News & Tech Tips

How to Avoid Purchasing Low Quality Gaskets

Gaskets are critically important to the operation of complex machinery and manufacturing processes. A single gasket failure may require hours of downtime, causing production bottlenecks and potential damage to expensive machinery. Even if total failure does not occur, rapid deterioration will cause headaches for maintenance managers who will need to schedule replacement ahead of schedule. So how do you avoid purchasing low quality gaskets?

Signs of Low-Quality Gaskets

  • Poor Material Quality: Precise materials are needed for specific temperatures, pressurizations, and chemical exposure. Not having your gasket materials align to these requirements is problematic. Additionally, where these materials are sourced from can be extremely important from a quality perspective. Not every country in the world has the rigorous quality control standards that the United States has, which is why Expert Gasket & Seal sources the broad majority of our sheet material from domestic suppliers.
  • Poor Fitting & Sealing: If gasket shapes are inconsistent, leaky, or simply do not fit the measurements, this is an obvious sign of poor quality standards in the production of the gaskets.

How to Avoid Purchasing Poor Quality Gaskets

  • Get Advice from Experts on Material Needs: The most capable suppliers should be able to provide expertise and guidance on the material needs for your gaskets and seals. They should be able to listen to your needs, and provide direct advice on the best options based on their experience. Hint: We at Expert Gasket & Seal are experts and helping clients find the best products for their needs.

  • Find a Supplier That Follows Quality Standards: Your supplier should be using reputable name brands for the products they are selling you, and should be able to identify where they are sourcing their materials from for custom-designed products. They should have quality standards in place along with relevant certifications.
  • Choose a Supplier with a Good Reputation: A high quality supplier should not be seeing extensive client turnover. Find suppliers with a track record of success and consider asking others in your industry who they have enjoyed working with. A supplier that has been around for a long time is more likely to be a good partner than an unknown supplier with no reputation to go by.

Clearly, we are speaking about some of our own values here in this blog post. But building great relationships by making sure our clients get the quality and service they deserve is what has enabled us to serve a wide range of clients for nearly two decades. If you’re experiencing frustration with quality issues in the gaskets you have been purchasing, get in touch with us today and we can help!

To learn more about our gasket and seal solutions, contact Expert Gasket & Seal today at (800) 956-8766.

Spliced / Vulcanized O-ring Benefits and Usage

Spliced / vulcanized joint O-rings are often used in static seal applications, most commonly as face seals.  Spliced / vulcanized O-rings are fabricated from extruded rubber cord and are available in several popular compounds such as Nitrile, EPDM, Viton©, and Silicone. To create a spliced and vulcanized o-rings, a strong joint is made using a liquid form of uncured compound to adhere the two ends under heat and pressure in a mold.  An example of a typical face seal that may use this type of o-ring is a tank lid where an O-ring groove is either in the lid or the mating tank surface.

Spliced / vulcanized O-rings don’t require large minimum orders or tooling for common cross-sections.   We can provide nearly any diameter from standard inch and metric cross-sections in the previously noted compounds.

Custom sizes, a variety of compounds, and low cost make a spliced / vulcanized O-rings a great solution for a number of different static seal applications.

Please contact Expert Gasket & Seal for assistance with your application details and let us provide a proper sealing solution.

Choosing Microcellular Polyurethane foams for gaskets

Microcellular Polyurethane foam is an excellent gasket material for low squeeze applications where conformability is necessary.  A typical application is a rectangular electrical enclosure that may have only four mounting points in its corners.  Microcellular Polyurethanes such as Poron® will conform to an electrical box’s uneven sheet metal or plastic surfaces with the typical low squeeze applied by the box’s fasteners.  Microcellular Polyurethanes’ extremely low compression set and quick return to its original thickness is also a perfect choice for applications such as door seals with variable gasket loading.

Microcellular Polyurethanes should be considered for any dust, moisture, or environmental seal that has challenging conditions such as low and variable loading and requires a positive seal over the life of the product.

Please contact Expert Gasket & Seal to discuss your application and find the best sealing solution using Microcellular Polyurethane gasket materials.

Gasket and Rubber Part Replication Using Optical Scanning Technology

In the world of industrial manufacturing, precision and efficiency are paramount. This is especially true for gaskets and seals, which are critical for operating the machinery and production processes that maintain high throughput and minimize production downtime. Traditionally, replicating gaskets and rubber parts could be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. However, with the advent of optical scanning technology, the game has changed.

At Expert Gasket & Seal, we are proud to utilize optical scanning technology. Find out why we love this technology so much below.

The Power of Optical Scanning Technology:

Optical scanning technology, also known as 3D scanning, has gained significant traction in recent years due to its ability to capture highly accurate 3D representations of physical objects. This technology utilizes lasers to create a detailed digital model of the object being scanned.

Benefits of Optical Scanning for Gasket Replication:

  • Precision: Optical scanning technology offers incredible precision. It captures even the tiniest details of gaskets and rubber parts, ensuring that the replicated parts are an exact match.
  • Time Efficiency: Traditional methods of gasket replication often involve manual measurements and tedious trial-and-error processes. Optical scanning drastically reduces the time required to create an accurate replica.
  • Replicate Parts That Have No Tooling, Drawings, or Files: Manufacturers no longer need to fret about replacing gaskets and parts that are missing CAD or other design files. Optical scanning measures the size without needing computer files, making the entire process easier.
  • Cost Savings: By minimizing errors and reducing the need for multiple iterations, optical scanning can lead to significant cost savings in the replication process.

How the Optical Scanning Process Works to Produce Replica Gaskets and Rubber Parts

Scan: First, we take the gasket or rubber part that needs to be replicated and scan it. The original part is placed in the scanning area. The optical scanner emits lasers, creating a detailed 3D model of the object’s surface.

Prototyping: The digital model is saved as a CAD file, which can then be used by our prototyping machinery such as our flashcut system to create a prototype part.

Replication: Once the prototype is evaluated, larger production runs can begin, which allows for mass replication of critical components.

Choose a Gasket Supplier that Uses the Latest Technology

Optical scanning technology has ushered in a new era of precision and efficiency in the replication of gaskets and rubber parts. At Expert Gasket & Seal, we embrace these advancements to provide our customers with the highest-quality gasket solutions.

If you’re looking to replicate gaskets or rubber parts with unbeatable accuracy and speed, consider the power of optical scanning technology. Contact us today to learn more about how we can meet your gasket replication needs and take your industrial processes to the next level.

Replacement Gaskets Used for Boiler Systems

Boilers play a crucial role in many industries, providing the necessary heat and steam for various processes. Within these high pressure boiler systems, gaskets are vital components that ensure proper sealing and prevent leaks

The Role of Gaskets in Boiler Systems

It goes without saying that the seals that prevent the immense pressure and heat in a boiler system from escaping are outright critical not only to the function of the system, but to everyone’s safety as well.

Gaskets in boiler systems serve a critical function by creating a secure seal between different components, such as boiler sections, flanges, and manhole covers. The primary role of these gaskets is to prevent the leakage of steam, gases, or fluids, which could compromise the efficiency and safety of the system. By providing a reliable seal, gaskets help maintain the desired pressure, temperature, and flow within the boiler system, ensuring optimal performance. In a boiler system, gaskets need to be designed to withstand the extreme conditions and stresses they are constantly exposed to without corroding or leaking. As a result, it’s critical to have high quality gaskets that use the appropriate materials.

Types of gaskets used in boiler systems

Various types of gaskets are used in boiler systems, each designed to withstand the specific conditions and requirements of the system. Here are some commonly used gasket types for boiler systems:

  • EPDM and SBR coated Fiberglass MH and HH gaskets: These gaskets utilize SBR or EPDM material alongside Fiberglass to provide durability that can also maintain an excellent seal with strong resistance to corrosion.
  • Spiral Wound metallic gaskets: Flexible metal gaskets, also known as spiral wound gaskets are made by winding metal and filler materials together. They provide an effective seal against high temperatures and pressure fluctuations, making them suitable for boiler systems operating under demanding conditions.
  • Non-asbestos fiber gaskets: Asbestos-free gaskets are a safer alternative to traditional asbestos-based gaskets. These gaskets are made from synthetic fibers and elastomers, offering excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, and compression. They are commonly used in boiler systems that require a non-toxic sealing solution.

Expert Gasket: Your reliable source for replacement gaskets

It’s essential to rely on a trusted supplier like Expert Gasket & Seal when replacing boiler gaskets. We provide high-quality replacement gaskets tailored to specific boiler system requirements, which we draw on our extensive knowledge and experience in gasket manufacturing to deliver quickly and effectively. Expert Gasket & Seal offers a wide range of options to meet the many different needs of manufacturers, including custom fabricated and designed gaskets of all batch sizes. 

To learn more about gasket solutions, contact Expert Gasket & Seal today at (800) 956-8766

Five Gasket Materials That Will Seal the Deal

There are a variety of materials that can be used to make gaskets. When preventing leaks is the objective, it’s very important for these materials to be reliable and long lasting. But before determining the right material for your project, you must first consider how your gasket will be used. Here are some things to think about before deciding what material to use:

  • What application will the gasket be used in?
  • What temperature range will the gasket be used in?
  • Are there any potential chemicals that may come in contact with the gasket?
  • What type of system pressure will the gasket need to endure?

Once you have determined the use for your gasket, the next step is figuring out the type of material that will best serve this purpose.

There are many types of materials we use at Expert Gasket & Seal to make gaskets. Here are a few popular materials to consider for your next project.

Rubber Gasket Materials

  • Silicone rubber is a versatile material that is effective in high and low temperature environments. A silicone rubber gasket will prevent oxygen from penetrating as well as resist a lot of potential problems, like ozone, UV rays and inclement weather.
  • Viton rubber has an exceptionally broad range of chemical resistance making Viton a perfect option for most applications involving oils, fuels, acids, this material boast excellent resistance to oxidation, ozone, and UV exposure.
  • Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber is used in hot water and steam conditions. EPDM rubber is also used with glycol-based brake fluids and is known for great resistance to ozone, aging and a range of weather conditions.

For compressed gasket materials, here are a couple of frequently used materials in this gasket category.

Durlon Gaskets

  • Durlon® 8500 is a green colored NBR binder/Aramid-Inorganic fiber compressed sheet. This would be a great choice for steam, natural gas and a number of petroleum-based fluids. It will perform in temperatures as low as -100 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 700 degrees Fahrenheit. The continuous max temperature is 548 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Durlon® 8400 is a gold colored NBR binder/Phenolic fiber sheet. This type of material is a popular choice when a wide pH range is needed. It’s an excellent choice in chemical, pulp and paper and other industrial applications. This material will perform in temperatures as low as -100 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 800 degrees Fahrenheit. The continuous max temperature is 554 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Durlon 9000 is extensively used in chemical, pulp and paper, food and beverage, and the railroad tanker industry.

There are many considerations to make when determining which material to use to make a gasket. Once you settle on the type of material you need, Expert Gasket & Seal’s sealing professionals will provide you with the precise gasket you need from our state-of-the-art facility using a traditional die-cutting process or a computer-controlled, die-less, Flashcut process.

To learn more about gasket materials, contact Expert Gasket & Seal today at (330) 468-0066.

Expert Gasket & Seal Customizes Solution to Combat Powdery Raw Material Spills

Handling raw materials is an integral part of the manufacturing industry, and poor handling can lead to safety and productivity concerns. So, when a welding rod manufacturer was experiencing toxic raw material spills throughout its warehouse, they turned to Expert Gasket & Seal.

While transporting totes of the material by forklift to vessels for production, powder-based raw material was leaking out. Due to its fine particle form, dusty, gritty, pumice-like material was being carried by foot and by equipment contaminating other parts of the building including offices and areas of the plant where “cleaner” manufacturing practices are required. This led to safety and housecleaning issues, as well as the loss of valuable product.

Solution

Working with the manufacturer’s maintenance and engineering teams, Expert Gasket & Seal designed a cone-shaped rubber boot out of 30 Durometer Silicone rubber to form a seal between the top of each metal tote and the production equipment, creating a positive seal and eliminating spillage.

Results

The silicone seal not only eliminated spills on the floor that migrated to other parts of the facility, but it also limited the amount of the toxic material in the atmosphere. Because the cone-shaped seals are durable and can be reused many times over, the savings in loss of material and cleaning costs alone easily offset the cost of the seals.

If transporting raw materials is leading to costly spills in your manufacturing process, call Expert Gasket & Seal today for a customized solution to your sealing needs.

FDA Compliant Gasket Materials in the Food Industry

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates products that come into contact with food during processing, packaging and manufacturing. This is important to prevent toxic chemicals or potentially harmful allergens from contaminating food supplies. Since this is such an important component of food processing, there is a clear need for gaskets used in these types of processing plants to maintain compliance with FDA standards.

For the most part, FDA compliant gaskets come in either rubber or plastic PTFE varieties.

Materials that are FDA Compliant for Gaskets

Types of PTFE FDA Food-Grade Gaskets

  • Durlon® 9000 Filled PTFE – Durlon® 9000 is used for process piping, chemical, pulp, food and beverage and pharmaceutical applications where resistance to highly aggressive chemicals is required.
  • Durlon® 9200/9200W Filled PTFE – Durlon® 9200 gaskets are designed for use in aggressive chemicals and heavy acids, but also acceptable in pharmaceutical FDA applications.
  • Durlon® 9600 Expanded PTFE – Durlon® 9600 is made with only pure PTFE resins and is used in process piping and equipment, chemical, pull and paper, and food and beverage applications.
  • Virgin PTFE Sheet — FDA approved and chemically inert.

Types of Rubber FDA Food-Grade Compliant Gaskets

  • Silicone – Silicone is often used in food processing where high heat is involved due to its ability to withstand a wide range of heat without deforming or degrading.
  • Nitrile – Nitrile gaskets are resistant to oil and are often used when oily foods are involved.
  • Neoprene – Neoprene rubber is a high-performance material that offers high wear-resistance, especially when placed under tensile stress.
  • EPDM – EPDM rubber is particularly useful in situations that involve exposure to outdoors or when a rugged gasket is needed.

Contact Us Today for More Information on FDA Gaskets!

If you’re looking for gaskets for food-based applications, contact us today. We provide quick turnaround, prototyping, and custom gasket design to fit the many needs of manufacturers.

What Industries Use Custom Gaskets?

With so many types of gaskets available for almost every type of machinery, you may wonder why any company would need a custom designed gasket. There is a whole world of commercial and industrial gaskets that are used in a wide range of equipment and machines.

Since a large amount of industrial equipment and machinery is proprietary and often custom designed, they may not be compatible with standard gasket sizes and are likely to require custom gaskets to match the needs of the complex machinery.

While a gasket is a part used in nearly all industries in some form, there are a few industries that tend to use custom gaskets more than others.

Industries that Use Custom Gaskets:

  • Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM): OEMs face a multitude of challenges designing equipment. From construction applications to marine applications, the equipment is often exposed to extreme environments requiring custom design and materials. Expert Gasket & Seal is the one-stop-shop for OEMs.
  • Food Production: Food production often requires specialty materials that conform to FDA requirements so that foods are not exposed to any potentially toxic chemicals or contaminants. We call these FDA Gaskets.
  • Pharmaceutical Industry: Similar to the food industry, pharmaceutical manufacturers adhere to strict quality control, along with full compliance with FDA requirements. More information can be found on our FDA Gaskets page.

  • Oil and Gas Industry: With the oil and gas industry dealing almost exclusively with fluids and gases, it’s only natural that they are a heavy user of gasket products. Gaskets used in the oil and gas industry often need to be capable of withstanding extreme pressures and exposure to corrosive substances.
  • Auto Manufacturing: Auto manufacturing features a wide range of machinery used for many different purposes along the manufacturing process. Plant machinery often requires more unique custom designed products.
  • Power Generation: Power plants come in a wide range of varieties, most of which involve fluids and turbines. The result is that gaskets are needed for the critical power generation equipment as well as many other parts within the power generation facility.
  • Paper Processing: Paper processing involves of the use of water and chemicals, requiring the use of pumps. This means that custom designed gaskets are an important part of keeping the plant running smoothly.
  • Wastewater Treatment: As one would expect when dealing with water, gaskets are needed to seal the many pumps that are used to move wastewater from one area to another. Much of this requires custom-designed gaskets.
  • Chemical Processing: Like the oil and gas industry, chemical processing requires management of potentially toxic and corrosive chemicals. As a result, gaskets are needed that can withstand exposure to a wide range of chemicals.

Overall, Gaskets Are Used Everywhere

Gaskets are used in some way in just about every industry. While not all industries need to have custom gaskets produced for them, they always have the option to go the custom route if it suits the job better.

Expert Gasket & Seal can customize a gasket for your industry and application. Contact us today to learn more about our solutions and service.

Expert Gasket & Seal Fixes Leaky Filling Equipment, Saving Hundreds of Hours for Solvent Manufacturer

A solvent leak can become very costly, very quickly — not to mention dangerous, as it involves hazardous waste. Any leak not only presents risks to production and equipment, but it also puts the health and safety of employees at risk. So, when a solvent manufacturer was experiencing leakage during their filling process, they turned to Expert Gasket & Seal for a solution.

The solvent manufacturer was filling small quart cans with its product using precision filling equipment that filled by weight and volume. During production, the seals which regulated the flow of the solvent experienced a major leak resulting in underfilled cans, the loss of finished products and hazardous material exposure to the workplace.

Expert Gasket & Seal assessed the situation and recommended replacing the dynamic O-ring with an energized PTFE seal. The new seal was energized by a Perfluorelastomer O-ring for its chemical resistance, and the machined PTFE seal jacket provided a friction-free seal with wiping action and with little to no seal wear or leakage.

With the PTFE design, the seal was not wearing out like the plain dynamic O-ring and there was no longer a need to continually stop production to replace faulty O-rings. And this was all done with existing hardware without the need to retrofit the machined components of the equipment.

The filling equipment consisted of 24 filler heads. Expert Gasket & Seal’s expert sealing solution increased the life of each filler by hundreds of hours, allowing the manufacturer to extend the production schedule and cut downtime by at least four times over.

Don’t let a leak put your company at risk. Protect your assets and your people with a custom solution from Expert Gasket & Seal.
Call our experts today at 800.956.8766