The Benefits of Using Rubber Seals

The Benefits of Using Rubber Seals

When two surfaces come into contact with each other, friction and other issues can happen. Rubber seals are the ideal solution for not only reducing friction, but they also prevent water leakage, water damage, corrosion and weathering. On top of this, they will keep heat or air from escaping. Many industries rely upon these seals since they are resistant to various elements as well as durable. In comparison to other types of seals and gaskets, rubber seals provide more benefits, such as the following:

1. Due to the fact that rubber stretches and gives, it creates an effective seal between two surfaces. Liquids or gases will not seep out of a container or pipe when you install rubber seals appropriately to keep them contained securely. For this reason, they are highly efficient as hydraulic seals along with gaskets and O-rings in an engine or a piston.

2. Rubber is long-lasting since it is stable enough to maintain its integrity, even in challenging conditions. As a result, rubber seals will stand up to exposure to oils, UV rays, variations in temperatures and chemicals without cracking, melting or deteriorating prematurely for other reasons.

3. Rubber seals also are suitable for industrial use for heavy machinery. Oil, gas and mining industries are just three examples of businesses the turn to these seals for fulfil their specific needs to ensure that all their machines and other equipment operates correctly and reliably.

4. In addition to the above benefits, rubber can be combined with metal, plastic or other materials. By doing so, the resulting seal provides additional compressive ability as well as durability.

What Type of Rubber Is Suitable for Seals?

There are the different types of rubber available today. To help you know which one is ideal for your purposes, we share them in the following information:

• Butyl is a synthetic rubber that combines isobutylene with isoprene through a polymerization process. The seals made of it are resistant to UV exposure and are an affordable, durable option to use with gas applications.

• Natural rubber or latex has superior elasticity, strength and lasting ability. Latex seals provide effective water resistance but are not suitable for use in conjunction with strong acids, oils or fats. Also, natural rubber seals are cost-effective to purchase.

• Ethylene propylene rubber makes seals that are resistant to water, chemical, heat and UV-ray exposure. It also ensures that the seals are durable over time without ageing prematurely.

You need to choose the right Rubber Seal for your purposes to ensure ideal results. Receive professional guidance if necessary, to accomplish this goal.

5 Key Benefits and Applications of Silicone Gaskets – Fournier Rubber & Supply Co.

Silicone gaskets are resistant to UV, ozone, water, and corrosion, and they provide excellent performance across a wide range of temperatures. These flexible, durable, and resistant sealing solutions deliver various benefits that make them ideal for use in several industries and applications.

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Benefits of Silicone Gaskets

Silicone gaskets provide the following advantages:

Thermal stability

. Silicone gaskets can withstand temperatures between -40 and 230° C. They remain flexible at both low and high temperatures without becoming brittle or losing their shape and durability.

FDA approved

. Silicone is an FDA-approved material, meaning silicone gaskets can be used in industries such as food processing, healthcare, medical, and others that require non-toxic materials.

Environmental resistance

. High-temperature silicone gaskets are flame-retardant for use in high-heat applications like telecommunications and mass transportation. They are ideal for outdoor applications due to their resistance to water, UV, ozone, and various temperatures. Silicone gaskets can also hold up to various chemicals, including solvents, oil, acids, bases, and more.

Durability

. Due to its resistive properties, silicone offers excellent durability. This makes them a cost-effective option because they can last a long time without showing wear or requiring maintenance.

Electrically conductive

. Silicone gaskets conduct electricity, allowing them to provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding for electrical components.

Applications of Silicone Gaskets

Various applications rely on silicone gaskets to prevent fluid leakage. These include:

Food Processing

The food industry depends on FDA or food-grade silicone gaskets for various processing applications to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. Silicone is a popular choice in this industry due to its excellent sealing properties and high temperature rating. Various food processing machines and equipment rely on silicone gaskets, such as cake mixers and dough mixers in industrial bakeries.

Oil & Gas

Silicone gaskets resist oils, fuels, and a range of chemicals. The oil and gas industry depends on silicone materials like fluorosilicone gaskets to withstand extreme temperatures and seal oil, fuel, and coolant. Fluorosilicone resists wear and abrasion, making it suitable for static and dynamic sealing applications.

Aerospace

The aerospace industry relies on silicone gaskets to seal aircraft and space shuttle components, such as engine parts, vent ducts, door and window seals, and more. Aircraft equipment must not fail during operation, and silicone gaskets deliver the reliability necessary for the harsh conditions aircraft components face. Silicone gaskets resist ozone, UV rays, and extreme temperatures, making them preferred for aircraft.

Transportation

The strength, durability, and stability of silicone rubber gaskets make them ideal for industrial, commercial, and consumer vehicles as well as buses, trains, and heavy machinery. Silicone gaskets can dampen vibration and seal out external factors, providing a high-performance seal for radiators, HVAC components, interior doors, and electrical enclosures.

Medical & Healthcare

Silicone gaskets are ideal for medical and healthcare applications. The material resists the growth of bacteria and repels moisture, making it suitable for sealing medical equipment and prosthetics. Silicone is biologically inert and non-toxic, and its thermal stability means it can be sterilized and stored at high temperatures. Silicone gaskets also pass biocompatibility testing, meaning they can be used in various medical devices that come into contact with human skin.

Construction

Building and construction applications rely on silicone gaskets to seal doors, windows, and electrical equipment enclosures. Silicone is ideal for providing a watertight seal, and it is perfect for various outdoor construction applications due to its ability to withstand UV rays, weather, ozone, and various temperatures.

Electronics

Silicone gaskets are suitable for a variety of electronic devices and equipment. They can keep water from entering the device and protect the components from heat, corrosion, and EMI.

Silicone Rubber Gaskets From Fournier Rubber & Supply Company

Silicone rubber gaskets offer a variety of benefits and provide a reliable seal for a wide range of applications. At Fournier Rubber & Supply Company, our superior rubber products have been satisfying customers for nearly 90 years. We offer a range of custom silicone gaskets for every application. Contact us to learn more about our silicone gasket solutions or request a quote today.

The Benefits of Rubber Seals vs Metal Shielded Bearings

There are many factors to consider when choosing whether a Rubber Sealed or Metal Shielded Bearing is the most suitable for your application. Compared to Open Type Bearings, Sealed and Shielded Bearings provide better protection against contamination and retaining lubrication. However, to maximize the service life of a Bearing and the performance of your machinery, the operational conditions need to be considered, as Rubber Seals and Metal Shields have different performance capabilities.

Metal Shielded Bearings

Metal Shielded Bearings are often used in applications with risk of contamination where speed is still a priority, as they have no contact with the inner ring, ensuring low friction levels. Therefore, Metal Shielded Bearings are often used instead of Rubber Seals due to their speed capabilities. However, compared to Rubber Seals, they are not as good at protecting against moisture and fine dust, so this is something to consider when deciding whether Metal Shielded Bearings are the best option for your application.

Rubber Sealed Bearings

Rubber Sealed Bearings are considered maintenance-free as they are ‘sealed for life’ and do not require re-lubrication. Rubber Seals prevent loss of lubrication, and the Bearings are pre-packed with the correct amount of lubricant. Equally, Rubber Seals prevent moisture from entering the Bearings to avoid rust and ensure the lubrication does not wash away. When choosing a bearing, speed is an important factor to consider. Speed can be impacted in bearings with Rubber Seals due to the friction created where they have contact with the inner and the outer race.

Non-contact Sealed Bearings

Bearings with Non-Contact Seals are similar to Metal Shielded Bearings as they can operate at the same speeds. However, these Bearings benefit from an improved sealing efficiency compared to Metal Shields.

Sealed and Shielded Bearings are available with one or two Rubber Seals or Metal Shields. This accommodates applications where a housed Bearing needs access to lubrication from one side while preventing moisture and contamination from entering at the other side.

Here at Quality Bearings Online, we have a wide range of Rubber Sealed and Metal Shielded Bearings across world renowned brands such as SKF, FAG, NSK, and Timken. 

If you are unsure on whether you need a Rubber Seal or Metal Shield for your application, speak to a member of our knowledgeable sales team who will be able to offer advice on the best solution. Contact us today.