Foam Rubber Gaskets: An Efficient Option
Small but strong is a more than fitting way to describe gaskets, as they’re overlooked in nearly all of their applications, all the while being one of the reasons so many mechanisms are able to function efficiently. Made in all kinds of sizes, shapes, and materials, a gasket is a pad that is compressed between two objects that must interlock, helping to create a seal that is otherwise impossible due to surface imperfections in the two meeting objects. Common examples of gaskets include O-rings in hose nozzles, head gaskets in automobiles, and they are also used as fuel or coolant system intermediaries in aeronautic assemblies.
Because of the scope of potential applications, gaskets are made out of various materials, from the traditional rubber rings most people think of, to custom-cut foam rubber cushions that are able to compress and seal. One of the greatest benefits of a rubber neoprene gasket is how cost-effective these materials are over traditional gasket materials like rubber, metals and silicone.
Neoprene is particularly valuable for gasketing because of its structural resistance to many compounds that damage or cause breakdown in other materials. While remaining soft and flexible enough to be compressed, it is still resistant to Ozone, sunlight, oxidation, many chemicals and petroleum derivatives, and breakdown by water and air. This versatility makes it a fantastic material for low-pressure applications where frequent replacement is difficult. Another benefit of using foam for gaskets is the customization the material offers. With the cutting technologies that exist today, nearly any shape or size gasket can be produced; simply buy foam rubber, contact a stamping shop, and pick up your parts. Foam also helps to minimize waste because scraps and leftovers are always able to be repurposed into another product, and it remains affordable for short-run or even single parts. Whether your project is large-scale or small, consider using foam for your next gasket application.