Gaskets and seals are used to prevent leaks. Despite the similarity in their purpose, they are both uniquely different. If you are scratching your head wondering which one is right for your project, you are not alone. Below you will find helpful information to guide you on which to choose. So, gaskets vs O-rings: what’s the difference?

Gaskets vs O-Rings: What’s the Difference?

Despite having a similar purpose when it comes to leak prevention, gaskets and O-rings are uniquely different. Gaskets are flat pieces of material used to seal two, separate flat surfaces. They are used in static applications to seal joints, flanges, and other surfaces to prevent leakage. They are usually sealed with a bolted joint and are most often shaped like circles. But can exist in a number of different shapes depending on the unique needs of the project. Also, they come in a variety of different materials, including supple materials, rigid polymers, and metals.

However, they can end up layered with different material coatings depending on the application. Gasket seals are used in a vast array of applications, including electric motors, power generators, and transformers; the food and beverage industry; various electronics; medical devices; handheld communication devices, like cell phones; the automotive industry; and the aerospace and defense industries. They remain produced using a broad range of manufacturing techniques, including:

• Rubber extrusion
• Waterjet cutting
• Hot vulcanized and cold bond splicing
• Custom die cutting
• Compression
• Injection
• Transfer molding; and precision slitting

O-Rings Key Factors

On the other hand, O-rings are round pieces that set in a groove which creates a seal between two separate parts. O-rings are consistently the same shape but can vary in thickness due to the unique specifications and needs of the project. The seal comes in a variety of different materials. The most common include Neoprene, EPDM Rubber and Fluorocarbon (Viton), PTFE, and Nitrile (Buna). O-rings find use in various applications, including:

• Hydraulic seals
• The pulp and paper industry
• Pipe joints
• The pharmaceutical and medical fields
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
• Equipment with fluid seal points
• Food processing
• Oil seals
• And fuel systems

The seals’ production involves using various manufacturing techniques. These include extrusion, compression molding, injection molding, transfer molding, or machining. 

Choosing Between Gaskets and O-Rings

If you need to determine whether a gasket or O-ring is right for your project, consider the environment, function of the seal, and features such as the shape, temperature, and pressure. For example, when it comes to shape, a non-circular joint that requires a good seal would likely need a gasket. An O-ring would be very difficult to use as they are round. Gaskets can be easily customized into any shape which allows them to be more useful in a wider variety of applications.

When it comes to considering temperature, the temperature of the operating equipment is necessary as it will determine the best material to use for both the gasket and O-ring. Gaskets are the best choice as it can withstand extremely high temperatures. As for pressure, O-rings generally perform better than gaskets. Taking a comprehensive look at your project’s needs is necessary to determine which is right for your project.

Specialty Seals

Specialty seals may be necessary for your project. A specialty seal is necessary when a modification to an existing seal is necessary to fit your particular application. This can help improve the outcome of your project, simplify the assembly process, improve tolerances, and reduce installation times. If you need specialty seals for your project, it is important to work with a skilled manufacturer. Contact Real Seal today for all of your specialty seals as they are industry leaders with a proven record of success.

Product designers need to consider the materials used for their product or their component parts. This can make a major difference when it comes to your final product. Two of the common manufacturing processes are cast and injection molding. You may wonder, cast vs injection molding: what’s the difference? Below you will find helpful information to guide you as you consider which type of molding is right for your product or component part.

Cast vs Injection Molding

Both cast and injection molding have unique differences that play an important role in the manufacturing process. Both need to be considered when making design decisions for your product or component part. The cast molding process uses the force of gravity to inject the material into your mold. However, the injection molding process is different as it uses high pressure while your material is in a liquid state during the process. In order to determine which type of molding is right for you, consider the following differences between cast and injection molding.

• Costs Related to Manufacturing and Tooling: Tooling can be more expensive with injection molding due to the high pressure and temperature associated with the process. Tooling in injection molding can include closed metal molds that require complex systems. The complex systems are necessary to regulate the temperature and material flow. In addition, the molds require costly machining and finishing steps. On the other hand, cast molding uses simpler mold tooling, which results in lower costs. Cast molding can include open molds, close molds, compression molds, and many other designs. This allows you more flexibility when designing your mold. 
• Compatibility with Your Materials: Both cast and injection molding are optimized based on the materials you will be using. Because injection molding uses high pressure with your materials in a liquid state, the materials you use need to have low viscosity. The low viscosity materials allow the material to take shape due to the unique nature of the injection method. Some of the common materials include polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS, and TPU. Cast molding most often uses thermoset materials as they are irreversibly shaped when the material cures. Thermoset materials have a much wider range of durometers, better resistance to abrasion, and enhanced chemical resistance as compared to other materials. Based on this, it is clear that the type of materials you use will indicate the type of molding that will be optimal for your product or component part.
• Prototypes: The type of molding you use also relies on how quickly you want a prototype. Getting your prototype quickly, cost-effectively, and efficiently is likely a necessary factor for your business. The faster you get the product on the market, the faster you can increase profits and recuperate product development costs. Injection molding, as discussed, is more complex. This can result in higher costs and more time in terms of production. However, cast molding offers more flexibility and can generally be made faster. Another factor when it comes to your prototypes is how confident you are in your vision. You may need to make a number of molds to achieve your desired result. Consider your timeline and budget before you make a final decision about the type of mold.

Real Seal Specialty Seals

When determining which method is right for your product or component part, be sure to consider the relative differences between cast and injection molding. They are each beneficial, but have their respective advantages and disadvantages that are necessary to consider. If you are on the fence about which method is right for your product, contact the team at Real Seal. They are skilled in Real Seal specialty seals and can ensure you choose the right method for your product.