Gaskets are mechanical seals used to fill the gap between two or more mating surfaces. They’re designed to prevent leaks between different components of machinery and equipment and are made from a variety of materials.
Some common materials used for gaskets include, but are not limited, to the following:
- Rubber
- Silicone
- Foam
- Plastic
Top industries like aerospace and industrial manufacturing frequently utilize gaskets because of their ability to conform to irregular surfaces, particularly those that may not be entirely flat or even.
Additionally, the enhanced flexibility of a gasket made from rubber and silicon absorbs vibrations and shocks, helping extend the life of the gasket and the equipment it’s sealing.
Top Performing Gasket Material
Because flexible materials vary, deciding which gasket material can benefit your application is step one. Your product, for example, may need extra dimensional stability, sound insulation characteristics, higher tear strength or the ability to be used in extreme temperatures.
If this is the case, we recommend Rogers BISCO® silicones for your gasket needs. BISCO® silicones are made for high performance and offer advanced benefits, including:
- Flame resistance
- Resistance to ozone and UV radiation
- Sound insulation
- Chemical resistance
3 Types of BISCO® Silicones
1) Bun Silicones
This option is ideal for long-term use in passenger seating, both private and mass transit. With its low compression set resistance and high-performance FST features, this cushioning silicone has excellent resistance to extreme weather, making it suitable for long-term comfort.
2) Cellular Silicones
Did you know that cellular silicones can withstand temperatures ranging from -67°F to 392°F and meet the strictest UL-94 flame ratings: V-0 and HF-1?
These materials, both open cell and closed cell, also offer compression set resistance for long-term sealing.
3) Solid Silicones
Solid silicones come in the form of general-purpose solids and performance solids.
- General-purpose solids are available with fiberglass reinforcement and a range of durometers from 40-70 Shore A.
- Performance solids offer tight tolerances and softness, ideal for demanding sealing applications. They’re usually available in a range of durometers from 10-40 Shore A.
Why Choose Rogers BISCO® Silicone for Your Gaskets?
What’s so unique about silicone? It can maintain its physical properties for many years, making it a reliable choice for various applications. Other rubber gasket materials like polyurethanes, EPDMs, and EVAs don’t have the same level of durability as silicone.
Let’s review a few additional benefits you can expect
Soft to Firm Selections
BISCO offers a range of silicone materials that come in different forms, such as foam, solid, and composite. These materials have varying degrees of firmness to cater to the needs of different customers.
If you’re concerned about the bending or deformation of plastic or thin metal parts in a container, softer foam materials may best fit your needs.
Rogers BISCO® silicones range from soft options like HT-870 to extra-firm silicone foams like HT-840. Typical results are focused at the mid-deflection for a given material. For example, HT-800 has a compression range of six to fourteen PSI but is typically only eight to nine PSI.
Temperature Range and Resistance
If you require silicone with wide-ranging temperature durability, BISCO® silicon is an excellent choice. Many of which are ozone and UV-resistant, can withstand mechanical fatigue, and comply with strict UL flame ratings.
Tensile Strength and Fluid Resistance
Some Rogers BISCO® silicones, such as the HT-1200 series, have significant tensile strength when used for high-shear applications. They’re also resistant to many fluids and—as a firmer silicone rubber—can withstand high-pressure gasket applications.
Where to Shop Quality Gasket Materials
As a Preferred Converter for Rogers BISCO®, American Flexible Products is a trusted source for rubber, foam, and silicone gasket solutions.
HT-870 Soft Silicone Foam
Soft silicone is a top choice when it comes to safeguarding electronic devices from heat and shock. It also works great as a cushion to isolate vibration and features excellent memory to retain its shape and firmness over time, thus requiring less maintenance.
Benefits include:
- Extremely adaptable in many environments
- Ability to conform to changing width gaps for enhanced design flexibility
- Reduced costs associated with gasket failure maintenance
- Protective seals use less force due to softness
- 22 PCF typical density
- 6-14 PSI CFD range
HT-800 Medium Silicone Foam
HT-800 silicone foam is an advantageous material that is especially good for protecting outdoor enclosures, like those used in communications equipment, electronics, and lighting.
One of the best things about this silicone foam is that it doesn’t lose its shape easily and keeps out elements like dust, rain, and fire. Another benefit is that it can help reduce shaking and vibration in electronic and automobile applications. The gray color of the HT-800 is also FDA compliant.
Benefits include:
- Reliable performance in a range of environments
- Low-stress relaxation and superb memory characteristics
- Reduced costs associated with gasket failure maintenance
- 22 PCF typical density
- 6-14 PSI CFD range
HT-820 Firm Silicone Foam
BISCO HT-820 Firm Cellular Silicone is the go-to choice for a more heavy-duty silicone foam. With a higher tear and tensile strength than other options, it provides enhanced durability and sealing, making it perfect for enclosures that require a high-closure force gasket.
Benefits include:
- Better sealing performance due to compact cell structure
- Superb memory and low-stress relaxation
- Consistent performance in a range of environments
- Reduced costs associated with gasket failure maintenance
- 24 PCF typical density
- 12-20 PSI CFD range
Other Rogers BISCO® silicone products we offer include:
- BF-2000 Ultra-Soft Silicone Foam
- BF-1000 Extra-Soft Silicone Foam
- HT-840 Extra-Firm Silicone Foam
- HT-1200 General Purpose Silicone Rubber
- HT-6000 Performance Solid Silicones
- EC-2000 Silicone EMI Shields
- FPC Silicone Fire Barrier
- HT-1500 Silicone Press Pad
- RF-120 Reflective Silicone Heat Shield
Do You Need a Custom Silicone Gasket?
Ask yourself: Do you want a mass-manufactured gasket that’s made with inferior materials—meaning it will likely need to be replaced sooner? We’re willing to bet the answer is no. So, why settle for anything less than the best?
At American Flexible Products, we can help you design gaskets and seals that fit to your exact specifications. Here are some industries we’ve supported with silicone gaskets every day:
- Aerospace: We’re talking airplanes and helicopters all the way up to space shuttles and telescopes.
- Transportation: Buses, commercial trucks, and other transportation machinery rely on custom silicone gaskets to dampen vibrations and absorb noise.
- HVAC Systems: Custom silicone gaskets provide the sealing necessary to ensure proper airflow and safety.
- Industrial Manufacturing: Heavy machinery involves movement that requires a large amount of pressure and heat. Custom silicone gaskets absorb the heavy vibrations while withstanding high temperatures to ensure manufacturing equipment functions at optimal level.
These are only a few examples of how much of a difference custom silicone gaskets can make. The impact can be tremendous and it’s possible that your project needs custom silicone gaskets.
Get Your Free Quote on Custom Silicone Gaskets
As a nation-wide converter of flexible materials—from foam to rubber to silicone and more—our products are custom-cut and shaped to your design specs by our materials engineers.
To learn more about our high-quality gasket material options or get your free quote, contact us today!
