Gasket

Gasket

Various types of gaskets

A gasket is a mechanical seal that fills the space between two or more mating surfaces, generally to prevent leakage from or into the joined objects while under compression. Gaskets allow "less-than-perfect" mating surfaces on machine parts where they can fill irregularities. Gaskets are commonly produced by cutting from sheet materials.

Types of Gaskets

Gaskets come in many different designs based on industrial usage, budget, chemical contact, and physical parameters:

Sheet Gaskets

Sheet gaskets are cut from a flat sheet of material. They are used in a wide range of applications and can be made from various materials, including rubber, cork, and asbestos.

Spiral Wound Gaskets

Spiral wound gaskets are made by winding a metal strip and a filler material, such as graphite, together. These gaskets are used in high-pressure applications.

Ring Gaskets

Ring gaskets are used in flange connections and are typically made of metal. They are designed to withstand high pressures and temperatures.

Materials

Gaskets can be made from a variety of materials, each suited to different applications:

Rubber

Rubber gaskets are used in applications where flexibility and resilience are required. They are commonly used in plumbing and automotive applications.

Cork

Cork gaskets are used in applications where compressibility and flexibility are needed. They are often used in oil and fuel systems.

Asbestos

Asbestos gaskets were once widely used due to their heat resistance and durability. However, due to health risks associated with asbestos, their use has declined significantly.

Non-Asbestos

Non-asbestos gaskets are made from materials such as fiberglass, aramid, and PTFE. These materials offer similar properties to asbestos without the associated health risks.

Applications

Gaskets are used in a wide range of industries and applications, including:

• Automotive: Used in engines, transmissions, and exhaust systems.
• Aerospace: Used in aircraft engines and fuel systems.
• Industrial: Used in pipelines, chemical processing, and power generation.

Related Pages

• Seal (mechanical)
• Flange
• O-ring
• Compression fitting