6 Factors to Determine the Quality of Custom Rubber Gasket
When you're looking for a custom rubber gasket for your industry application, it is vital to choose a part that offers quality assurances. A quality custom rubber gasket will fit well and prevent any leaks and block the entry of contaminants for a longer time. What’s more, a substandard part may cost less now but will prove to be much more expensive if it leads to an unplanned shutdown.
But, how can you ensure that your rubber gasket manufacturer is offering you a high-quality part? Here are five factors to watch out for:
1. The Material of the Gasket
If you have given your rubber gasket manufacturer material requirements then ensure that they adhere to them. So, avoid any cheaper lookalikes as they will prove to be more expensive in the long run. Higher quality materials naturally last longer and cause fewer maintenance-related shutdowns.
2. Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process used while molding a custom rubber gasket is extremely important and determines the application of the gasket. The manufacturing process can involve both, the cutting and punching methods for the production of different gaskets for a wide range of industries. Different techniques are used to manufacture different types of gaskets. While punching is the traditional method, some product characteristics call for cutting. So, ensure that your rubber gasket manufacturer is using the right technique based on your requirements.
3. Parting Line
A parting line is a line that is left behind at the place where two halves of the mold intersect. It occurs due to tiny gaps that open up when metal faces of the mold are removed. The parting or witness line can be as small as 0.0003 or as large as 0.001 inches. When there is a parting line on the gasket, this causes problems with the fit and can cause other complications later down the line. Harkesh Rubber uses cryogenic deflashing to ensure that none of our gaskets leave a parting line behind.
4. Fit
This one is a bit obvious but it’s one of the most important factors as an incorrect size will not work for your sealing needs. So, make sure that the gasket you’re about to buy is dimensionally accurate. Without the right fit, a gasket will prove to be useless for your sealing application.
5. Shipping and Packaging Conditions
Bad shipping and packaging conditions can ruin a perfectly good rubber gasket. So, make sure to check for signs of damage by looking at the packaging of the gasket. If the packaging is bent, compressed, or folded, it is an indication that the material has endured a compression set. Furthermore, if you see signs of UV light exposure, it could shorten the life of the gasket if it is made of SBR or nitrile.
6. Quality of the Gasket Edge
You can determine the quality of the gasket edge by the cutting process used and the condition of equipment and tooling. Even though the OD surface of a flange gasket doesn't serve any functional role, an impeccable appearance is a must.
What’s more, the internal edges are of great functional importance. That’s why you should check for strings of material that isn't cut through properly. These strings could get into the material flow. Also, keep an eye out for any cutouts as they can create a cavity which will lead to turbulence, noise, and reduced flow velocity.
Keeping the above factors in mind while purchasing a gasket, you will be able to spot a high-quality custom rubber gasket and make the best purchase decision. Or you can contact Harkesh Rubber where we meet the most stringent quality checks and attain high precision requirements for all custom rubber gaskets.