Are you trying to decide which kind of seal to use, but got stuck choosing between seal or a gasket? Often, people think that these two things are the same products because of gasket seals, which are very similar. The difference lies in how each specific product fits and functions with a variety of different engine parts. Gaskets are often called O-rings and seals can be referred to as dynamic seals. When a gasket seal breaks and needs replacement, you will have to determine whether the gasket or the whole bearing is broken to understand what needs repair or replacing.

Seals or O-rings are molded and used for components that exist between engine parts such as shafts or pumps, that rotate and need a more flexible base. They can be O-rings, liquid seals, rotary seals, valve stem seals, mechanical seals, and many others depending on your component type and sealant need. When seals are used between those kinds of engine parts, they are called dynamic seals. If you require a specific seal that allows for rotation and slightly more flexibility, you should choose to use a seal. If you are trying to contain leakage or prevent any draining, seals are used to mold two objects without allowing any liquid from leaking. Seals tend to be more

Gaskets are manufactured specifically to fit a shape and size of the space they are meant to fill. Gaskets, in contrary to seals, are more static in their molding properties. If you have two parts, or two flat surfaces that you need sealed, a gasket is your better option. Based on the size and shape of your components, your gasket will be formed and molded to fit properly and seal efficiently. While seals are more diverse and allow for a different sealant than gaskets, the latter is engineered more to fit flat and simple components that do not require a more designed or difficult layout.

Overall, if your components are flat and basic in terms of shape and size, a gasket may be your better option. If, however, your components require more design, seals are your best bet. It is important to remember the difference between gaskets and seals, although gasket seals are similar, because knowing which will fit your components better will ensure that the repair or replacement lasts longer. A gasket can be a seal, but a seal will not always be a gasket.

For information on custom seal components and industrial solutions, get in touch with Real Seal today.