Gaskets are thin components that form a pressure-tight seal between two surfaces. They take the form of rings or sheets that fit between a variety of joints and mating surfaces. Gaskets are available in a wide range of materials to suit varied industrial needs, with common options including rubber, cork, metal, foam, paper, and more.
Gaskets are typically used to prevent liquids or gases from leaking out of a system. They are designed to resist fluctuations in pressure and temperature as well as electrical or electromagnetic forces, ensuring a durable seal across environments. In addition to preventing leaks, gaskets are also useful for dampening vibration, reducing sound, and sealing against contaminants.
Despite their simple construction and installation, gaskets are critical components for protecting mechanical systems. Not only do gaskets prevent leaks into or out of systems, but they also minimize wear, dampen noise, and maintain a more hygienic environment.
Although gaskets form tight seals, they are not appropriate for all sealing applications, and they should not be confused with O-rings or other general-purpose seals. Gaskets are meant to be used in static settings and provide the best seal under compression. Applications with moving parts such as motors, engines, and rotary shafts require more versatile sealing components.
At UIP, we manufacture a wide range of stocked and custom cut gaskets designed to meet a variety of industrial requirements. Whether your application involves high temperatures, strong vibrations, or strict sanitation standards, UIP can deliver precision-cut gaskets for your needs.
Gaskets are designed to fill deformities and connect two specific mating surfaces. These surfaces create a compressive force that seals the gasket into place. Once fitted, this compression allows the gasket to maintain its seal despite changing conditions.
Gaskets must be able to maintain a static seal under diverse operating conditions, including at temperature and pressure extremes. Choosing the right gasket composition helps ensure that seals perform well in all required environments.
The most common gaskets in standard applications, non-metallic gaskets are made from materials such as rubber, Teflon, graphite, or compressed non-asbestos fiber (CNAF). They compress easily and are flexible enough to fill deformities, so they are ideal for sealing uneven surfaces. Although most non-metallic materials are not suitable for use in high-pressure or high-temperature settings, a few non-metals can withstand more extreme operating conditions. Graphite gaskets, for instance, can withstand temperatures as high as 460° C.
Although most applications call for elastomeric gaskets, metal gaskets are preferred for certain high-pressure applications. For instance, metal gaskets are commonly used for ring-type joints (RTJs) in oil and gas supply production. Metal RTJs are also used on valves and pipework assemblies in refineries and other processing plants. Metal gaskets seal by an initial line contact or by a wedging action as the two surfaces apply compressive force to the gasket. Metal ring-type gaskets are available with oval and octagonal cross-sections. One type of octagonal gasket includes the BX type, which is designed to seal pressure up to 20,000 psi in accordance with API 6A pressure ratings.
Composite gaskets combine metal and non-metal materials to meet a range of service requirements, including a variety of temperature and pressure settings. Spiral-wound, metal-jacketed, and Kammprofile gaskets are all well-known in the composite gasket category. Compared to metal gaskets, composite gaskets are more cost-effective so long as they are handled carefully to prevent damage. Composite gaskets can be used on raised faces, male-female, and tongue-and-groove flanges.
UIP specializes in rubber elastomeric gaskets, including a vast range of FDA-grade and specialty options. We carry one of the largest selections of sheet rubber and gasket material in the industry. Contact Us today to find the right material selection for your application.
Spiral Wound
PTFE/Teflon®
Cork
Phenolic
NSF 61 Certified EPDM
Spiral-wound, metal graphite, and PTFE gaskets provide superior performance for highly corrosive and high-temperature applications.
CNC Knife Cutting. Designed for quick turnaround of large-scale, non-metallic materials, the CNC Knife Cutting Machine uses advanced technology to ensure precision and accuracy on single or large production runs. Utilizing our CAD System we are able to build and customize any gasket design.
Die Cutting. Our top-performing, versatile cutting press cuts both roll or sheet form materials with high trolley displacement speed, low energy consumption, and excellent reliability. This machinery allows us to achieve superior-quality cuts at an affordable price. Dies can be purchased locally and stored on site.
Rubber Stripping. Hard to find, hand-cut stripping of rubber materials in lengths of up to 50 feet. All types of synthetic rubbers are available.
Custom Designs. UIP delivers custom gasket manufacturing to a wide range of industries. From marine applications to electrical to appliances, we offer the cutting abilities and technology required to create the exact gasket you need for your project.
Whether formed from metal, rubber, or a combination of materials, gaskets are essential for maintaining safe and hygienic equipment function.
As a premier gasket supplier, UIP takes pride in manufacturing quality gasket products that deliver the premium fluid sealing performance your business demands. As an ISO 9001:2015-certified company with strict quality control expectations, all of our products undergo rigorous quality inspections to ensure clients receive only the best.
To get started on your premium gasket project, request a quote from UIP International today.