5 Material Choices for Manufacturing High Temperature Gaskets

Nov 17, 2015 Gaskets | Materials | PTFE | Silicone

Industrial gaskets are used in a variety of industrial applications, which contain temperatures exceeding 750 ^oF. Other factors include high temperature oils, high pressures, intense heat, and saturated steam. The type of material used to manufacture the gasket plays an important role in its performance and durability. The wrong material choice can lead to gasket failure and application downtime. Hence, it is important to have complete knowledge of the various materials used to manufacture gaskets, and their features.

Materials for Manufacturing High Temperature Gaskets

The optimum way to meet the needs of clients is to have an extensive inventory of manufacturing materials. This can allow you to produce a variety of gaskets. The following are a few examples of manufacturing materials used for gaskets:

Flexible Graphite:This a natural and soft mineral, which has with thermal and electrical conductive properties, similar to metal. It is also capable of resistant temperatures up to 875 ^oF. The softness of the mineral adds to its flexibility. For industrial applications, flexible graphite can be designed with inserts that can stabilize other materials such as wire mesh, carbon steel, and stainless steel.
Graphite Foil: This thick material is utilized in a patented method to cover flat leaf springs to create a gasket. The foil can be woven or compressed to cover the spring. The combination of the leaf spring and the graphite foil makes the gasket capable of enduring temperatures as high as 1800 oF.
Silicone: This is one of the popular materials for producing gaskets. As a material, silicone has a high tensile strength of 1000 psi. It is also resistant to UV rays and fungus. It can resist temperatures up to 600 oF.
PTFE: Polytetrafluoroethylene is another highly regarded material for gasket manufacturing. It can resist temperatures up to 500 oF, and is known for it long-lasting performance. PTFE also meets FDA and AMS gasket manufacturing regulations.
Compressed Non-Asbestos: This material is manufactured using Nitrile Rubber (NBR) and synthetic aramid fibers. They are capable of resisting temperatures up to 750 oF. Gaskets produced with this material is recommended for applications with oils, fuels, solvents, and acids.

Complete understanding of the various gasket materials can help you make a better informed choice. A gasket produced from the correct material and exact specifications will certainly provide long-lasting service.