What is a gasket? Typically, “gasket” is a common term for a sealing device positioned at the point where two surfaces meet. Gaskets are in buildings, electronic equipment, motor vehicles, and a plethora of other mechanisms, performing similar functions to seals. Although commonly shaped like rings, gaskets can also come in other shapes. But how does one determine precisely what is a gasket or when it might be something else? Understanding What a Gasket Is Also sometimes referred to as washers or O-rings, gaskets create a seal in the gap between two surfaces. Though gaskets can be made of a va ..read more

Understanding how synthetic rubber is made allows manufacturers to produce a wider range of products for use in both industrial and consumer markets. From tubing to tires, o-rings to gaskets, and sneakers to basketballs, synthetic rubber is an indispensable material used in the manufacture of countless goods and products around the globe. Knowing how synthetic rubber is made gives manufacturers control over its composition and customization to meet the requirements of applications needed for particular industries and sectors. Let’s take a closer look at how synthetic rubber is made, its advant ..read more

In sectors where precision is paramount, like engineering and manufacturing, micro o-rings, also known as miniature o-rings, play a pivotal role in success. These tiny, often overlooked components ensure seamless operations, acting as trustworthy barriers between pristine environments and the rest of the world. Although they are similar to other gaskets and o-rings, their size sets them apart, making them suitable for small-scale applications. Like any other gasket, micro o rings serve the purpose of preventing leaks, controlling fluid flow, and maintaining the integrity of diverse systems; by ..read more

What is a grommet used for? Though they may seem similar (as each is a ring-shaped rubber component), grommet uses are far different than what an o-ring is used for. Beyond their common shape and use of similar materials, they differ in design and utility. In other words, just because they look the same doesn’t mean they are. The two components are not interchangeable with any application. Here’s what differentiates the two components from each other. What is an O-Ring? O-rings are a type of mechanical seal used to prevent the passage of air, gas, lubricants, or fluids between mated surfaces i ..read more

Foam rubber sheet and sponge rubber sheet are two distinct materials that are often confused with each other. Both foam and sponge sheets are rubbery materials composed of elastomers, and synthetic polymers with elastic properties. More than elasticity, however, elastomers are deformable as well. In other words, they can be compressed, bent, or stretched, and then returned to their original resting shape without being damaged or permanently deformed. However, in terms of composition, method of formation, and applications, foam and rubber sheets are very much different. How Foam and Sponge Rubb ..read more

Different types of rubber grommets are commonly used in various applications to protect, isolate, seal, dampen, cushion, or secure items that pass through a hole or opening, or contact each other. A small, yet essential component, grommets are typically made from a variety of rubber materials. Silicone grommets or neoprene grommets, for example, are different types of rubber material used for specific applications. Types of Rubber Grommet Designs There are many different types of rubber grommet designs, too. Not all grommets are doughnut shaped, though those familiar open rubber grommets with ..read more

Reelcraft cord reel products make your cords last longer, saving you time and money and preventing safety risks. From hand-cranked reels to spring-driven and motor-driven reels, no matter your industry or application, using Reelcraft products can extend the lifespan of your cords while benefiting your business. In this blog, we’ll cover nine ways Reelcraft reels benefit manufacturers and how different reels serve different applications and industries. What Does a Reelcraft Cord Reel Do? Cord reels are rotating devices that store, unwind, and rewind cords, cables, and hoses. They consist of: A ..read more

O-ring failure can be damaging, expensive, and even deadly if someone gets injured by malfunctioning equipment. Fortunately, o-ring failure causes are well-known and can be prevented. In this blog, we’ll cover how to troubleshoot and prevent five of the most common causes of o-ring failure. General Causes of O-Ring Failure Causes of o-ring failure fall into a few general categories. Contributing factors can include: Material selection mistakes Size mismatch Design flaws Installation errors Temperature excess Pressure deformation Friction damage Chemical degradation Lubrication neglect These ..read more

Navigating to find the perfect heavy-duty hose reel for your commercial or industrial needs can be daunting. Understanding the intricacies of these vital tools doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about selecting the right size hose reel to enhance your operations’ efficiency, durability, and convenience. Understanding the Basics of a Heavy-Duty Hose Reel First off, let’s understand what we mean by a heavy-duty or commercial hose reel. These devices are larger, longer, and thicker than standard garden hoses. They’re engineered for high-water pressu ..read more

Perhaps the most famous O-ring failure in history is that of the Challenger space shuttle, which ended the lives of seven NASA astronauts in January 1986. In the shuttle’s right rocket booster, a seal failed at the aft field joint that led to the spacecraft exploding. It was later found that the O-ring didn’t have the capability to perform correctly at lower temperatures, so it failed to seal fully. Investigators theorized that cold temperatures at launch time and frozen water within the rocket motor’s joints resulted in O-rings that didn’t return to their correct shapes before launch. This O ..read more