When it comes to industrial sealing solutions, silicone gaskets are widely recognised as versatile and reliable components with a wide range of applications. From complex machinery to household appliances, silicone gaskets are an indispensable component in many industries.
So why is silicone rubber so often a go-to choice for engineers, manufacturers and designers seeking a dependable sealing solution? In this article, we will explore six of the key advantages of silicone rubber that make it a preferred choice of gasket material, from adaptability to temperature resistance.
Temperature Resistance
Silicone rubber gaskets exhibit excellent temperature resistance. They can withstand extreme cold and heat, making them suitable for both high-temperature and low-temperature applications. Silicone gaskets remain flexible and maintain their sealing properties over a wide temperature range, from as low as -60°C and as high as 250°C, depending on the grade.
Some silicone materials are also flame retardant and tested to EN45545-2, the European railway standard for fire safety, helping to ensure the highest level of safety in the event of a fire. Key tests carried out for EN45545-2 compliance include oxygen index, flue gas density and smoke toxicity when materials are exposed to fire.
Environmental Resistance
Silicone gaskets have excellent UV and weather resistance, making them suitable for a range of outdoor applications. They do not deteriorate or become brittle when exposed to sunlight and different weather conditions, ensuring long-term durability in outdoor environments.
Chemical Resistance
A further benefit of silicone rubber is that it is inherently resistant to many chemicals, oils, and solvents. This resistance makes it an ideal choice for gaskets that come into contact with various fluids and chemicals. It can resist degradation and maintain its sealing integrity when exposed to a wide range of substances.
Flexibility and Elasticity
Silicone rubber is highly flexible and elastic, allowing it to conform to irregular surfaces and maintain a tight seal even under dynamic conditions. This flexibility makes silicone gaskets effective in applications with vibration or movement.
Durability
Due to the important resistive properties noted above, silicone offers excellent durability. As a result, choosing silicone gasket material is a cost-effective option, as gaskets can last for a long time, maintaining their shape and sealing properties without showing wear and tear or required maintenance or replacement. This durability and reliability also helps to prevent downtime for various industries and prevents potential contamination or other expensive issues.
These advantages make silicone rubber gaskets a versatile and reliable choice for a wide range of sealing applications, including in automotive, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and industrial equipment.
Material Selection for Silicone Gaskets
In addition to general purpose silicone rubber, there are many other high performance, long life span silicone materials widely used for different applications, developed to feature differing characteristics to suit differing conditions and requirements.
For example, MF775 silicone rubber is a highly non-flammable and fire safe material with good resistance to UV and ozone and extreme temperatures, widely used in the mass transit industry, particularly for applications within the London Underground System.
In fact, cellular silicones are utilised for many gasket purposes in the rail industry. Grades of silicone including HT200 sound block, HT800 silicone foam, BF1000 silicone foam, BF2000 silicone foam and MF1-55 silicone foam are all developed to meet the most stringent rail industry requirements for fire, smoke and toxic fumes, whilst also withstanding high and low temperatures, weathering and the vibration associated with rail travel.
Silicone Gasket Manufacturers
If you are looking for suppliers of silicone gasket materials and gasket manufacturers, CB Frost stock an extensive catalogue of gasket materials to meet specific requirements, and have the knowledge and capabilities to help with material selection and manufacture gaskets for all purposes in house. Visit cbfrost-rubber.com.