Specialty washers and gaskets: copper sealing gaskets, high temperature graphite, plastic insulated washers. Custom sizes available for industrial applications.
Copper Sealing Gaskets: Custom Size Manufacturing
Copper sealing gaskets (also called copper washers or copper joint rings) are used in applications requiring excellent sealing performance under high pressure and temperature. Copper provides: excellent malleability for creating leak-proof seals even on rough surfaces, high thermal conductivity for heat dissipation, resistance to most petroleum products and mild chemicals, and no risk of hydrogen embrittlement (unlike plated steel). Custom size copper gaskets are manufactured to exact specifications for: oil and gas pipeline flanges, hydraulic systems, automotive fuel and brake systems, and refrigeration/air conditioning. Standard copper grades: C10100 (oxygen-free high conductivity copper) for electrical/thermal applications, C11000 (electrolytic tough pitch) for general sealing. Our factory produces custom copper sealing gaskets from 3mm to 300mm ID, with special shapes (oval, lens, ring joint) available on custom order.
High Temperature Graphite Gaskets and Fasteners
High temperature graphite gasket fasteners are essential for applications in: exhaust systems (up to 450°C for flexible graphite), industrial ovens and furnaces, steam systems (up to 550°C), chemical processing (varies by chemical compatibility), and power generation turbines. Flexible graphite (also called Grafoil or expanded graphite) is the premium gasket material for high-temperature service—it maintains its sealing properties at temperatures where compressed fiber gaskets fail. Graphite gaskets are available as: flat graphite sheets cut to custom shapes, spiral wound gaskets (graphite wound with metal strip for flanged joints), and graphite foil tapes for wrapping around bolts (bolt hole gaskets). For high-temperature bolted joints, the fastener must also be rated for the temperature—the bolt grade and coating must maintain mechanical properties at service temperature.
Plastic Insulated Washers: Electrical and Chemical Isolation
Plastic insulated flat washers and plastic insulation spacing nuts provide electrical isolation between dissimilar metals, prevent galvanic corrosion, and provide electrical insulation in high-voltage applications. Common materials: Nylon 6/6 (polyamide): general purpose, -40°C to +105°C, good mechanical strength. PTFE (Teflon): excellent chemical resistance, -200°C to +260°C, but lower mechanical strength. PEEK: high performance, -60°C to +250°C, excellent mechanical properties. PVC: economical, -15°C to +60°C, good electrical insulation. Plastic insulated spacing nuts are used to create a thermal break in assemblies where a metal fastener would create a thermal bridge (refrigerated containers, building facades). Available as supplier standard items or custom molded to specification.
Specialty Washer and Gasket Material Selection
| Material | Max Temp | Chemical Resistance | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressed Fiber | 260°C | Moderate | General purpose, water, steam |
| Flexible Graphite | 450°C (air) / 650°C (inert) | Excellent | Exhaust, high-temp flanges |
| PTFE (Teflon) | 260°C | Excellent (except alkali metals) | Chemical, pure media |
| Copper | 400°C (intermittent) | Good (petroleum, mild chemicals) | Oil/gas, hydraulic, refrigeration |
| Nylon 6/6 | 105°C | Moderate (bases attack) | Electrical isolation, general |
| PEEK | 250°C | Excellent | Aerospace, medical, chemical |
| Silicone | 200°C | Good | Food grade, medical, flexible seals |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a gasket and a washer?
A washer is a load-spreading hardware component used with a bolt/nut. A gasket is a sealing element (often soft or compressible) used between two flat faces (like flanges) to prevent leakage.
Can plastic washers be used at high temperatures?
Standard nylon washers are limited to 105°C. For higher temperatures, use PTFE (260°C), PEEK (250°C), or graphite (450°C+) depending on the application.
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