Looking at the Differences between Rubber and Extruded Silicone Gaskets and Their Uses

The extruded silicone gaskets fare better in application and use.

When you compare a rubber gasket based on its different applications and uses, it tends to fall considerably behind the extruded silicone gasket.

This is mainly due to the differences in the materials used in making rubber and an extruded silicone gasket and their respective physical and chemical properties.

Comparing Rubber Gasket and Extruded Silicone Gasket   

Rubber, as you may know, is created from the latex of the rubber tree. It is, therefore, basically a derivation of the natural product. On the other hand, the extruded silicone gaskets are made from silicone, which is typically synthetic.

In some cases, it is seen that a silicone gasket performs much better than a rubber gasket or the rubber used in making any other type of rubber moulding products.

In terms of temperature tolerance, silicone will have a much higher endurance rate in comparison to rubber in general or the rubber moulding products.

Different test results show that while rubber can sustain a temperature ranging between -58 degrees and 176 degrees Fahrenheit, silicone can survive much higher temperatures ranging between -58 degrees to 446 degrees.

Typically, a rubber gasket will melt at 248 and wear away at 176 degrees but silicone will not. This is because the material is known to be resistant to oil and grease, fats, strong acids, and ozone. On the other hand, you cannot use rubber with these.

In short, you cannot use the rubber gasket in unfavorable weather conditions, with harsh chemicals and substances, or outdoors under UV for a long time. On the other hand, with extruded silicone gaskets, you have these possibilities.

Different Uses of Silicone Gaskets

Silicone, in general, is highly versatile. Due to this versatility, you can put the material to multiple uses in a wide range of industries, such as for making gaskets or unique silicone molds.

Some practical uses of extruded silicone gaskets include and are not limited to:

·         Space shuttles, airplanes, and other vehicles used in the aerospace

·         Windows and door seals

·         HVAC vent ducts and

·         Commercial, industrial, or personal vehicles for transportation, including buses and trains.

Contact the experts in extruded silicone gaskets today to know more about it or to create some unique silicone molds. We will be more than happy to clear all your doubts with our expertise.