What is a Gasket? Everything You Need to Know

Gaskets may not be the most exciting component in engineering, but they are absolutely essential in a wide range of industries. From car engines to household plumbing, gaskets play a crucial role in ensuring a tight seal between two surfaces. But what exactly is a gasket, and why is it so important? In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know, including the difference between a gasket and a seal, common applications, materials, and the role of gasket sealants.

What is a Gasket?

A gasket is a mechanical seal that fills the space between two or more mating surfaces, preventing leakage of fluids or gases under compression. The typical gasket is flat, with a round cross-section. Unlike other sealing components, a gasket is usually made from a flexible material that deforms under pressure to create a tight seal, filling any irregularities between two surfaces. This characteristic is vital in preventing leaks in engines, pipelines, and even household appliances.

Gasket vs Seal: What’s the Difference?

While the terms ‘gasket’ and ‘seal’ are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. The key differences are:

• Gaskets are used to seal static components, such as the joint between two flanges in a pipe.
• Seals are generally used in dynamic applications where parts move relative to each other, such as rotating shaft, pumps and engines.

Simply put, a gasket is for stationary sealing, while a seal is designed for moving parts.

Where Are Gaskets Used?

Gaskets are found in almost every industry, including:

• Automotive – In car engines, gaskets help seal the cylinder head, exhaust manifold, and oil pan to prevent leaks.
• Plumbing – They ensure watertight seals in pipes, taps, and valves.
• Food processing – Protects edibles from cross-contamination with other foods.
• Manufacturing and heavy industry – Used in machinery and industrial equipment to maintain pressure and prevent leaks.

Common Gasket Materials

Gaskets come in a variety of materials, depending on their intended use. Common materials include:

• Rubber – Flexible and resistant to water and chemicals, used in plumbing, industrial equipment and automotive applications.
• Silicone – Durable, resistant to chemicals and heat, they are often found in food processing applications and medical devices.
• Foam – Excellent for applications requiring sound absorption and thermal isolation.
• PTFE (Teflon) – Chemically resistant and with good electrical properties, it’s often used in food processing and pharmaceuticals.

The Role of Gasket Sealants

Sometimes, a gasket alone isn’t enough to create a perfect seal. That’s where gasket sealant comes in. Gasket sealants are adhesives that help improve sealing performance by ensuring that the gasket adheres properly to the mating surfaces. They also make gaskets more resistant to chemicals, pressure, and temperature changes. Gasket sealants are especially useful in outdoor applications—or in any situation where difficult conditions might compromise the integrity of the gasket.

Conclusion

Understanding what is a gasket and its various aspects—from its definition to the materials and applications—is essential for ensuring the reliability of any sealed system. Whether you are replacing a worn-out part in your car or designing an industrial system, knowing the difference between a gasket and a seal, and the importance of a good gasket sealant, will help you make sure your projects remain leak-free and efficient.

At Conro Electronics, we’ll show you how to improve product reliability while increasing performance and lowering costs. Our team of technical support specialists will provide your company with dependable global supply, unrivalled efficiency, and superior technical support.

Feel free to contact us on 0208 953 1211 or send us an email to info@conro.com