Gaskets and Seals: What’s the Difference?
A gasket is a static sealing component that sits between two fixed surfaces to prevent the leakage of liquids, gases or contaminants. A seal is typically used where movement occurs between components, such as rotating shafts, pistons or mechanical assemblies. Both are designed to prevent leaks and maintain system performance, but they are engineered for different operating conditions. Stephens Gaskets manufactures custom gaskets and seals for OEMs, engineering companies and industrial applications across the UK, providing solutions tailored to specific environments, materials and performance requirements.
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Various Gauges/Thicknesses
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Instant Quote Service
Worldwide Delivery
Various Gauges/Thicknesses
Understanding Gaskets and Seals
Gaskets and seals perform similar functions, but they are not interchangeable.
Both are used to:
- Prevent fluid leakage
- Maintain pressure
- Exclude contaminants
- Improve reliability
- Extend equipment life
The key difference lies in how they operate and the environments they are designed to withstand.
Gasket vs Seal Comparison
|
Feature |
Gasket |
Seal |
|
Primary Function |
Static sealing |
Dynamic or static sealing |
|
Movement Between Components |
No |
Often yes |
|
Typical Location |
Flanges, covers, housings |
Shafts, bearings, pistons |
|
Common Materials |
Rubber, PTFE, graphite, fibre, metal |
Rubber, PTFE, polyurethane, elastomers |
|
Applications |
Pipework, engines, enclosures |
Pumps, motors, gearboxes, hydraulics |
|
Manufacturing Methods |
Laser cut, die cut, CNC cut |
Moulded, machined, fabricated |
|
Pressure Handling |
Excellent for static systems |
Designed for moving systems |
What Is a Gasket?
A gasket is a mechanical sealing component placed between two stationary surfaces.
When compressed, the gasket fills microscopic imperfections in mating surfaces to create a leak-tight seal.
Common gasket applications include:
- Pipe flanges
- Heat exchangers
- Engine assemblies
- Industrial machinery
- Electrical enclosures
- Processing equipment
The effectiveness of a gasket depends on selecting the correct material and compression characteristics for the application.
What Is a Seal?
A seal is designed to prevent leakage where movement may occur between components.
Seals are commonly used in:
- Rotating shafts
- Hydraulic cylinders
- Pneumatic systems
- Pumps
- Gearboxes
- Bearings
Unlike gaskets, seals are engineered to accommodate movement while maintaining sealing integrity.
Common Gasket Materials
Rubber Gaskets
Rubber remains one of the most widely used gasket materials due to its flexibility and versatility.
Applications include:
- Water systems
- HVAC equipment
- General engineering
- Industrial machinery
PTFE Gaskets
PTFE provides exceptional chemical resistance and is frequently used in demanding processing environments.
Suitable for:
- Chemical processing
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Food production
- Laboratory equipment
Graphite Gaskets
Graphite gaskets perform well in high-temperature applications.
Typical uses include:
- Exhaust systems
- Heat exchangers
- Industrial boilers
- Power generation equipment
Metal Gaskets
Metal and semi-metallic gaskets are designed for extreme operating conditions.
Common applications include:
- High-pressure systems
- Petrochemical equipment
- Industrial processing
- OEM manufacturing
Common Seal Materials
EPDM Seals
EPDM seals offer excellent weather, ozone and UV resistance.
Often used in:
- Outdoor equipment
- Water treatment
- Construction systems
- Building services
PTFE Seals
PTFE seals provide outstanding chemical resistance and low friction characteristics.
Common applications include:
- Chemical processing
- Food manufacturing
- Pharmaceutical equipment
- High-purity systems
Nitrile Seals
Nitrile seals are highly resistant to oils and fuels.
Frequently used in:
- Automotive systems
- Hydraulic equipment
- Industrial machinery
Viton® Seals
Viton® offers excellent resistance to aggressive chemicals and elevated temperatures.
Typical sectors include:
- Aerospace
- Chemical processing
- Oil and gas
- High-performance engineering
How to Choose Between a Gasket and a Seal
The choice depends on several factors:
Component Movement
If surfaces remain stationary, a gasket is often appropriate.
If movement occurs, a seal is usually required.
Temperature
Different materials perform differently at elevated temperatures.
Graphite, PTFE and specialised elastomers are often selected for high-temperature environments.
Chemical Exposure
Aggressive chemicals may require PTFE, Viton® or other specialist materials.
Pressure Requirements
Pressure levels can significantly influence material selection and design.
Environmental Conditions
UV exposure, weathering and moisture resistance may affect material choice.
Industries That Use Gaskets and Seals
Stephens Gaskets supplies gaskets and seals to customers operating within:
- Automotive manufacturing
- Industrial engineering
- Marine engineering
- Power generation
- Food processing
- Water treatment
- Chemical processing
- Construction
- Renewable energy
- General manufacturing
Custom Gaskets and Seals Manufactured in the UK
Many applications require bespoke solutions rather than standard off-the-shelf products.
Stephens Gaskets can manufacture components from:
- Technical drawings
- CAD files
- Existing samples
- Reverse-engineered parts
Our capabilities support:
- One-off prototypes
- Low-volume production
- OEM supply
- Ongoing manufacturing contracts
Explore Our Gasket and Seal Solutions
Gasket Types
- Head Gaskets
- Rubber Gaskets
- PTFE Gaskets
- Graphite Gaskets
- Metal Gaskets
- High Temperature Gaskets
- Copper Gaskets
- Fibre Gaskets
- Custom Gaskets
-
Seal Types
- EPDM Seals
- PTFE Seals
- Nitrile Seals
- Viton® Seals
- Silicone Seals
- Custom Seals
Why Choose Stephens Gaskets?
With over 70 years of manufacturing experience, Stephens Gaskets supplies high-quality sealing solutions to customers throughout the UK.
Our advantages include:
- UK manufacturing
- Bespoke production
- Extensive material expertise
- Fast quotations
- Prototype support
- Production capability
- Engineering guidance
Whether you require a single prototype or ongoing production volumes, our team can help identify the right sealing solution.
Worldwide Delivery
Fast turn around
High quality components
Technical support
FAQs
What is the difference between a gasket and a seal?
A gasket creates a seal between two stationary surfaces, while a seal is designed to maintain sealing performance where movement occurs between components.
Are gaskets and seals the same thing?
No. Both prevent leakage, but they are engineered differently. Gaskets are generally static sealing components, while seals are often designed for dynamic applications.
What materials are used for gaskets?
Common gasket materials include rubber, PTFE, graphite, fibre, compressed sheet materials and metals.
What materials are used for seals?
Seals are commonly manufactured from EPDM, PTFE, Nitrile, Viton®, Silicone and other elastomer materials.
Which is better, a gasket or a seal?
Neither is better. The correct choice depends on the application and whether movement occurs between components.
How do I choose the right gasket material?
Material selection depends on temperature, pressure, chemical exposure, environmental conditions and sealing requirements.
Can Stephens Gaskets manufacture bespoke gaskets?
Yes. We manufacture custom gaskets from drawings, CAD files, samples and reverse-engineered components.
Can Stephens Gaskets manufacture custom seals?
Yes. We manufacture bespoke sealing solutions for OEMs, engineering companies and industrial applications.
What industries use gaskets and seals?
Gaskets and seals are used across automotive, engineering, marine, processing, manufacturing, water treatment and energy sectors.
Do Stephens Gaskets manufacture in the UK?
Yes. Stephens Gaskets manufactures custom gaskets and seals in the UK and supplies customers nationwide.
Request a Quote
Whether you require a custom gasket, specialist seal or complete sealing solution, Stephens Gaskets can help.
Prefer to talk it through?
Call: 0121 544 5808
Email: sales@stephensgaskets.co.uk
Website: https://www.stephensgaskets.co.uk/