5 Factors To Consider When Buying Silicone For Gaskets
There are multiple silicone options and plenty of reasons to buy when it comes to gaskets. However, there are many factors to consider when making your final decision. Before you place that order, take a look at some factors that will help you choose the suitable silicone for your gaskets.
What Are the Benefits of Silicone Gaskets?
Highly Durable
Silicone is the most durable gasket material and can withstand the highest temperatures. Silicone gaskets are also stain-resistant, odor-proof, and not damaged by oils, fats or acids, or chemically treated surfaces.
Temperature-Resistant
Silicone gaskets provide great endurance and can withstand both high and low temperatures. They are also resistant to steam and moisture.
Excellent Insulation
Silicone gaskets are known for their excellent insulation qualities and provide a tighter seal than rubber.
What Are the Types of Silicone Gaskets?
Solid Silicone Gaskets
Solid silicone gaskets look and feel like rubber but feature a faster cure time than traditional rubber gaskets. Solid silicone is also more dura-gripping and resistant to water than other types of silicone sealant. It is available in two different textures, making it especially useful for various applications.
Foam Silicone Gaskets
Foam silicone gaskets (FSG) are made of a two-component foam/rubber system of flexible rubber resin and a special gassing agent. The FSG color consists of blue and orange silicone oil. It can be used for hydraulic pressure applications up to 36,000 psi. Typical uses are calendar rolls, extruders, pistons and piston rings, reciprocating pumps and cylinders, rotary screw compressors (rotary vane or gear), gear reducers, and worm gears.
Sponge Silicone Gaskets
The most commonly used and versatile gasket is sponge silicone. This type of gasket is often used at a temperature range of 100°F to 450°F (40°C to 230°C). They are excellent for general purpose applications where the chemical compatibility with the fluid to be contained is not an issue.
Molded Silicone Gaskets
Molded silicone gaskets are the most common type of gasket and can be found in various applications such as food packaging, automotive, and medical products. These gaskets are often used when the seal is exposed to harsh conditions such as heat, steam, or other variables that could compromise the effectiveness of the seal. Molded types offer excellent chemical resistance to a wide variety of substances. They can be made with a wide range of durometers, opening, and closing speeds, pressure and temperature ratings, yet still offer a flexible seal for easy removal.
Conductive Silicone Gaskets
Conductive silicone gaskets are a hybrid between an o-ring and a traditional silicone gasket. They use a conventional cage style design, except the outer ring is silicone rubber. These gaskets are typically used in higher sustained pressure and vacuum cycles applications.
For example, conductive non-conformal (NC) silicon gaskets can withstand pressures up to 7,000 psig, while the standard-conforming variety can only withstand 1,000 psig. Conductive NC gaskets are ideal for valves or caps that may be open/closed frequently.
Factors to Consider When Buying Silicone for Gaskets
1. Environment
The environment is the primary concern when choosing the right silicone product for your company’s needs. The background has greatly influenced the design of gaskets made from silicone. Emissions, radiation, and excessive heat present during global warming may damage gaskets that are not created from silicone. This is why it is now becoming a wise choice to invest in sealing devices made from silicone.
2. Application
Application is the first factor to consider when buying silicone for gaskets. There are different types of silicone depending on the desired application. For instance, ht 800 silicone provides excellent sealing while having a wide temperature range and a long service life.
3. Wear and Tear
When looking for a silicone gasket, one should consider the length that he would like the silicone to last. There are two types of silicone gaskets: temporary and long-lasting.
4. Flange Design
Flange design can be a crucial consideration when choosing gaskets. First and foremost, ensure that you are purchasing the correct size gasket. If the compression gland is too small, it may crush under much of the psi force joint during hydraulics, while if it is too large, it will not fit snugly into the seal where it’s needed to be.
5. Regulations
Specific regulations ensure safe silicone products. The regulations vary in different industries. Silicone for gaskets, for instance, is required to be able to withstand temperatures between -40°C to 260°C. This can only be guaranteed with the use of FDA-approved silicone ingredients.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a material that can be used under hot and cold conditions, then silicone can be your best solution. It is also easy to handle and does not require special tools during the production process; plus, it offers myriad benefits to those looking for what should be the perfect gasket.