Whether you're manufacturing medical device equipment or creating one-of-a-kind fenestration products, the rubber gasket material you choose is a vital step. However, if you're manufacturing components or products that will be exposed to the elements, it becomes even more important to choose the best rubber gasket materials.
Fortunately, you don't have to do it alone! The experts at Frank Lowe will help you:
Simply put, you come to us with a problem or scenario, and we'll guide you to the best rubber gasket material solution. In the meantime, continue reading to learn more about some of the
most common weather-resistant rubber gasket materials we suggest and why.
The Effects of the Elements on Rubber Gasket Materials
Before we dive into the most weather-resistant rubber gasket materials, let's take a look at how different temperatures can affect gaskets. It's important to consider gaskets will compress and decompress in weather, so make sure to choose a rubber gasket material with the ability to rebound.
How Does Heat Affect Rubber Gasket Materials?
Most gaskets used outside will experience direct sunlight, which can quickly increase the internal temperature to over 140 F. At the same time, the continual cycling of heat can expedite the process of expansion and compression in gasket materials.
How Can Freezing Temperatures Affect Rubber Gasket Materials?
In contrast to heat, frozen gaskets are highly likely to crack. And when the temperatures rise above freezing, the temperatures can intensify. Whenever the ice and snow melts, the gaskets that previously stiffened because of the freezing temperatures become much more likely to leak.
How Can UV & Ozone Affect Rubber Gasket Materials
Ozone is a naturally substance and can be created by particular outdoor enclosures that house electrical components. In addition, UV exposure can have a negative effect on a gasket's integrity and life.
Polyurethane Is a Weather-Resistant Rubber Gasket Material
Polyurethane is a compound that offers excellent tensile strength and abrasion resistance. These exceptional qualities usually translate into an excellent performing rubber gasket material in all weather conditions. Polyurethane also offers strong resistance to:
Silicone is a Versatile Rubber Gasket Material
Amongst all of the elastomers offered at Frank Lowe, silicone is one of the most versatile materials. It boasts outstanding properties at both high and extreme temperatures, ranging from as low as -67°F up to an impressive +400°F. Silicone can also function at intermittent temperatures in excess of +450°F. In addition, silicone boasts resistant properties to:
Gum Rubber Offers Low Temperature Resistance
Gum rubber is usually comprised of natural rubber and isoprene. Because of its composition, gum rubber offers excellent low-temperature resistance and abrasion resistance. In addition, gum rubber is resistant to organic acids, most moderate chemicals, aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols. However, gum rubber gaskets may not be the ideal solution when it will be exposed to:
Viton Is a Weather-Resistant Rubber Gasket Material
Viton — a fluoroelastomer — is a fluorocarbon-based synthetic rubber. This elastomer is mostly known for its outstanding resistance to chemicals and remarkable performance. In addition to an array of chemicals, viton can also handle:
EPDM Is a Versatile Rubber Gasket Material
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) demonstrates excellent weather resistance and works with an array of compatible materials. EPDM can resist the deteriorative effects associated with:
EPDM boasts a serviceable range of temperatures spanning from 40°F up to +250°F. It can handle intermittent temperatures up to +275°F.
Neoprene Offers Weather-Resistant Qualities
Neoprene is most notably recognized for its excellent weathering resistance, flame retarding, and moderate resistance to petroleum based fluids. In addition, neoprene can resist ozone, certain acids, moderate chemicals, and solvents. While it boasts excellent weather-resistant qualities, neoprene can be damaged by:
Contact Frank Lowe for the Weather-Resistant Rubber Gasket Materials
When it comes to making the ideal gaskets from the best rubber gasket materials, Frank Lowe will guide you through the process. We're the premier custom manufacturing firm offering comprehensive end-to-end manufacturing solutions. We offer an array of cutting-edge services to help take your product from conception to completion:
Contact Frank Lowe today to Explore, Pursue, Create, and Partner.
