Gasket Sheets

Gasket sheets, also known as gasket paper, are large, flexible sheets of gasket material intended for creating custom seals quickly. These materials, such as cork, rubber, graphite, and nitrile, are robust and used across various industries to form leak-free seals.

Available in a wide variety of sheet sizes and thicknesses, gasket sheets are ideal for fabricating bespoke fittings or immediate replacements when pre-cut seals are unavailable.

At RS Australia, we offer an extensive selection of industrial gasket materials with superior resistance to heat, pressure, and chemical exposure, ensuring durability and high performance.

What Is a Gasket?

A gasket is a component created by cutting out the shape of a juncture to be sealed from a gasket sheet.

It forms a leak-proof and compressible seal between two surfaces or components, often working alongside an O-ring.

Gaskets are commonly seen in the joints between pipes or ducts to ensure the continuous flow of liquid or gas within the pipework. Examples include flange gaskets used in piping systems and vehicle gaskets found in the engines of cars and planes.

Types of Gasket Sheet Materials

Gasket sheets are available in a broad range of materials, ensuring an optimal sealing solution for various operational and environmental needs.

Natural Rubber Gasket Sheets

Natural rubber gasket sheets offer good protection from most gases and mild acids and alkalis. However, they are unsuitable for oils, fuels, or high-pressure applications.

As such, they are generally seen in low-temperature, general-purpose seals where their chemical resistance is sufficient.

Nitrile Rubber Gasket Sheets

Highly effective against oil, water, and grease leaks, nitrile rubber gasket sheets are popular for machinery and automotive use.

However, they are unsuitable for use with strong oxidizing agents or ketones, which can cause rapid degradation.

Fibre Gasket Sheets

Non-asbestos fibre gasket sheets offer excellent heat resistance, making them suitable for steam and chemical applications. They provide a cost-effective alternative to metallic seals in high-temperature environments.

Cork Gasket Sheets

Economical and highly compressible, cork provides excellent vibration-damping properties. It works well with oils and fuels but can lack the necessary mechanical strength under significant flex or torsion, making it best for low-pressure seals.

Graphite Gasket Sheets

Found in high-temperature or pressure environments, graphite is vital for sealing hazardous chemicals.

High-carbon gasket paper is often metal-reinforced to counteract brittleness, ensuring structural integrity under stress.

PTFE Gasket Sheets

PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), more commonly recognised by the name Teflon, is known for its near-universal chemical inertness and wide temperature range. These qualities make it ideal for challenging applications in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries where purity and hygiene are paramount.

Composite Gasket Sheets

These gasket sheets combine materials, such as metal foil and soft filler, to offer high mechanical strength and temperature resistance. They serve as a robust solution under severe industrial conditions.

Key Features and Specifications to Consider When Choosing a Gasket Sheet

Keep the following features and specifications in mind when selecting a gasket material sheet, so as to ensure it provides an effective and long-lasting seal.

• Temperature tolerance: The material must withstand the operating temperature of your intended application. For example, if you will be using it in an exhaust system, a high-temperature gasket sheet will be necessary to prevent premature failure.
• Pressure resistance: Consider the system's maximum pressure, typically measured in bars. For instance, high-pressure industrial gaskets are preferred to ensure safety in hydraulic lines.
• Chemical resistance: Chemical compatibility is essential. Choose materials like nitrile for oils or PTFE for strong acids and alkali to prevent corrosion and degradation.
• Thickness and sheet size: Select the correct thickness to ensure proper compression and sealing. The sheet size should also provide sufficient material for cutting the required gaskets efficiently.
• Compliance: Verify that the gasket paper meets relevant industry standards, such as ISO or ASTM, to ensure material quality and suitability.

Industrial Applications of Gasket Sheets

Gasket sheets are critical sealing solutions used across a multitude of industries and sectors where leak prevention is paramount.

Mechanical Equipment

In various mechanical equipment, gasket sheets are used to fabricate bespoke seals for pumps, compressors, and gearboxes.

For instance, fibre gasket sheets are used to maintain a tight seal between housing components, preventing fluid leakage and protecting internal mechanisms.

HVAC

Air-handling systems use gasket paper to create custom seals for air ducts, flanges, and piping systems. Rubber is often chosen for gaskets here, due to its flexibility and ability to maintain airtight seals. It prevents energy loss and ensures system efficiency.

Oil, Gas and Chemical Industries

These high-stakes sectors require industrial gasket materials with superior chemical resistance and high-pressure tolerance. For example, PTFE gasket sheets help to seal pipe flanges and valves that handle corrosive acids and volatile hydrocarbons.

Automotive

The automotive industry relies on gasket sheets for engine and transmission repair. Mechanics cut custom gaskets from gasket material sheet stock, such as specialised cork-rubber compositions, to seal fluid and exhaust systems efficiently.

Power Generation and Marine

In power plants and the marine sector, gasket sheets must withstand extreme heat, steam, and corrosive environments. As such, graphite gasket paper is frequently used for high-temperature flange applications on turbines and marine engines, ensuring reliability under stress.

RS Australia: Your Reliable Gasket Paper Suppliers

RS Australia is a trusted gasket paper supplier and distributor, offering a comprehensive selection of sealing products. Our gasket sheets are sourced from reputable brands like RS PRO and Klinger, ensuring you receive reliable and high-quality options for every application.

Beyond gasket material sheets, we also provide a wide array of other bearing and seal options, including rotary seals, O-ring kits, and cam followers, to meet all your machining and maintenance needs.

Browse our user-friendly online site to explore the full range and have your items shipped directly to your door. With our flexible and swift delivery options, we ensure the timely arrival of your products at your convenience.

For more details on our delivery times and fees, please consult our delivery information page.