Gaskets are used across a broad spectrum of industries and applications. Metal gaskets are made from metallic materials. Gaskets, shims, and washers can be manufactured using different metals to cater to various environments and applications.
What is a Metal Gasket?
A metal gasket is a mechanical seal that is manufactured using metals or metal alloys. Gaskets have many uses across industries, including automotive design and manufacturing, engineering, construction, pharmaceuticals, and energy.
What are Gaskets Used For?
The primary use of metal gaskets is to create a strong seal. Gaskets create a barrier, separating different materials or chemicals and preventing friction between moving components. Strong, properly fitted, and maintained gaskets prevent leaks, boost performance, prevent damage, increase energy efficiency, and shield surrounding parts.
There are several different types of metal gaskets, which include solid metal gaskets and jacketed metal gaskets. Solid gaskets are created using metallic materials, while jacketed gaskets contain a different material wrapped in an external layer of metal. The choice of materials will usually depend heavily on the environment and the application. Examples of gasket types include:
- Envelope
- Corrugated metal
- Flat metal
- Non-asbestos
- Ring-type
- Spiral wound
- Serrated
Gaskets are also made using a wide variety of metals, including:
- Copper
- Aluminum
- Stainless steel
- Carbon steel
- Nickel
Gasketing Applications and Uses
Metal gaskets provide greater heat, erosion, and corrosion resistance than non-metallic materials. They are often chosen for high stress or pressure environments and applications that involve chemical exposure or extreme temperatures.
Gaskets are commonly used in many applications, including:
- Condensers
- Heat exchangers
- Compressors
- Pumps
- Valves
- Turbines
- Steam applications
- Offshore oil and gas pipelines