Leather Gasket Material

We manufacture leather gaskets to order. We hold a range of leathers in stock; gaskets can be made to your dimensions and specifications.

Leather is a sealing material with a long history and can also be used today in certain applications today; such as the resoration of old water and air pumps.

We manufacture felt gaskets to order. Felt gaskets are generally used for dampening and sound absorption. Our felt gaskets are manufactured from an industrial grade felt, which is absorbant and helps to keep the surrounding area free of oil. Gaskets can be made to your dimensions and specifications.

General Properties of Felt

• Strong
• Sound insulating
• Provides thermal insulation
• Has flame retardant properties

Cork Gaskets

Cork is available as natural, resin bonded and rubber bonded. Rubber bonded cork is used for gaskets.

Cork gaskets vary depending on the size of the granules used to manufacture the material and the base rubber compounds with which the material is bonded (commonly neoprene or nitrile).

Known for their use in sealing wine bottles, cork materials make relatively cheap and effective seals, with good oil resistance properties. Due to these properties, cork gaskets are typically used in: sumps, crank case covers, inspection doors, valve covers, electrical transformer gaskets, general cover and lids, electrical switchgear and for anti-vibration purposes.

These gaskets are also often used in the automative industry for carburettors, fuel and oil pumps, thermostats and gearboxes. They are ideal for use on irregular surfaces or with uneven bolt loading.

Different grades of cork have different temperature and pressure ratings, so please ask if you have a particular specification that needs to be met.

Rubber cork combined the ability of cork to compress within itself (e.g. so bottles don’t break) and rubber which is only diplaced. This combination makes it an ideal low compression seal.

Neoprene Cork

As a general rule, neoprene cork:

• Has good oil resistance
• Is relatively cheap
• Seals well at low flange pressures
• Seals well at temperatures of up to 120ºC
• Is good for use with water
• Is good for use with bolt loading flanges
• Is good for use with poor quality flanges

Nitrile Cork

As a general rule, nitrile cork:

• Has good oil resistance
• Has good solvent resistance
• Is relatively cheap
• Seals well at low flange pressures
• Seals well at temperatures of up to 120ºC
• Is good for use with petrol
• Is good for use with bolt loading flanges
• Is good for use with poor quality flanges

Bespoke Cork Gaskets

Bespoke cork gaskets (otherwise known as specials) can be manufactured from any rubber based cork and to any shape, size, thickness and dimension – from a technical drawing, sketch or sample.

As a general rule, the thinnest material possible for your application should be selected.

If you require a cork gasket to your own dimensions, please contact us for a competitive quotation.

Specification

• Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
• Condition: New
• Thicknesses Available: 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm
• Sheet Size Available: 1M x 1M sheets

Is Neoprene/Nitrile Cork the Best Material for my Application?

We can manufacture from sketch, sample or technical drawing.

Colours available: Natural with black rubber flecks, brown and orange.

Foam Gasket Materials

Foams (or sponges) are soft by nature and generally specified for simple sealing applications. They are more flexible and malleable than solid rubbers of the same material.

Open cell foams have cells, or air spaces, which are interconnected and will thus allow the passage of liquids or gases. These types are not generally used for gaskets or seals. Closed cell foams where the cells do not interconnect are used for gasket and sealing purposes. For more technical information regarding foam gaskets see our article here.

Foams have a wide range of applications. For example, as: dust, moisture and splash seals; lid seals and various kinds of filters.

These materials can also be supplied with an adhesive backing for easy application. Foams are generally available in black or white. Silicone foam can be supplied in many different colours, however there would be a minimum order quantity for this.

On this page: EPDM Foam | Neoprene Foam | Nitrile Foam | Polyethylene Foam | Silicone Foam | Viton Foam

EPDM Foam

EPDM is short for ethylene propylene diene monomer which is a flexible, black, closed cell foam. Certain types of EPDM are WRAS approved for use with potable (drinking) water.

EPDM Specification

• Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
• Condition: New
• Thicknesses Available: (Typically) 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm
• Sheet Size Available: (Typically) 1M x any multiple up to 10M

Neoprene Foam

Otherwise known as polychloroprene, neoprene exhibits a good chemical inertia.

Neoprene Specification

• Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
• Condition: New
• Thicknesses Available: (Typically) 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm
• Sheet Size Available: (Typically) 1M x any multiple up to 10M

Nitrile Foam

Also known as Buna-N, Perbunan or NBR rubber, nitrile is known for it’s oil, fuel and chemical resistant properties.

Nitrile foam gasket material is suited for use in environments in which fats and oils are present.

Nitrile Specification

• Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
• Condition: New
• Thicknesses Available: (Typically) 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm
• Sheet Size Available: (Typically) 1M x any multiple up to 10M

Polyethylene Foam

Common uses for polyethylene foam include inserts, padding and packaging. They are a plastic that is long lasting with a good chemical resistance and they are relatively cheap. As a plastic it has less elasticity than a rubber based foam.

It is available as either a solid sheet or as foam parts.

Polyethylene Specification

As a general rule, polyethylene is resistant to the following chemicals:

• Acetatic acid
• Amonium hydroxide 30%
• Calcium hydroxide 30%
• Diethylene glycol
• Ethylene glycol
• Ethanol 100%
• Glycerin
• Glycol
• Hydrogen peroxide 30%
• Mercury
• Methanol
• Potassium hydroxide 30%
• Sodium hydroxide 30%

 

• Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
• Condition: New
• Thicknesses Available: (Typically) 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm
• Sheet Size Available: (Typically) 1M x any multiple up to 10M

Silicone Foam

Silicone is a synthetic rubber known for it’s chemical inertia. For this reason silicone foam has application in the pharmaceutical and food processing industries. As it is a clean material it is difficult to adhere to. For self-adhesive versions special treatments need to be used.

Gaskets cut from sheet silicone have a skin top and bottom surface and a cut cell side. For skin finish on all sides silicone is extruded and parts fabricated with silicone adhesive.

FDA versions are available which are electrically insulating.

Silicone Specification

• Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
• Condition: New
• Thicknesses Available: (Typically) 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm
• Sheet Size Available: (Typically) 1M x any multiple up to 10M

Viton® Foam

Viton® is used in the presence of aggressive chemicals, fuels and explosive gases and as such has application in extreme environments.

Gaskets made from Viton® foam are used for; dust, moisture and splash seals; lid seals and various kinds of closures.

Viton® Specification

• Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
• Condition: New
• Thicknesses Available: 3mm and 6mm
• Sheet Size Available: (Typically) 711mm x 1422mm

General Properties of Graphite

Graphite is generally used in high temperature and high pressure environments and commonly finds applications in steam cycling or exhaust applications. These gaskets provide a higher performance seal in these conditions than non-asbestos jointing.

Graphite has a low friction surface. It excels in extreme conditions, resisting high pressures and temperatures.

It is available as a pure graphite sheet or with a steel core insertion which gives greater rigidity to the material. We can supply industrial or nuclear grade graphite.

Product Specification and Technical Details

As a general rule, graphite:

• Is good for use with steam and natural gas
• Has good ozone resistance
• Will hold temperatures of up to 3000ºC in non-oxidising atmospheres
• Has high corrosion resistance
• Has a long storage life

 

• Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
• Condition: New
• Thicknesses Available: 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm
• Sheet Size Available: 1M x 1M sheet, 1.5M x 1.5M sheet

Is Graphite the Best Material for my Application?

If you are unsure as to which material is best for your application then you can consult our gasket material selector or our guide to rubbers. Material specifications can be downloaded from the link at the top of this page.

Alternatively, we are always happy to offer technical help and advice so if you require assistance then please do not hesitate to contact us.

General Properties of Paper

Our paper is a cellulose fibre base impregnated with a plasticised chemical treatment to resist: oil, petrol, air, water, alcohol, grease and most solvents.

Oil paper jointing is used for engines, axles, pumps, pipes and tank flange joints. As such it finds application in the automotive, marine, aero and agricultural industries.

This product is otherwise known as oil paper jointing or cellulose paper. We are a stockist of Flexoid and Omniafibre gasket paper which may be called; Flexoid, Vellumoid, Guamotor E, Oil Paper Jointing or Gaskoid amongst others. Please contact us for our full range.

Product Specification and Technical Details

As a general rule, paper is:

• Good for use with mineral oils
• A relatively cheap material

 

• Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
• Condition: New
• Thicknesses Available: 0.15mm, 0.20mm, 0.25mm, 0.40mm, 0.50mm, 0.80mm, 1.00mm, 1.20mm, 1.60mm, 2.00mm, 2.40mm, 3.00mm, 4.80mm, 6.40mm
• Sheet Size Available: (Typically) 1M x any multiple up to 20M

Is Paper the Best Material for my Application?

If you are unsure as to which material is best for your application then you can consult our gasket material selector. Material specifications can be downloaded from the link at the top of this page.

Alternatively, we are always happy to offer technical help and advice so if you require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We can manufacture rubber gaskets to any dimensions and in any shape, from any type of rubber. Whether you are after a standard part, or something bespoke, simply give us a call or send us your drawing and we will be happy to offer you a quotation.

General Information About Rubbers

Rubber is the most important class of materials for sealing in the medium temperature range (-50ºC to +120ºC). This is because rubbers rapidly return to their original shape when any deforming stress or load is removed.

Parts can be manufactured from the following rubbers; natural, neoprene, nitrile, EPDM, silicone, viton, styrene butadiene, butadiene acreionitrile, ethylene propylene, butyl and hypalon.

Many rubbers are available for various working conditions; however they all have one property in common – the effect of heat is cumulative and irreversible. They can be used in a variety of working conditions; typically used with water, oils, chemical and other low pressure fluid applications. Examples of rubber gaskets include everything from standard pipe gaskets, to oil and manway gaskets.

The kind of rubber gasket you require will depend upon what you want it to do and the conditions in which you want it to operate. For instance, if your application involves water you should consider using neoprene or EPDM. If you require a part with oil and fuel resistance, you should consider nitrile or Viton®. The properties of the gasket will depend upon the type of rubber from which it is manufactured.

Maximum temperatures must not be exceeded and a good design will allow a safety margin dependent on design sevice life.

Many rubbers are available in foam (sponge) form for simple gasket sealing applications.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for or require a bespoke material, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Buna-N/Nitrile Rubber

Buna-N is the American term for Nitrile rubber, it is also known as: Butadiene Acrilonitrile, Perbunan or NBR rubber. Grades vary on their properties due to their acrylonitrile content. A high acrylonitrile content has a better oil resistance while a low acrylonitrile content has better resilience and low temperature flexibility.

Nitrile has outstanding resistance to: oils, petrols, solvents and lubricants but has poor ozone resistance. As such, nitrile gaskets are particularly suited for use with fats, oils, fuels and other liquids contaminated by these.

We stock nitrile in commercial, specification and white food quality grades. It is ideally used in temperatures ranging from -20ºC to +110ºC (Dependant on grade).

Popular examples of gaskets made from nitrile are: Oil gaskets and Cover gaskets.

Buna-N/Nitrile Rubber Specification and Technical Details

As a general rule, Nitrile:

• Is good for use with water and oil
• Has good resistance to petrol and acids
• Has good impermeability to gases
• Has good abrasion resistance
• Has good recovery
• Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
• Condition: New
• Thicknesses Available: 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm
• Sheet Size Available: 1.4M x any multiple up to 20M

EPDM Rubber

EP (ethylene propylene) and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubbers have good chemical, mechanical and wear resistance properties. They are used in anti-vibration, sealing and electrical insulation applications. EPDM gaskets are widely used in the water industry.

These rubbers also have excellent weathering and ozone resistance. Certain types of EPDM are WRAS approved and suitable for use with potable water. EPDM is ideally used in temperatures ranging from -40ºC to +120ºC.

EPDM Rubber Specification and Technical Details

As a general rule, EPDM:

• Is good for use with potable (drinking) water
• Is good for use with acids
• Has good ozone resistance
• Has good impermeability to gases
• Has good abrasion resistance
• Has good recovery

 

• Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
• Condition: New
• Thicknesses Available: 3mm, 6mm
• Sheet Size Available: 1.5M x any multiple up to 10M

Neoprene Rubber

Neoprene rubber (otherwise known as polychloroprene or chloroprene rubber) exhibits good chemical inertia. It is commonly used in electrical installations and weather sealing applications.

Neoprene is particularly suitable for use with water; be that salt or fresh water – although for potable (drinking) water it is better to use EPDM rubber.

It doesn’t support combustion, but self extinguishes. Neoprene also has good resistance to sunlight, ozone and oils. It is ideally used in temperatures ranging from -20ºC to +110ºC.

Neoprene Rubber Specification and Technical Details

As a general rule, neoprene:

• Is good for use with sea water
• Has good ozone resistance
• Has good impermeability to gases
• Has good abrasion resistance
• Has good recovery

 

• Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
• Condition: New
• Thicknesses Available: 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm
• Sheet Size Available: 1.4M x any multiple up to 20M

Silicone Rubber

Silicone rubber gaskets are known for their chemical inertia and as such are useful in extreme environments and temperatures from -55ºC to +300ºC.

Popular examples of gaskets made from silicone are: food quality gaskets and pharmaceutical quality gaskets. Silicone is also a very stable material, used in extreme environments. It is also electrically insulating.

Silicone Rubber Specification and Technical Details

As a general rule, silicone:

• Is good for use with water
• Has good ozone resistance
• Is good for use with natural gas
• Has good recovery
• White silicone is electrically insulating

 

• Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
• Condition: New
• Thicknesses Available: 1.5mm, 3mm, 6mm
• Sheet Size Available: 1.2M x any multiple up to 20M

Viton® Rubber (FKM)

Viton® is a brand name for DuPont’s fluoropolymer elastomer. In comparison to other elastomers, Viton® can withstand a higher temperature.

Viton® rubber gaskets are used in the presence of aggressive chemicals, fuels and explosive gases; and as such have application in the oil, gas and mining industries.

We manufacture from DuPont Viton®; a commercial grade (FKM) is also available.

Viton® Rubber Specification and Technical Details

As a general rule, Viton®:

• Is good for use with petrol
• Has good resistance to acids
• Has good ozone resistance
• Has good impermeability to gases

 

• Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
• Condition: New
• Thicknesses Available: 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm. Other thicknesses available, on request.
• Sheet Size Available: 1.2M x any multiple up to 20M

Which Rubber Do I Need?

Rubber is probably the most common gasket material, and it comes in many different types. If you are unsure as to which rubber is best for your application then you can consult our gasket material selector or our guide to rubbers. Alternatively, we are always happy to offer technical help and advice so if you require assistance then please do not hesitate to contact us.

As a general rule, rubbers:

• Are good for use with water
• Are compatible for use with acids and alkalis
• Have good abrasion resistance
• Are available in various colours

General Properties of PTFE

PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is totally unique. It is an inert material, therefore it has excellent resistance to most mineral and organic chemicals such as acids, bases and solvents. It can be used in temperatures up to approximately 260ºC.

PTFE is generally used in the presence of aggressive chemicals as it is inert. It can be supplied as a bore liner to shield pipe gaskets from chemical attack: these are supplied to fit specific bore sizes and are known as PTFE envelopes.

PTFE has the same co-efficient of friction as ice on ice, so it is an exceptionally non-stick material. More information about PTFE can be found in the following guide to PTFE.

Product Specification and Technical Details

As a general rule, PTFE:

• Is good for use with petrol and oils
• Is good for use with acids and alkalis
• Has good ozone resistance
• Has good impermeability to gases

• Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
• Condition: New
• Thicknesses Available: 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm
• Sheet Size Available: 1M x 1M sheets

Is PTFE the Best Material for my Application?

If you are unsure as to which material is best for your application then you can see our material selector. Material specifications can also be downloaded from the link at the top of this page.

Alternatively, we are always happy to offer technical help and advice so if you require assistance then please do not hesitate to contact us.

General Properties of Natural Rubber

Natural Rubber (such as shotblast and paragum) is generally good for use with water. The exceptional quality of these materials lies in their ability to resist abrasive forces and to recover from pressure. They resist vibration well in heavy machinery therefore are commonly used on low bolt loading flanges and on pipes with poor quality flanges.

Natural rubber is obtained from the latex sap of certain types of tree. Normally latex sap is produced by the Hevea Brasiliensis tree (otherwise known as the rubber tree) however there are over 2500 types of tree that are also sources of latex.

Gaskets made from natural rubber seal well in dynamic conditions and have good resistance to compression for extended periods of time without tension.

Colours Available: Red, Tan and Natural Brown

Product Specification and Technical Details

As a general rule, natural rubber:

• Is flexible
• Is good for use with water
• Is good for use with low bolt loading flanges
• Is good for use with poor quality flanges
• Has anti-vibration
• Has good recovery
• Has good abrasion resistance.
• Seals a vacuum well
• Has poor ozone resistance
• Has poor resistance to environmental exposure

 

• Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
• Condition: New
• Thicknesses Available: 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm
• Sheet Size Available: 1.4M x any multiple up to 10M

Is Natural Rubber the Best Material for my Application?

If you are unsure as to which rubber is best for your application then you can consult our gasket material selector or our guide to rubbers. Material specifications can be downloaded from the link at the top of this page.

Alternatively, we are always happy to offer technical help and advice so if you require assistance then please so not hesitate to contact us.

Non-Asbestos Fibre materials are so-called because they fill the gap in the range of gasket materials previously occupied by asbestos. Asbestos, although considered to be a dangerous material, had excellent heat resistance properties, which is why it was utilised so widely in high temperature applications. When asbestos was outlawed, replacement materials were needed; so these asbestos-free, or non-asbestos, materials were developed to perform the same function, but without the corresponding problems.

These materials are now commonly comprised of aramid fibre (Kevlar), carbon and other non-organic fibres, which are in turn blended with different polymers to meet different applications: most commonly nitrile rubber, for fuel and oil resistance. These materials can also be graphite coated for non-stick and steam resistance, mixed with PTFE for excellent chemical resistance or with EPDM for potable water applications.

Common Industries Utilising Non-Asbestos Fibre:

• Oil and Gas
• Chemical Processing
• Petrochemical Industry
• Process Industry

General Properties of Non-Asbestos Materials

Non-asbestos materials generally have very good heat resistant properties. They are also good for use in applications that put them into contact with water, petrol or natural gas.

As such, non-asbestos materials are used in air compressors, diesel engines, pipelines and many other general industrial and marine environments.

We stock Novus (Flexitallic) and Klinger and Garlock non-asbestos materials.

Many grades can be used up to 100 Bar and 450ºC.

Novus

We manufacture novus gaskets from materials such as: N30, N34, N49 (graftec) and N10 (acid).

Novus generally exhibits good resistance to acids, most oils and most fuels.

Novus is manufactured in numerous grades to meet the British standards BS 57531X and Y.

Novus Specification and Technical Details

As a general rule, Novus:

• Is good for use with water and petrol
• Has good impermeability to gas
• Exhibits good recovery

 

• Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
• Condition: New
• Thicknesses Available: 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.8mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm
• Sheet Size Available: 1.5M x 2M sheets

Klinger®

We manufacture Klinger® gaskets from materials such as: C4400, C4430, C4324, C4500 as well as other grades.

Klinger® generally exhibits good resistance to acids, most oils and most fuels.

Klinger® is manufactured in numerous grades to meet the British standards BS 57531X and Y.

Klinger® Specification and Technical Details

As a general rule, Klinger®:

• Exhibits good recovery
• Exhibits good resistance to oils, solvents, gases, steam and many dilute acids and alkalis
• Has excellent bolt stress retention properties
• Has excellent sealing performance
• Has good impermeability to gas
• Is easy to remove
• Is easy to handle/install
• Is good for use with water and petrol
• Non-stick

 

• Supplier: RAM Gasket Solutions
• Condition: New
• Thicknesses Available: 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.8mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm
• Sheet Size Available: 2M x 1.5M sheets

Is Non-Asbestos the Best Material for my Application?

If you are unsure as to which material is best for your application then you can consult our guide to gasket materials. Material specifications can be downloaded from the links at the top of this page.

Alternatively, we are always happy to offer technical help and advice so if you require assistance please do not hesitate to contact us.