At Canada Rubber Group Inc., silicone sheet is a compound that we are increasingly using to fabricate gaskets. Silicone gaskets have the advantage that they are fabricated from a chemically inert synthetic silicone-based elastomer. Silicone rubber differs from other synthetic and natural rubbers in that it is able to maintain excellent elasticity and resilience over a very wide temperature range. Silicone rubber has excellent resistance to fire, possesses very low toxicity, and is thermally stable at temperatures from -60°C to 230°C. The material also has excellent resistance to ozone, weathering, and a wide range of chemicals, solvents, oils and greases. Given these material properties, silicone gaskets are an excellent choice for servicing applications in the food, agriculture, energy, medical, electronics, chemical, and automotive industries.
Silicone Gasket Types
Die Cut, Flash Cut and Water Jet Cut Silicone Gaskets
Canada Rubber Group Inc. fabricates die-cut, flash cut, and water jet cut silicone gaskets from silicone stock sheet. We stock silicone sheet in a variety of grades, colours, thicknesses, and hardness. Grades we offer include: kSil™ commercial grade and FDA (food-grade) silicone solid sheeting; fluorosilicone sheeting; silicone fabric sheeting; and silicone sponge sheeting. Depending upon the material choice, we are able to fabricate silicone gaskets in thicknesses from .010” to 1”, and in durometers (hardness) from 30 to 80 Shore A. We can also fabricate silicone gaskets with or without pressure sensitive adhesive backings as required.
FDA (Food Grade) Gaskets
We fabricate our food grade gaskets from kSil™ silicone sheet. The food processing industry typically requires compliance with regulations and directives in order to assure a high level of health and safety. Silicone rubber is a preferred choice in the food industry due to its high temperature rating and great sealing properties. Silicone seals and gaskets can be used on food processing machinery such as dough and cake mixers in bakeries. kSil™ silicone sheet is FDA approved and food processors and manufacturers can be confident that gaskets fabricated from kSil™ is completely safe when in contact with food.
Fluorosilicone Gaskets
Fluorinated silicone rubber is an ideal material from which to fashion gaskets that will be in contact with petroleum-based chemicals and compounds. Fluorosilicone gaskets can withstand more extreme temperatures that gaskets fabricated from standard-grade silicone. In addition, fluorosilicone gaskets possess superior chemical resistance to fuels, coolants and oils.
Silicone Sponge Gaskets
Silicone sponge possesses a high tensile strength and tear resistance that makes it more durable than silicone foam. Canada Rubber Group Inc. custom fabricates silicone sponge gaskets for a diverse range of industries and applications, including general industrial, medical, aerospace, nuclear and other specialized applications. Silicone sponge gaskets work especially well in applications where the gasket material must be flexible, compressible, thermally stable, and resistant to ozone and ultraviolet (UV) light.
Silicone Solid and Silicone Sponge Extrusions
We can produce seals and parts fabricated from silicone solid and silicone sponge materials. Silicone solid extrusions we can supply include tubing, cord, profiles, and shapes. These seals and parts are extruded using the suraSil™ range of solid extrusion grades. The suraSil™ range of extrudable silicone is available in A-scale shore hardness of 40 to 80. suraSil™ is FDA-compliant and the available material types include; general purpose; high tear; flame retardant; high temperature; low smoke and toxicity; fluorosilicone; and tough. suraSil™ is available in white, red, black and translucent, and colour-matching is available for special requirements.
Silicone extrusions are made from closed cell silicone lengths that can be extruded into a range of shapes. They have many application benefits across a number of industries and can be used for thermal insulation, vibration damping, sealing flexibility, insulation, noise reduction and thermal shielding.
Our silicone extrusions are fabricated using the expanSil™ range of silicone sponge materials. expanSil™ silicone sponge materials offer all the resilience and versatility of silicone rubber and is an ideal material for fabricating extrusions where adverse temperatures are an issue or, alternatively, where there are uneven sealing surfaces which require a supple material.
To find out more about the silicone sponge gaskets that we can provide, contact one of our sales representatives today at crg@canadarubbergroup.com.