Summary. Stephens Gaskets offers a diverse range of rubber washer sizes and materials, ideal for applications needing tight seals and resistance to water and other fluids. Rubber washers, more flexible and durable than metal, are popular in industries requiring water resistance, such as plumbing and HVAC systems. It’s vital to choose the right rubber washer material for the application to prevent damage. Stephens Gaskets specialises in various rubber materials, including nitrile, neoprene, and EPDM, each with unique properties.
It is likely you have a full understanding of all things shim washers. But, as a quick recap to cover the basics, a washer is usually a flat, round piece of material, that holds as a placeholder between a screw or nut and a surface to apply even pressure and tension. A rubber washer is commonly used in applications that require a tight seal and those that are exposed to water, humidity or other liquids. This is because they don’t rust and the rubber is flexible and resistant to water.
Here at Stephens Gaskets, we have a wide range of rubber washer sizes, thicknesses, and dimensions to choose from. So no matter what type of washer you need, you can find it with us.
Why choose rubber washers?
Washers come in a wide range of materials, but common materials include metal and rubber. The material you choose depends on your application.
For example, metal washers rust when you expose them to moisture. Rubber washers are both durable and resistant to fluids which makes them popular within many industries. Flat rubber washers for plumbing and systems are ideal as these might experience condensation, similar to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Benefits of Rubber Washers
An additional benefit of rubber washers is that they are more flexible than metal washers. This means you can secure fastenings more tightly. They also give way for slight expansion and contraction that is needed in some applications. Rubber washers are also lightweight which makes them very easy to use. Plus, they are non-abrasive, ensuring zero scratches on whatever parts are produced.
Which type of washer should be used?
If you are unsure of the right rubber washer material or sizes to choose from, one of our friendly team can help. Choosing rubber washers that are not correct for the application could cause extreme damage, such as corrosive liquids or melting can occur from extreme heat. Additionally, rubber washers exposed to differences in temperature with the combination of changes in humidity must be replaced more regularly.
Wide Variety of Materials Available
Rubber washers include a number of materials.These include nitrile, neoprene, hypalon, butyl, EPDM and many more different forms. Each of them have their own specific properties and recommended uses.
For example, whereas neoprene has fantastic fire resistance and weathering properties, EPDM is resistant to most chemicals and oils. Silicone, on the other hand, is brilliantly versatile at both high and low temperatures.
See below for further detail about the rubber washer materials we specialise in here at Stephens Gaskets.
Nitrile Rubber
Rubber washer manufacturers in the UK live by the properties given to us from nitrile rubber. This extremely versatile material has matchless levels of resistance. Therefore, they’re usually fitted into applications that industries such as the food and automotive industries use. Its compatibility with fats, oils, water, acid, gas and fuels is next to none.
Additionally, its form can be thinned without impacting its abilities. Not to mention, it can be heated to impressive temperatures of +120 degrees celsius, and even lowered to -40. Nitrile rubber continues to be used by rubber shim washer suppliers, such as ourselves, across the globe.
Related: The Uses & Benefits Of Nitrile Rubber Washers
Neoprene Rubber
Neoprene rubber washers, on the other hand, are known for its insulation and waterproof properties. It is most commonly used in the leisure sector, including manufacturing wetsuits and fly-fishing waders. Using modern technology, this advanced material is produced with gas pockets, ensuring it can withstand high water pressures.
Due to its nature of being encased in water, this material is durable and exceptionally resistant to degradation. Therefore, plumbing fixtures and fittings rely heavily on neoprene, especially when it’s used for washer and gasket production.
Butyl Rubber
Next, we have Butyl rubber. Cut from a synthetic material that’s a combination of isobutylene and isoprene, this material is excellent in its sealing abilities. Commonly used up against heat and chemicals, rubber shim washer suppliers tend to provide this material to businesses in the manufacturing industry.
Butyl rubber offers immense vibration absorption power, as well as can act as a fantastic sealant to control water connections.
EPDM
Lastly, EPDM is renowned as an Elastomer for outdoor applications. Additionally, rubber washer manufacturers in the UK trust this material for its weather and water resistance. It can counteract high levels of UV, sunlight and Ozone, while also withstanding steam and brake fluids. Therefore, the manufacturing industry is EPDM’s most common user.
Its extreme durability and flexibility allow for fantastic compatibility with a range of car parts. Not many shim washer manufacturers use this unique technology, but we do here at Stephens Gaskets.
Bespoke Rubber Washers
To conclude, rubber is one of the most high-performing materials in shim washer production today. Stephens Gaskets has one of the largest rubber washer ranges in the country, making us experts in this material and its uses. Additionally to its properties, it is also vastly cost-effective, especially in mass production.
Compared to metal washers, they’re much more flexible and durable, especially when in contact with water and external conditions. Therefore, a great all-around washer type for many sectors. If you choose us as your rubber shim washer manufacturer, we will strive to meet your needs, whatever they may be.
Our bespoke service allows us to create rubber parts to the exact specifications given to us by our customers. This is in size, shape and density. Not to mention, we abide by small-batch production, as well as large; delivering you a service to meet your needs.
Choose a Leading Rubber Washer Manufacturers
There are many factors you should consider when choosing rubber washer sizes and materials. The most important parameters are temperature, chemical compatibility and physical properties. As leading rubber washer suppliers, Stephens gaskets will help you with everything you need to know.
Get in touch with our friendly team today on 0121 544 5808 or email us at sales@stephensgaskets.co.uk
If you have found this blog helpful, you may wish to read our previous blog: Why Should Your Business Use Pre Cut Shims?