It’s no surprise that rubber seals are among the most popular choices when it comes to ensuring an airtight and watertight fit in a wide variety of industries and applications. From aerospace to the automotive industry, from electronics to engineering, from medicine to mining; regardless of the sector, rubber seals are consistently preferred as a means of creating an impervious connection.

Why is this so? There are many reasons that rubber seals are a good fit (excuse the pun) for a range of situations and circumstances. Here are just a handful of the many benefits that rubber offers over other alternative materials when it comes to creating a gasket or O-ring between two component parts of equipment, machinery or other working apparatus:

• Even at very low temperatures, rubber (especially silicone rubber) retains a high degree of flexibility, meaning it will absorb any pressure placed upon it and mould itself to the contours of the groove (or gland) into which it is placed.
• Temperature resistance. Rubber is capable of withstanding extreme temperatures at both ends of the scale. In particular, silicone rubber can tolerate lows of up to -100°C and highs up to 310°C This makes rubber seals ideal in environments prone to massive swings in temperature.
• Rubber is an incredibly durable material which will absorb pressure applied on it and create an impervious seal that is increases in strength in direct proportion to the forces exerted upon it. It will also maintain this integrity for significant spells and although there are breaking points for both the amount of pressure it can withstand and the length of time that it can do so, its credentials are very impressive in both respects.
• Rubber is a highly malleable substance and can easily be moulded into all kinds of shapes and sizes, making it ideal for use in a variety of different applications and industries. Whether it’s a standard O-ring seal that’s needed or a more bespoke solution, rubber has the versatility to satisfy any situation.
• Depending on the type of rubber, many rubbers are non-toxic materials which won’t corrupt or compromise any substance with which it comes into contact or any environment into which it is placed. Thanks to the fact that it does not impart odours or flavours to surrounding mechanisms, it’s a highly popular choice for the food, pharmaceutical and medical industries.
• Silicone rubber is compatible with a wide range of different sterilisation techniques, including dry heat, electron beams, ethylene oxide, gamma radiation and steam autoclaving. This, coupled with the non-toxic properties mentioned above, allows us to offer medical grade materials.
• Compatibility with other materials. Rubber can easily be mixed with other substances to enhance certain aspects of the seal in question, including its tolerance to extreme temperatures, its compression capabilities and the length of its life.

Choosing the rubber seal that’s right for you

As you can see, there are any number of reasons why rubber seals offer a quality and comprehensive solution to sealing problems in a number of different industries. If you’d like to take advantage of the incredible properties of this versatile material, why not browse our range of rubber seals and gaskets suitable for all kinds of circumstances.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to hear some advice on which type of seal would best benefit your unique situation, we’re on hand to dispense any guidance and answer any questions we can. Simply get in touch via our online form, give us a call on +44 1909 560 203 or drop us an email at sales@nes-ips.com and we’ll take things from there. We look forward to hearing from you soon