Rubber gaskets are specialized components that are used to provide a compressible seal between mating surfaces. Some gaskets also carry additional benefits, such as reducing noise, preventing corrosion, and minimizing friction and wear.

Manufacturers can produce gaskets with different shapes, thicknesses, and materials to create the best seals for different applications. While traditional methods like die cutting are common, laser cutting leverages a high-powered laser to cut materials with unmatched accuracy. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of laser cutting, the different materials used with it, and how a trusted manufacturer can help achieve the desired results for your application.

Benefits of Using Laser Cutting for Custom Rubber Gaskets

Laser cutting is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional cutting processes like die cutting or stamping. Benefits of laser cutting include:

High Precision

Modern laser cutting tools are incredibly precise and can make cuts within very tight tolerances that competing cutting methods can’t guarantee. As modern assemblies become more complex and compact, it’s becoming more important to have gaskets cut to the exact right specifications. This high level of precision also reduces material waste by minimizing errors.

Cost-Effectiveness

Laser cutting’s precision saves money by reducing material waste, but it also offers multiple other savings opportunities. It requires less labor and, unlike stamping processes, has no upfront tooling or die expenses. Because there are no significant maintenance costs associated with the laser, this process is highly scalable and cost-effective for large orders.

Protection From Leaks

The process minimizes the risk of leaks by reducing fit issues, defects, and deviations from strict specifications. Laser-cut rubber gaskets are incredibly accurate and do not undergo mechanical stress during the cutting process. As a result, they are much less likely to leak.

Burr-Free Edges

Stamping and mechanical cutting processes can leave behind burrs—rough edges or slivers of leftover material. For gaskets, this can lead to ripped edges and complications that cause fluid leaks. Laser cutting, however, doesn’t leave behind burrs, instead creating a crisp, clean, and well-formed cut.

Eco-Friendliness

Compared to other methods, laser cutting is an eco-friendly cutting process. Its accuracy produces less material waste, and the process is more energy-efficient than mechanical alternatives. Laser cutting also produces fewer emissions and doesn’t rely on the chemicals and lubricants required by other processes.

Materials Used to Produce Gaskets

Materials that can be used for laser-cut rubber gaskets include silicone, Buna-N, and neoprene. These offer varying characteristics, such as chemical resistance or compressibility, that make them an optimal fit for specific applications:

  • Silicone. This versatile material provides a large temperature resistance range of -80 °F up to 450 °F, retaining its flexibility and stability at both extremes. While not as physically strong as other options, silicone is resistant to oxygen, ozone, and UV light, making it an excellent choice in food and medical environments.
  • Neoprene. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that works well in temperatures from -40 °F to 230 °F. It’s resistant to ozone, weathering, oils, and moderate chemicals, making it a reliable gasket material for automotive and industrial applications.
  • Cork. This natural material is suited for low-pressure contexts with temperatures within -40 °F and 175 °F. Cork gaskets are commonly used in the automotive industry, particularly for oil pans, valve covers, and transmission pans.
  • Buna-N. Also known as nitrile rubber, Buna-N is a popular material for any assembly that handles fuel or oil due to its outstanding resistance to petroleum oils, hydraulic fluids, and aliphatic hydrocarbons. It operates well in temperatures from -30 °F to 250 °F, and is also available in Buna-N/cork blends.

Precise Laser Cutting for Custom Rubber Gaskets at Accubeam

Custom rubber gaskets work best when they adhere to precise specifications and tight tolerances. Laser cutting services from Accubeam can produce extremely precise rubber gaskets that work reliably in automotive, machinery, and industrial equipment applications. We offer a wide range of standard and custom gasket production services to meet your needs.

To learn more about our capabilities, please contact us today. To tell us more about your next project, request a quote.