At Rubber-Cal, we can fabricate gaskets out of our sheet rubber goods in almost any shape or dimension. The different types of fabrication options available are: hand cutting, die cutting, laser cutting, and water jet cutting. Depending on the size and scope of the project, we will offer pricing based on one or more of the above methods. We can offer a custom quote detailing the costs of the project within 1-5 business days, depending on the complexity of the rubber gasketing job.
Please fill out the form below and give us as many details about your gasket as possible. Please provide us with all the relevant information about dimensions, such as the desired width, length, thickness, quantity, and the rubber compound needed. If you are unsure about the elastomer, tell us more about where the rubber will be used and what type of materials, chemicals, or temperatures it will come into contact with.
Most importantly, if the rubber gaskets are not intended to be simple geometrical shapes (circle, square, or rectangle) then please give us details about the shape of the product. If your desired product is irregularly shaped, it is always best to send us a drawing of the scope of your project entails. The form below has a section where you can upload an image of your drawing. If you prefer, you can also email your request direct to customer service at info@rubbercal.com. If you prefer to manage the fabrication at your facilities, we offer bulk rubber products for immediate shipment. If you are looking for sheet rubber products to use for your gaskets, please click here. Remember that our expert staff is here (1-800-370-9152 or 1-714-545-3600) to help anytime between 6am till 5pm Pacific Time.
Rubber gasketing is a vital part of everyday machines and appliances. It is the unsung, overlooked hero that allows hard metallic parts to be sealed together with little to no damage. The reason why rubber gaskets are so important to us is because they act as a seal, or barrier, between two surfaces in order to prevent any leakage of gas or liquid. They also serve to prevent hard surfaces from coming into contact with each other by acting as a buffer. Rubber is the ideal material to use for seals and gaskets because it is versatile and can be formed to fit a range of different dimensional needs. Here at Rubber-Cal, we recognize just how important industrial gaskets are for the efficiency and success of a product or business. To best suit the specific needs of your application, we offer rubber gasketing that can be custom ordered to your requirements.
What is a Rubber Gasket Used for?
Most rubber gaskets are found in industrial settings which makes them unknown to most people. So, what exactly is rubber gasketing used for? Its primary purpose is as a protective layer. Rubber gaskets also help seal moving parts. Firstly, a rubber seal or gasket can prevent two hard surfaces from coming into contact with each other. This can cause them to come together and affect the performance and integrity of the machine. Rubber is a softer material than metal and it is usually durable and elastic enough to absorb physical impact. Secondly, a rubber seal or gasket can prevent vital gases and liquids from leaking out. Many modern industrial applications require liquid or gas remain contained. Rubber’s combined elasticity and durability makes it a great sealing choice.
1. Types of Rubber Gaskets
It is hard to find machines today that lack rubber gaskets in them. The prevalent use of rubber gasketing speaks to how useful and effective they are. A large part of this is simply because of the rubber material itself. A rubber seal is less expensive, more durable, and more versatile than seals made of other materials. There are also a variety of different types of rubbers available. We stock natural, recycled and synthetic rubbers so that we can make the perfect custom rubber gasket for your application. Synthetic rubbers make for great seals and gaskets because a lot of industrial applications see harsh and abrasive conditions. Our rubber gaskets are manufactured using a custom cut process, with each product cut from a rubber sheet to meet a specific order and design. The type of rubber material used to create our rubber gasketing depends entirely on the project in question.
1(a). Natural Rubber
Rubber gaskets of the natural rubber variety are generally very flexible. Natural rubber has excellent resilience towards most abrasive conditions as well as a low compression set allowing it to keep its form even under extreme weight or pressure. This is ideal for the production of gaskets as they tend to be used industrially and put under heavy machines or other equipment. Additionally, natural rubber has a high coefficient of friction allowing it to retain its grip even when coming into contact with moisture. This will allow gaskets made of natural rubber to keep its grip on the two surfaces it is protecting to prevent accidental slippage that may cause damage to industrial machines or floors.
1(b). Recycled Rubber
Rubber Gaskets made from the recycled rubber variety are extremely durable products that will perform well in highly abrasive conditions. Made out of unused or discarded vehicle tires, recycled rubber will reflect the same durability in products made from this rubber variation. They are valued for their superior abrasion resistance and excellent durability against heavy machines/equipment and high levels of wear and tear. Additionally, like the vehicle tires they are made from, recycled rubber products exhibit high levels of resistance to harsh UV rays, ozone and moisture allowing them to be excellent outdoor products.
1(c). Synthetic Rubber
Compared to natural rubber and its variations, synthetic rubbers offer more resistance in abrasive or industrial conditions including exposure to oils, chemicals, and high temperatures. Different types of synthetic elastomers offer different qualities and capabilities, which is why we ask for the potential use of your rubber gaskets before manufacturing them for you. Some rubber types offer a higher working temperature, which is perfect for high-industrial settings, while others have a high level of oil and grease resistance. For instance, EPDM is most often used for applications which will have a lot of outdoor exposure or exposure to chemicals, such as a rubber seal on a car. This is because EPDM performs well in the face of outdoor elements, such as moisture or UV rays, as well as in areas where chemicals are being used or stored. Industrial gaskets made of synthetic rubber are an affordable means to protecting expensive parts.
2. Custom Cut Rubber Gaskets
We offer custom rubber gaskets cut from a variety of rubber sheet from EPDM to Santoprene. The type of cutting method used to create our rubber gasketing depends entirely on the project in question. Some projects may need gaskets for general purposes while others may need to buy in bulk. Additionally, depending on how precise the gasket in question needs to be should determine which method of cutting should be used to produce them. We can cut your custom rubber parts from our vast line of widths and gauges according to your specifications. Our goal is to collaborate with our customers so that they can get the perfect rubber gasketing for their project. Depending on the specific needs of an individual piece, we offer three ways of fabricating rubber gaskets: hand cutting, die cutting, and water jet cutting.
2(a). Hand Cutting
Hand cutting is the quickest method of fabricating gaskets that do not have tight dimensional tolerances. It is reserved for general-purpose gaskets. This method can be effective for seals and gaskets that have simple designs. Thicker, longer, and larger parts are sometimes easier to cut by hand; however, hand cut gaskets have a slightly slower production process and will have less precise measurements than the other machine cutting options available. A far more effective and quicker alternative to hand cutting gaskets is die cutting.
2(b). Die Cutting
This method of cutting gaskets, in simple terms, is basically a hole puncher. Special die cutting machines punch out the shape of each gasket according to the specifications provided by the customer. This is an efficient way to produce high volumes of industrial gaskets specialized for precise applications and is ideal for those who are looking to purchase gaskets in bulk.
2(c). Water Jet Cutting
For the most precise fabrication of rubber gasketing, we recommend water-jet cutting. Keep in mind that this is our most expensive option, but it is the best method of ensuring that you get the most exact rubber gaskets made for your application. This method combines high volume output and micro-precision. In the case of industrial machinery and other expensive equipment, ultra-precise rubber gasketing will probably be required to keep it in good working order and operating at peak capacity.
We know just how crucial the proper kind of rubber gasketing is for your application. The smooth operation of industry relies on rubber gasketing working efficiently as intended. With our variety of different types of rubbers, natural, recycled or synthetic, you can rest assured that the perfect elastomer for the job is available. Rubber gasketing will keep your machine safe by preventing rough materials from making contact and by sealing in gases and liquids. Your industrial project cannot afford to go without proper rubber gaskets!
