Gaskets and seals are used to prevent leaks. Despite the similarity in their purpose, they are both uniquely different. If you are scratching your head wondering which one is right for your project, you are not alone. Below you will find helpful information to guide you on which to choose. So, gaskets vs O-rings: what’s the difference?

Gaskets vs O-Rings: What’s the Difference?

Despite having a similar purpose when it comes to leak prevention, gaskets and O-rings are uniquely different. Gaskets are flat pieces of material used to seal two, separate flat surfaces. They are used in static applications to seal joints, flanges, and other surfaces to prevent leakage. They are usually sealed with a bolted joint and are most often shaped like circles. But can exist in a number of different shapes depending on the unique needs of the project. Also, they come in a variety of different materials, including supple materials, rigid polymers, and metals.

However, they can end up layered with different material coatings depending on the application. Gasket seals are used in a vast array of applications, including electric motors, power generators, and transformers; the food and beverage industry; various electronics; medical devices; handheld communication devices, like cell phones; the automotive industry; and the aerospace and defense industries. They remain produced using a broad range of manufacturing techniques, including:

• Rubber extrusion
• Waterjet cutting
• Hot vulcanized and cold bond splicing
• Custom die cutting
• Compression
• Injection
• Transfer molding; and precision slitting

O-Rings Key Factors

On the other hand, O-rings are round pieces that set in a groove which creates a seal between two separate parts. O-rings are consistently the same shape but can vary in thickness due to the unique specifications and needs of the project. The seal comes in a variety of different materials. The most common include Neoprene, EPDM Rubber and Fluorocarbon (Viton), PTFE, and Nitrile (Buna). O-rings find use in various applications, including:

• Hydraulic seals
• The pulp and paper industry
• Pipe joints
• The pharmaceutical and medical fields
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
• Equipment with fluid seal points
• Food processing
• Oil seals
• And fuel systems

The seals’ production involves using various manufacturing techniques. These include extrusion, compression molding, injection molding, transfer molding, or machining. 

Choosing Between Gaskets and O-Rings

If you need to determine whether a gasket or O-ring is right for your project, consider the environment, function of the seal, and features such as the shape, temperature, and pressure. For example, when it comes to shape, a non-circular joint that requires a good seal would likely need a gasket. An O-ring would be very difficult to use as they are round. Gaskets can be easily customized into any shape which allows them to be more useful in a wider variety of applications.

When it comes to considering temperature, the temperature of the operating equipment is necessary as it will determine the best material to use for both the gasket and O-ring. Gaskets are the best choice as it can withstand extremely high temperatures. As for pressure, O-rings generally perform better than gaskets. Taking a comprehensive look at your project’s needs is necessary to determine which is right for your project.

Specialty Seals

Specialty seals may be necessary for your project. A specialty seal is necessary when a modification to an existing seal is necessary to fit your particular application. This can help improve the outcome of your project, simplify the assembly process, improve tolerances, and reduce installation times. If you need specialty seals for your project, it is important to work with a skilled manufacturer. Contact Real Seal today for all of your specialty seals as they are industry leaders with a proven record of success.

Product designers need to consider the materials used for their product or their component parts. This can make a major difference when it comes to your final product. Two of the common manufacturing processes are cast and injection molding. You may wonder, cast vs injection molding: what’s the difference? Below you will find helpful information to guide you as you consider which type of molding is right for your product or component part.

Cast vs Injection Molding

Both cast and injection molding have unique differences that play an important role in the manufacturing process. Both need to be considered when making design decisions for your product or component part. The cast molding process uses the force of gravity to inject the material into your mold. However, the injection molding process is different as it uses high pressure while your material is in a liquid state during the process. In order to determine which type of molding is right for you, consider the following differences between cast and injection molding.

• Costs Related to Manufacturing and Tooling: Tooling can be more expensive with injection molding due to the high pressure and temperature associated with the process. Tooling in injection molding can include closed metal molds that require complex systems. The complex systems are necessary to regulate the temperature and material flow. In addition, the molds require costly machining and finishing steps. On the other hand, cast molding uses simpler mold tooling, which results in lower costs. Cast molding can include open molds, close molds, compression molds, and many other designs. This allows you more flexibility when designing your mold. 
• Compatibility with Your Materials: Both cast and injection molding are optimized based on the materials you will be using. Because injection molding uses high pressure with your materials in a liquid state, the materials you use need to have low viscosity. The low viscosity materials allow the material to take shape due to the unique nature of the injection method. Some of the common materials include polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS, and TPU. Cast molding most often uses thermoset materials as they are irreversibly shaped when the material cures. Thermoset materials have a much wider range of durometers, better resistance to abrasion, and enhanced chemical resistance as compared to other materials. Based on this, it is clear that the type of materials you use will indicate the type of molding that will be optimal for your product or component part.
• Prototypes: The type of molding you use also relies on how quickly you want a prototype. Getting your prototype quickly, cost-effectively, and efficiently is likely a necessary factor for your business. The faster you get the product on the market, the faster you can increase profits and recuperate product development costs. Injection molding, as discussed, is more complex. This can result in higher costs and more time in terms of production. However, cast molding offers more flexibility and can generally be made faster. Another factor when it comes to your prototypes is how confident you are in your vision. You may need to make a number of molds to achieve your desired result. Consider your timeline and budget before you make a final decision about the type of mold.

Real Seal Specialty Seals

When determining which method is right for your product or component part, be sure to consider the relative differences between cast and injection molding. They are each beneficial, but have their respective advantages and disadvantages that are necessary to consider. If you are on the fence about which method is right for your product, contact the team at Real Seal. They are skilled in Real Seal specialty seals and can ensure you choose the right method for your product.

While rubber is a common product found in a number of items, it has a unique history. Originally something derived from natural ingredients, there are now synthetic rubbers that are more commonly used in the products you come across modernly. Below you will find information about the history of rubber and how it has evolved.

The History of Natural Rubber

There are number of tall tales about the origins of rubber and who discovered it. From stories about Christopher Columbus discovering rubber on a trip to Haiti to a French astronomer who made his way back from Peru, there are number of people who take credit for discovering the dynamic substance. However, rubber trees (also known as “Hevea brasiliensis”) are found in South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Indigenous cultures have cultivated the sap from the rubber trees for many years.

Rubber is made from the sap of a rubber tree. The sap is strategically removed from the tree through a process called tapping. Small cuts are made in the bark of the tree and the sap is then drained out. Certain ingredients are added to ensure the sap doesn’t solidify. The water is removed from the rubber through an extraction process and is then dried out. Historically, the process and amount of rubber derived from rubber trees met the needs of the indigenous people. However, as industrialization demands impacted other parts of the world, the need for synthetic rubber was high.

The History of Synthetic Rubber in the United States

Charles Goodyear was the original inventor of vulcanized rubber. The name is most notably associated with tires. However, Goodyear was not the founder of the tire company, and it was actually founded years after his death. However, the name of the company was in honor of Charles Goodyear and his notable discovery of vulcanized rubber.

The story begins with Goodyear’s newfound obsession with rubber after he bought a rubber life-preserver in the 1830s. He was determined to find how rubber could be useful and was even granted a government contract to make rubber mail bags. This was a complete flop as the bags didn’t hold up in varying temperatures. In fact, rubber would become sticky in warm temperatures and stiff in cold temperatures. These were the same issues that others had with the material as clothing and shoes had been made with rubber since the 1820s. However, the rubber was not operating effectively and ultimately caused trouble in the textile industry as well. Goodyear found that vulcanization created strong links that allowed rubber to remain strong, yet flexible. The vulcanization process involves heating the rubber and mixing it with sulfur to create this strong bond. From there on, rubber has been used in countless products and is an integral component of goods in our everyday life.

Historically Significant Dates Relating to Rubber

Since the 1830s, the rubber industry has rapidly evolved due to the demand for the product. There have been a number of rubber related products that have been invented since Goodyear’s original discovery. Below are some of the most historically significant dates relating to rubber.

• 1844: Goodyear was granted a United States patent for his discovery. However, he didn’t make any money off of it before his death in 1860.

• 1931: Dupont produced Duprene (now referred to as “Neoprene”). This is used in a variety of products, including gaskets, wire and cable insulation, and adhesives.

• 1934: Germans crated an oil-resistant rubber called Buna-N. This type of rubber is most commonly used in the automotive and aeronautical industries.

• 1960s: Shell created Shell Isoprene rubber and Goodyear produced Natsyn rubber.

Real Seal Specialty Seals

Due to the evolution of rubber, there are number of types that can be used to meet your unique needs. If you need engineered rubber components, the team at Real Seal are the leading experts in the field. Real seal specialty seals are made from the best materials using the most advanced technology. Contact their team today for help with project!

If you find yourself in a predicament wondering whether you should use a gasket or seal, it’s important to know their respective differences. While you may think they are interchangeable, they each have unique properties that make them advantageous depending on the situation. 

Gasket vs Seal: What’s the Difference?

So, gasket vs seal: what’s the difference? Below you will find helpful information to help guide you when you need to decide between using a gasket or a seal.

An Introduction to Gaskets

While it is very true that there are similarities between gaskets and seals, there are also some unique differences. So, what is a gasket? A gasket is a seal connection between two different parts that have flat surfaces. A seal, on the other hand, is used between rotating parts, such as an engine, pump, or shaft. Therefore, gasket seals are used in scenarios where a static seal is necessary. They are most frequently used when a connection requires preventing leaks. 

Gaskets are commonly used in industries such as oil and gas, electric generation, pulp and paper, and transportation. They are made from a variety of materials, including Viton, Neoprene, Nitrile, Pure Gum Rubber, and SBR. These are just a few of the different materials used for gaskets so be sure the type you choose meets your needs. When it comes to replacing gaskets, it should be done any time the equipment is taken apart and reassembled. This means you’ll need an entirely new gasket as this can ensure their effectiveness, in addition to maintaining safety.

An Introduction to Seals

Seals are used in machines, engines, pumps, or shafts that rotate. Unlike gaskets, seals are a little more dynamic in terms of their function. Seals are often a molded or machined product that is cut into dynamic shapes to perfectly fit into the component parts. Seals are also slightly more complex than gaskets as they have an outer ring and an inner surface. The outer ring is metal and is right over the inner surface made of rubber. The inner circle is slightly tilted and creates a lip for the seal as they fit perfectly within one another. The inner circle is designed to serve as a second barrier against any liquid that can get past the outer ring. It serves as a safeguard and requires proper installation. If it is not placed in the outer ring correctly it can cause major issues.

Seals are commonly used in hydraulic lines and ball bearings. They not only keep out leaks, but can also reduce the amount of noise that occurs during operations using ball bearings. They are fairly easy to install as they are fitted into the hole by a press. Then, they are tapped further in using a hammer. To keep the crankshaft from damaging as the seal moves through it, lubrication is necessary. In terms of replacement, the entire bearing must be replaced when a seal breaks down. Avoid a rookie mistake and replace the entire bearing. Just replacing the seal can result in major damage and potential safety issues. 

Specialty Seals

In many ways, gaskets and seals are similar. However, their unique differences make it important to understand which one is right for your needs. The most notable difference is that a gasket is meant to seal a static connection, while a seal is meant to seal a connection between two different rotating parts. If you need help determining which is right for your project, contact the experts at Real Seal. They are skilled in specialty seals, and manufacture and distribute seal products and mechanic component goods. Check out their website today for more information!

Rubber products are everywhere, and you likely come into contact with countless rubber products in your daily life. Because rubber is such a common material, it’s important to know how long rubber products last. Below you will find the shelf life of rubber products so you don’t risk using expired goods.

Shelf Life of Rubber Products

One of the major factors in how long your rubber lasts is the condition in which they are stored. In the best of conditions, rubber can last well beyond its expiration date. However, poor conditions can cause major issues. In fact, rubber stored in optimal conditions can be used beyond its expiration date. 

There are a variety of factors that contribute to the long shelf life of rubber. Rubber should be stored in a cool, dry place as water and warmth can negatively impact the rubber. The area should also be free from light, moisture, oxygen, and any chemicals or chemical-related products. These can disrupt the integrity of rubber and cause issues with its effectiveness. The best temperature for rubber is below 25 degrees Celsius, but preferably at 15 degrees Celsius.

It’s important to note that the shelf life of a product is not the sole indicator as to whether the rubber product is still good. In fact, it can be somewhat risky to wait to use rubber products until the last possible time indicated by the expiration date. Do you have a variety of rubber products? It is best to use them as soon as possible in order to ensure their maximum effectiveness. Even in the best of conditions, rubber can undergo changes and their physical properties can be damaged to a point of being unusable. If the rubber product has expired, it’s best to avoid using it due to the possible negative impacts caused by expired rubber.

Shelf Life of Common Rubber Products

Below are some of the common rubbers used in a variety of products. They are listed by their trade name or common name and their respective recommended shelf life.

• Silicone: This is commonly used in sealants, adhesives, lubricants, medicine, and even cooking utensils. The shelf life of silicone is 20 years.
• Viton (“Fluorel”): Commonly used in seals for aircraft engines, automotive fuel handling systems, and vacuum seals, the shelf life of Viton is 20 years.
• Neoprene: This is commonly used in water sportswear, automotive gaskets, and athletic equipment. The shelf life of neoprene is 5 to 10 years.
• EPDM: EPDM, also referred to as ethylene propylene diene monomer, is used in window and door seals as well as cooling system hoses. The shelf life of EPDM is 5 to 10 years.
• Butyl: Commonly used in O-rings, caulks, sealants, fiberoptic compounds, and agricultural chemicals, Butyl can last up to 5 to 10 years.
• Nitrile (“NBR”): This is commonly used in fuel hoses, gaskets, rollers, and other products that require oil resistance. The shelf life of Nitrile is 5 to 10 years.
• SBR: SBR, also referred to as styrene-butadiene rubber, is used in the manufacturing of automobile tires. The shelf life of SBR is 3 to 5 years.
• Natural Rubber: Commonly used in medical devices, surgical gloves, car tires, pacifiers, clothes, and toys, the shelf life of natural rubber is 3 to 5 years.

Specialty Seals

One of the best ways to determine the shelf life of your unique rubber or rubber product is to talk with a skilled rubber manufacturer. This is especially true if you are determining the shelf life of specialty seals as they are integral to the overall function of major machinery. Contact the team at Real Seal today for any of your rubber or sealant needs.