What Are Gaskets Used For?

Gaskets are used to create a seal between two or more surfaces, preventing liquids, gases, steam, air and other substances from leaking through a joint.

They are used across almost every industry where components need to be joined while maintaining a reliable seal. From automotive engines and industrial machinery to medical equipment, food processing, autoclaves, pumps and pipework, gaskets are an essential part of many products and systems.

Gaskets are available in a wide range of materials, including silicone, FKM, nitrile, EPDM, neoprene, cork, Flexoid, non-asbestos gasket sheet, PTFE and sponge rubber.

The correct gasket material depends on the application, temperature, pressure and substance being sealed.

How Do Gaskets Work?

A gasket is placed between two mating surfaces and compressed when the components are fastened together.

The gasket fills small imperfections between the surfaces, creating a barrier that prevents fluids or gases from escaping.

A gasket may be used to:

- Prevent water, oil or chemicals from leaking
- Contain steam and pressure
- Prevent air or gas from escaping
- Stop contaminants entering equipment
- Maintain pressure within a system
- Protect components from the surrounding environment

The gasket needs to be correctly selected for the conditions in which it will operate.

Where Are Gaskets Used?

Gaskets are used in a huge variety of industries and applications.

Automotive

Gaskets are found throughout vehicles and engines, including:

- Engine components
- Oil pans
- Pumps
- Gearboxes
- Fuel systems
- Exhaust systems

Materials such as nitrile, FKM, silicone and cork can be used depending on the application.

Industrial Machinery

Industrial equipment commonly uses gaskets in:

- Pumps
- Valves
- Compressors
- Pipework
- Flanges
- Hydraulic equipment
- Machinery covers

The gasket material must be selected according to the fluid, pressure and temperature involved.

Autoclaves and Sterilisers

Gaskets and seals play a particularly important role in autoclaves and sterilisation equipment.

An autoclave uses high-temperature steam under pressure, so the door seal must create a reliable seal around the chamber.

Specialist silicone door seals and gaskets are commonly used to help prevent steam escaping and maintain the required pressure and temperature.

TYM Seals & Gaskets specialises in autoclave and steriliser door seals, gaskets and spare parts.

View autoclave seals and spares.

Food and Medical Equipment

Gaskets are widely used in food processing and medical equipment, including:

- Processing machinery
- Pumps and valves
- Pipework
- Sterilisers
- Washers
- Ovens
- Processing vessels

Materials such as silicone and EPDM are commonly used, with specialist grades available where particular temperature, chemical or regulatory requirements apply.

Electrical Equipment

Gaskets are also used to protect electrical and electronic equipment from:

- Water
- Dust
- Dirt
- Moisture
- Environmental contaminants

Silicone sponge and EPDM/neoprene sponge are particularly useful where a soft, compressible seal is required around doors, panels and enclosures.

What Materials Are Gaskets Made From?

There are many different gasket materials available, each offering different properties.

The best gasket material is not necessarily the most expensive or highest-performing material. It is the material that is best suited to the particular application.

What Is the Best Gasket Material?

There is no single gasket material that is best for every application.

As a general guide:

Oil and fuel: Nitrile or FKM
Water and steam: EPDM or specialist materials
High temperatures: Silicone, FKM or specialist gasket materials
Chemicals: PTFE, FKM, EPDM or other specialist materials depending on the chemical
Outdoor applications: EPDM, silicone or neoprene
Large gaps or low compression: Silicone sponge, FKM sponge or neoprene/EPDM sponge
General industrial applications: Flexoid, non-asbestos and compressed fibre materials

Temperature, pressure, chemical concentration and the design of the joint should always be considered before selecting a gasket.

Why Do Gaskets Fail?

A gasket can fail for several reasons, including:

- Incorrect material selection
- Excessive temperature
- Chemical attack
- Incorrect compression
- Incorrect gasket thickness
- Damaged or uneven mating surfaces
- Incorrect installation
- Ageing or repeated compression

Choosing the correct material is therefore essential for achieving a reliable and long-lasting seal.

Bespoke Gaskets

Not every application can be solved with a standard gasket.

At TYM Seals & Gaskets, bespoke gaskets can be manufactured to drawings, dimensions, CAD files or existing samples.

We supply and manufacture gaskets from a wide range of rubber, silicone, sponge and sheet materials for applications across the medical, automotive, food, engineering, electrical and industrial sectors.

Explore TYM's gasket and sealing materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a gasket used for?

A gasket is used to create a seal between two surfaces, preventing liquids, gases, steam or other substances from leaking through a joint.

What is the best gasket material?

There is no universal best gasket material. The correct material depends on the temperature, pressure, fluid or chemical being sealed and the application.

What gasket material is best for oil?

Nitrile and FKM are commonly used for oil applications. FKM is particularly useful where higher temperatures or more demanding chemical conditions are involved.

What gasket material is best for water?

EPDM is often an excellent choice for water and hot-water applications. Silicone and other specialist materials may also be suitable.

Can gaskets be made to a specific shape?

Yes. Bespoke gaskets can be manufactured to drawings, CAD files, dimensions or samples.

Can TYM help choose the right gasket material?

Yes. If you provide the fluid or chemical, temperature, pressure, dimensions and application, TYM can help you identify a suitable gasket material.