Industrial gasket production: EPDM and thermoplastics | GB
With more than 40 years’ experience in the production of industrial rubber and thermoplastic gaskets, at GB we are familiar with the process required to achieve the perfect gasket.
The key is to identify the requirements and the respective technical characteristics the product must have. For the latter, the material is a crucial factor. However, working with rubber differs greatly from working with steel or plastics. Here we explain why this is true, and how to navigate between the most common rubberised materials – such as EPDM – and thermoplastics.
Rubber gaskets: the material dilemma
Unlike other materials, rubbers are poorly regulated. This means that mixtures and technical parameters can be extremely variable. For this reason, choice of material and careful analysis of the relative technical characteristics are essential factors in achieving an efficient and durable product. In addition, the range of available rubbers is increasingly ample, posing further difficulties and opportunities for companies in identifying the right material. At GB, thanks to collaboration with external R&D laboratories, we offer a service to design new made-to-measure materials. Some applications, in fact, may require a combination of features not present in any currently available material; at GB we can help you to create a fully customised product. What characteristics of materials should be taken into account when manufacturing industrial rubber or thermoplastic gaskets?The right features for a durable gasket
Each material has its own characteristics, and these play a crucial role in the production of efficient industrial gaskets. At GB, we consider the following characteristics to be essential:- Resistance to permanent deformation
- Resistance to abrasion and tearing
- Elastic performance
- Air and gas impermeability
- Resistance to UV radiation
- Resistance to fire
- Dielectric properties
- Chemical compatibility with gases and liquids