Knowing the differences between the available seal materials is essential when choosing the right seal for your application. When selecting the proper seal for your application, you may wonder what the differences between gaskets and O-rings are. Both are common types of seals in various applications, but there are some key differences that you should be aware of.
Gaskets are typically made from softer materials, such as rubber or cork, and fill the space between two surfaces. On the other hand, O-rings are constructed of tougher materials like elastomers or plastics and can fit into a groove on one of the surfaces.
Using a gasket for your application has the following advantages:
O-rings may also be helpful in sealing applications:
Gaskets and O-rings are seals often utilized in many applications. However, there are several distinctions between the two when deciding which one to use:
Gaskets are usually made from paper, cork, rubber, or metal and fill the space between two surfaces, while O-rings are circular seals made from elastomeric materials such as silicone, FKM, or EPDM.
Gaskets prevent leakage between two mating surfaces that are not perfectly flat. In contrast, O-rings seal between two surfaces that are in close contact with each other.
One key difference between gaskets and O-rings is the way they seal. Gaskets rely on a tight fit between the gasket and the mating surface. Meanwhile, O-rings seal by compressing to fill any gaps between the two surfaces. Gaskets are also more likely to leak over time as the materials degrade and the gasket loses its shape, unlike O-rings, which are more resistant to degradation and can provide a longer-lasting seal.
Another key difference is the cost. Gaskets can be cheaper to produce than O-rings, but they are also more likely to need to be replaced more often. In contrast, O-rings can last longer and provide a more reliable seal, but they can also be more expensive to purchase.
Consider the application and desired results when choosing between O-rings vs. gaskets. Selecting gaskets over O-rings depends on the application.
When choosing between gaskets and O-rings, it is essential to consider the specific needs of your application. If you are unsure which type of seal is best for your needs, consult with us now to find the right solution for your application!
When designing equipment, it is important to consider the various functions a seal must accomplish before deciding if an O ring or a gasket is better for this application. Both perform the same basic function of stopping liquids or gasses from ingressing or egressing.
The shape of the seal is one key criteria where the difference between an O ring and a gasket becomes very clear. In some applications, only a gasket will work because the shape of the joint makes it difficult or impossible to design a good seal using an O ring, which requires a groove to sit in.
The other key factors are temperature and pressure. The material used to make the seal is a critical factor with regards to operating temperature. While both O rings and gaskets can perform well in a wide temperature range, gaskets have the edge in extreme temperatures. O rings, however, are the superior choice in applications with extreme pressure. Under pressure, an O ring’s performance will improve while a gasket’s effectiveness will decrease.
Understanding the difference between O rings and gaskets is critical to making the choice that will function best and longest in the application in question. At Abbey Seals, we invest in state-of-art technology to create custom materials to meet your needs. Our recommendation is always to review the total application from the customer and, with all the information in hand, we can offer the most appropriate seal for whichever application. Contact our experts today, and we will happy to answer any questions you might have about