Why Choose Silicone Gasket Material for Application

February 3, 2022
/ Gaskets
/ By Randy Cohen

As one of the most popular gasket materials, silicone is extremely flexible and versatile with several high-performance characteristics. These high-performance mechanical and industrial seals have outstanding resistance to low (-100 degrees F) and extremely high (500 degrees F) temperatures.

While silicone rubber gaskets are resistant to a wide range of extreme temperatures, they're not resistant to superheated steam. Silicone gasket material can resist gaining and degradation from sunlight and ozone, which makes these gaskets suitable for outdoor applications.

Since silicone rubber gasket materials are inert, they do not react to most chemicals, which makes them suitable for medical as well as industrial applications. At Frank Lowe, we offer the expertise and equipment to die cut silicone rubber gaskets into virtually any shape and size for almost any application.

Because of these unique attributes, silicone is regularly used for gaskets across an array of applications. Let's take a closer look at why silicone rubber is one of the most commonly used gasket materials.

Silicone Gasket Material Offers a Range of Desirable Attributes

Silicone rubber materials are elastomers manufactured with a silicon-oxygen structure. During the manufacturing process, carbon and silica are heated together at high temperatures, which produces silicone.

Because it's created from hydrogen and carbon organic compounds, silicone is regularly referred to as hydrocarbons. And this unique structure opens the door to a vast range of desirable benefits that make silicone gasket material ideal for a myriad of applications.

Silicone gasket material doesn't shrink. With an excellent compression set, elongation, tear strength, and tensile strength, silicone rubber materials are shrink-proof. This gasket material also has a long service life and dynamic all-around versatility. As a result, silicone rubber gasket materials are ideal for a large variety of applications.
Silicone rubber gasket material has excellent resistance to weathering and boasts extreme temperature resistance. Whether it's extreme temperatures, ozone, or other weathering factors, silicone rubber gasket material is designed to perform. Silicone rubber gasket material is often used in outdoor applications.
Silicone materials offer flame retardant capabilities. This gasket material can be engineered to offer flame retardant qualities, which is why it's often used in analytical instrumentation, telecom equipment, and more.
High-performance silicone gaskets boast remarkable flexibility. With unrivaled low-temperature flexibility, silicone gaskets will not freeze or crack at low temperatures.
Silicone materials are water-resistant. Silicone material doesn't give out or break down when exposed to water because of its ability to resist and seal water.
Commercial grade silicone material can resist elements. Silicone gasket materials can resist aging, ozone, heat, chemicals, fire, fungal growth, and more.

Multiple Types of Silicone Gasket Materials

Another reason so many manufacturers turn to silicone gasket material is that there are multiple types.

Solid silicone rubber gaskets
Sponge silicone gaskets
Silicone foam gaskets

Solid Silicone Rubber Gasket

Gaskets made of solid silicone feature a tightly packed molecular structure. Although these types of gaskets aren't always "soft", they generally have a lower durometer or hardness when compared to sponge silicone. These types of gaskets are often used for environmental seals.

Solid silicone gaskets that are harder or have a higher durometer will require more closing force.
Solid silicone gaskets that are softer or have a lower durometer will require less closure force.

Different Grades of Silicone Foam Gaskets

Based on the application's compressibility requirements, silicone foam gasket material can be provided in varying firmnesses. Silicone foam gaskets also offer bolstered flame resistance.

Sponge Silicone Gasket Material

Applications that require more cushioning and padding often utilize sponge silicone gasket material. There are two broad kinds of sponge silicone gaskets:

Open-cell gaskets have pockets that are interconnected. These pockets allow air and other substances to freely pass through when not compressed.
Closed-cell silicone sponge gaskets are naturally filled with gas. This prevents substances, like air and chemicals, from passing through at lower pressures.

Frank Lowe Die Cuts Silicone Gasket Material

At Frank Lowe, we regularly die-cut silicone gaskets and materials for different applications. In addition to gaskets and seals, we often die-cut and create silicone rubber components for different industries.

Aviation

Silicone gasket material can resist extreme temperatures, which makes it crucial for the aviation industry. Silicone adhesives are regularly used to seal the most important parts of planes, such as doors, fuel tanks, windows, vent ducts, etc.

Construction Industry

The silicone material is also regularly used throughout the construction industry. Silicone rubber can be used to improve and strengthen structures while protecting them against pollution, heat, moisture, and other elements that cause wear and tear. In addition, the silicone rubber material is often used in the restoration of historic buildings without compromising their original integrity and appearance.

Electronic Products

Electrically conductive silicone rubber can be found in an endless number of electronics products to prevent electrostatic discharge. Because of its unique properties, silicone rubber is used for sealing processors and inner circuits to protect them from corrosion, moisture, heat, and other damaging conditions.

Consumer Products

Silicone rubber is used in a myriad of different household products and consumer products. For example, most sturdy, non-stick, durable cookware is coated with silicone to improve the cooking experience.

Healthcare

Since silicone rubber is proven to be resistant to bacteria, it's commonly used in healthcare products. It's also essential for infant care products, manufacturing of prosthetics, and other medical equipment with high safety standards.

Contact Frank Lowe

When you need silicone gaskets, the experts at Frank Lowe can help. Since 1955, we have been die-cutting silicone gaskets for different applications across different industries. Whether you know the exact dimensions or are unaware of the specifications, we will help you find the best and most cost-efficient solution.

Contact Frank Lowe today for silicone gaskets and more.

About the Author Randy Cohen

Since 2002, Randy Cohen has served as the Senior Vice President of Frank Lowe — leading Sales and Marketing as well as a variety of Administrative operations. Randy has 25 years of experience with a background in sales & marketing, production and business management, serving both government agencies and private industry. He holds a B.A from Syracuse University and a Masters and Professional Diploma from Fordham University. Randy uses his unique set of experiences to partner with businesses and entities across all sectors explore, pursue, and create better solutions.

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