A gasket is a sealing device which is composed of a deformable material formed in the shape of a ring or sheet. They create a pressure-tight seam between many stationary components. They are deemed to be resistant to pressure, temperature fluctuations, electrical and electromagnetic forces. Many manufacturing sectors employ gaskets in their production methods.

Is a gasket necessary? Although, gaskets are a godsend function which serves as a sealing joint, there are many devices similar to this that are better suitable for certain types of tasks. An application needing a seal that forms a block between internal and external elements like a unit to prevent water leakage, typically requires a gasket. But to fill small assembly gaps between the components, manufacturers would employ a spacer or shim which is a narrow wedge utilized for packing or leveling purposes.

Similarly, o-rings, which are similar to gaskets have a different designation in a subtle way. O-rings are made of synthetic rubber or plastic polymers with elastomeric properties, and are produced typically in a ring form. They are sturdy and reliable in sealing matched component by forming a blockage around an area where the leakages are possible.

On the other hand, gaskets are available in a wide variety of specifications, and made from different types of materials. Read on for the same.

1. Metal Gaskets

Metal gaskets are usually engineered with aluminum, copper, nickel, steel, stainless steel, or brass. These materials help in making the gaskets thermal, corrosive, and pressure resistance and durable and tensile strength as well. Whereas, metals need elevated amounts of compressive force to make a seal and have a restricted flexibility for many applications.

2. Rubber and Plastic Gaskets

Due to its elastic features, rubber is quite renowned for its gasket production. As they can tolerate a high degree of deformation with no kind of permanent damage or loss of attributes, rubber gaskets can make themselves very tight seals within a variety of applications. Some kinds of rubber used in gasket manufacturing comprises nitril, viton, and neoprene.

3. Silicon Gaskets

Silicon is a precious gasket material as it makes the gasket resistant to extreme temperatures. Silicon gaskets can tolerate temperatures ranging from roughly -140 degrees to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, their resistance to ultraviolet light makes them advantageous in the external environment, while their flame tolerance within a certain thickness range has multiple applications in transit and electronics industries. Silicon gaskets are available in foam and sponge varieties also. And they can also be reinforced with other materials to improvise its tensile strength or adjust thermal and electrical conductivity.