should not leak and generate issues with one another. By installing gaskets, the fuel and other substances inside the engines are separated from one another effectively. Here are some of the most common gaskets used in automotive engines.

Camshaft Gaskets

Camshaft gaskets are small, round gaskets that are often made from long-lasting rubber materials. They are often used in sealing the end of a camshaft or camshafts located between the valve cover gasket and the top of the cylinder head. These gaskets are smaller compared to other gaskets used in automotive engines, but they can already help prevent oil from leaking out and travelling towards the camshafts, valves, and other engine components.

Head Gaskets

When sealing the area between the cylinder head and the engine block, the automotive industry would often turn to the head gasket. Automotive engines often maximise an engine block on the bottom, while a cylinder head can be located on top. Since these components maximise passages for coolant, combustion gases, and oil, they should be sealed effectively. Head gaskets, fortunately, can be installed between these components, making the sealed areas leak-proof. Some head gaskets right now are made from steel and copper. Others, alternatively, can be created out of carbon, fibreglass, and composite materials.

Manifold Gaskets

The cylinder head is comprised of cylinders that play a pivotal role in the engine’s combustion. But another part of an engine that is also crucial to the said process is the intake manifold. The intake manifold is responsible for the even distribution of the combustion mixture to each intake port in the cylinder head. To ensure that the interaction between these components will be seamless, their mating surfaces should be protected by manifold gaskets. These gaskets prevent coolant and air from leaking and affecting the efficiency of other engine parts.

When it comes to maintaining automotive engines, their gaskets should be replaced whenever leaks are present. Gaskets that have worn out due to overuse should also be replaced to retain engine performance and efficiency. Of course, the gaskets should be made from materials that can withstand the operating conditions of the engines. They should also come from reputable manufacturers or suppliers so that they are guaranteed to work for a long time. 

To gain access to gaskets for your automotive engines, you can contact us at Gasketech.

Many components of machines may still possess some gaps despite being manufactured with optimal dimensions. Fortunately, they can be paired with gaskets to effectively seal any gap they may possess.

Gaskets, after all, are intended to close the gap between the surfaces of machine components and other similar things. Once installed, they can effectively prevent leakage of solid particles, liquid, and other media while being under compression. They can likewise retain their shape and form factor despite being subjected to various operating conditions. 

Most gaskets today have been made from rubber thanks to their excellent sealing properties, chemical resistance, and low purchase costs. They can, however, fail once they have been exposed to too much friction and heat.

Engineering Plastics as the Alternative 

Given the weaknesses of rubber, some industries may want to utilise different materials. One great alternative to rubber is engineering plastics. 

Engineering plastics are plastic materials that have been modified to become stronger than base or commodity plastics like polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene. They can even exceed the qualities usually found on more expensive and more popular gasket materials, making them useful in a lot of industries.

Common Types of Engineering Plastics

When creating some gaskets and other products, manufacturers can opt for various types of engineering plastics. Some types of engineering plastics are as follows.

• Polyethylene Terephthalate: This type of engineering plastic is known for its high hardness, rigidity, and strength. These qualities allow this material to be utilised in products with complex parts. It can also generate products that prioritise surface quality and dimensional accuracy. 

• Polyamide: Polyamide is another engineering plastic that slowly replaces the materials used in crafting car engine components, industrial valves, and other automotive parts. It is being utilised in many industries due to its high strength, high-temperature resistance, oil resistance, and chemical compatibility.

• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene: Another engineering plastic that can be utilised by industries is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. This plastic type can resist physical impact and corrosive chemicals. It can be used in electronic products, protective headgear, musical instruments, and other similar things.

• Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate is a type of engineering plastic that is 200% stronger than glass and 30% stronger than acrylic. The high-impact strength of polycarbonate, matched with great flexibility, makes this engineering plastic great for tons of household and industrial applications like sunglasses, roofing, and glazing.

• Polyvinyl Chloride: One more engineering plastic that can be useful for many industries is polyvinyl chloride. This plastic material can become either flexible or rigid, allowing manufacturers to process it into various forms. It can also blend with other materials. 

Gaskets Made from Engineering Plastics

Gaskets made from engineering plastics generally have great impact resistance, chemical resistance, and heat resistance. They also boast excellent mechanical strength and fire retardancy. And since these gaskets can be generated in a short time, industries tend to acquire them without costing too much money. 

Aside from these benefits, engineering plastic gaskets are likewise lightweight and eco-friendly. They can also absorb shock and vibration. To purchase high-quality engineering plastic gaskets, you can contact us at Gasketech.