Rubber seals vs. metal seals: Comparing performance in high temperature environments

As two common sealing materials, rubber seals and metal seals are widely used in the industrial field. However, their performance may be different in high temperature environments. This article will compare and analyze the performance of rubber seals and metal seals in high temperature environments to help you make the right choice.

1. Performance of rubber seals:

Advantages:

Good elasticity: Rubber seals have good elasticity and can achieve effective sealing when the sealing surface is irregular in shape.

Good sealing: Since the rubber material itself has good plasticity, rubber seals can fill the tiny gaps on the sealing surface and achieve a good sealing effect.

Low cost: Compared with metal seals, rubber seals have lower manufacturing costs and are relatively more economical.

Disadvantages:

Limited temperature resistance: Rubber seals have poor temperature resistance and usually soften, deform or even age in high temperature environments, resulting in reduced sealing performance.

Low pressure resistance: In high temperature and high pressure environments, rubber seals have limited pressure bearing capacity and are prone to deformation or damage, affecting the sealing effect.

2. Performance of metal seals:

Advantages:

Good temperature resistance: Metal seals are usually made of high-temperature resistant metal materials, which can maintain good performance and stable sealing effect in high temperature environment.

High pressure resistance: Metal seals have high pressure bearing capacity and can work for a long time in high temperature and high pressure environment without deformation or damage.

Strong corrosion resistance: Metal seals have good corrosion resistance and are suitable for sealing needs of various corrosive media.

Disadvantages:

High manufacturing cost: Compared with rubber seals, metal seals have higher manufacturing costs and are relatively expensive.

High sealing surface requirements: The sealing surface requirements of metal seals are high, and the surface flatness and finish need to be guaranteed, otherwise the sealing effect may be affected.

3. Summary:

In high temperature environment, rubber seals and metal seals have their own advantages and disadvantages. If your application environment requires working under high temperature and high pressure conditions, and has high requirements for sealing performance, then metal seals may be more suitable for your needs; if your application environment temperature is low, pressure is low, and cost requirements are more sensitive, then rubber seals may be more suitable for your application. When choosing, be sure to consider factors such as the working environment, performance requirements and budget, and make a wise choice to ensure the sealing effect and stable operation of the equipment.

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