What are rubber washers?
Heat resistant rubber washers are flat rubber circles with holes in the centre to accommodate fasteners or to allow fluids to flow through. Rubber washers are not only great for resisting heat. Additionally, they prevent leaks, protect surfaces, and minimise vibration in many applications. Due to their durable and flexible properties they often provide a tighter seal than their metal counterparts.
Industries that use them
Rubber washers are especially beneficial for plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. As well as mention pools, boats, and other products that have exposed and regular contact with water. Additionally, heat resistant rubber washers insulate against electric charges in electronic and thermal applications.
Thick rubber washers absorb shock and have non abrasive qualities. This makes them ideal spacers within machinery with frequently moving parts. As a result, this maximises the lifespan of equipment.
Rubber washer materials
Rubber washers are generally used because of their high flexibility, pliability, and conformability to different surfaces. Different types of rubber washer materials will benefit different applications. Common materials used for rubber washers include:
- Nitrile washers are renowned for their resistance to grease, oils and fuels. They are suitable for many temperature and chemical resistance applications as they come in various grades and hardness.
- Neoprene washers are extremely hard wearing and have high ozone resistance, and good oil, petroleum, and solvent resistance. With the additional qualities of high temperature and freons resistance neoprene is ideal for many general-purpose elastomer applications.
- Hypalon washers are again ideal for weathering applications due to their resistance to most chemicals and oils at both high and low temperatures and their excellent resistance to oxidation, sunlight and ozone.
- Butyl washers are used in applications with exposure to gasses and water ingress due to their exceptional weathering and o-zone resistance.
- Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) washers have low gas permeability and resist ozone, steam, water, alcohols, and brake fluids. They also have dielectric qualities and are heat resistant.
Common applications
Rubber washers are ideal for endless applications such as spacers, springs, locking devices, and wear pads. They also accomodate fasteners, largely within the construction industry. Additionally, they absorb vibration, prevent leaks and insulate electric motors. Rubber washers are also very commonly used in automotive parts and household appliances.
Industries that benefit from rubber washers include construction, electrical and plumbing installation. Additionally, aerospace and automotive manufacturers and appliance manufacturers.
Custom made rubber washers at Stephens Gaskets
Stephens Gaskets has been manufacturing rubber washers for hundreds of clients for more than 50 years. We have a wide variety of rubber washers for sale. We also offer custom-designed washers if what we have in stock doesn’t meet your requirements.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help with your next project.
If you have found this blog helpful, then you may wish to read our previous blog on Silicone Washers In The UK.