Why Use a High-Performance Plastic for your Gasket?

March 28, 2023  |  , , ,

A high-performance plastic is a resin that exhibits characteristics that make it a viable alternative to metals for use in industrial applications.  Characteristics include strength & durability, temperature resistance, electrical properties, lightweight, and versatility.  Overall, high-performance plastics can be custom designed to meet specific performance criteria and offer a wide range of benefits.

A gasket is a mechanical seal that fills the space between two or more mating surfaces to prevent leakage from or into joined objects under compression.  They extend the lifespan of moving parts by protecting against rubbing or friction.  Today, high-performance plastic gaskets are used as an alternative to metal gaskets as they offer great durability and corrosion resistance.  They are also lightweight, have low friction, and have good sealing and insulation properties.

The benefits of using a gasket made of high-performance plastics include:

  • Improved functionality and performance
  • Improved resistance to many chemicals
  • Improvement in vibration
  • Improved handling of temperature fluctuation
  • Improved impact resistance

High-performance plastic gaskets can be custom designed to meet specific performance criteria and offer a wide range of benefits depending on the application.

Performance Plastics has over 40 years’ experience in molding tight tolerance advanced plastics such as Fluoropolymers (FEP/PFA) Torlon, PEEK & Ultem for many industries.  We have developed proprietary processes enabling injection molding of parts that are thin walled, with tight dimensional tolerances and complex geometries.

For more information on high-performance plastic gaskets or other Performance Plastics’ services, please contact Rich Reed, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at 440-785-7122.

 

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Performance Plastics Experience in Material Knowledge for Gaskets, Seals, and Poppets

March 16, 2023  |  , , , ,

Gaskets, seals, and poppets are key components of industrial applications used to seal joints, limit vibration, and prevent leaks.  They serve critical functions, so it is essential to choose the correct material for the application.  Performance Plastics has a thorough understanding of high-performance thermoplastics including PEEK, PFA, FEP, Torlon, and Ultem to create reliable, better sealing, longer wearing, and more cost-efficient components.

When choosing a material, there are several factors to keep in mind to ensure the material is correct for the application.

  • Temperature – material must withstand the entire design temperature range.
  • Pressure – material must withstand the entire pressure range.
  • Corrosion Resistance – material should not corrode when it encounters fluids or by environmental exposure.
  • Product Standards
  • Industry Standards

The materials need to have good flexibility, low density, and high tensile strength.  It also needs to have resistance to chemicals, internal pressure, durability, and adhesion with itself and the surfaces they touch.

It is important to understand the requirements of the particular application before making a material selection.  Our CT scanning metrology service allows us to offer the best in advanced measurement science.  Gaskets, seals, and poppets must be measured to deliver and maintain their seals for an acceptable period against all the operational forces present.

Performance Plastics’ team of experienced engineers possess the expertise to design and manufacture technically challenging projects and offer complex solutions within any industry. With the ability to hold tight tolerances (+/- .001”) in injection molding operations, we are exceptionally well-equipped to serve the Oil & Gas, Fluid Management, and HVAC industries.

For more information on how Performance Plastics can assist in your material selection challenges, please contact Rich Reed, VP of Sales & Marketing at 513.321.8404 or [email protected]

 

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