When it comes to your equipment’s performance and longevity, choosing the right gasket material makes all the difference. Both polyurethane and silicone gaskets offer unique advantages, but knowing which one suits your application can be tricky. Let’s break down the differences so you can make the best choice for your needs.
Looking for a custom solution? Contact us today to discuss your project, or download our catalog to explore our polyurethane gasket options - including silicone!
Why Choose Polyurethane Gaskets?
Polyurethane gaskets are built to handle tough environments. They’re known for their durability and toughness, making them a top pick for demanding applications. Here’s why they’re worth considering:
- Durability: Polyurethane gaskets can take a beating - resisting cuts, abrasions, and tearing better than many other materials, including silicone. This makes them ideal for environments with heavy friction or mechanical stress
- Versatility: Polyurethane is incredibly customizable. Available in a wide range of durometers, colors, and even custom formulations, it can be tailored to your exact specifications
- Compression Set Resistance: No one wants a gasket that loses its shape over time. Polyurethane holds up well even after long term compression, which helps maintain a reliable seal
- Chemical Resistance: Suitable for industrial and automotive applications due to resistance to oils, fuels, and many chemicals
- Temperature Resistance: Standard polyurethanes can handle temperatures from -80°F to 200°F, and with custom chemistries, they can offer higher tolerance - up to 300°F. Learn more about polyurethane high temperature seals
Why Choose Silicone Gaskets?
Silicone gaskets, on the other hand, are all about flexibility and high-temperature performance. They’re great for applications where heat or cold is a major factor. Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Temperature Resistance: Withstands temperatures ranging from -75°F to 500°F, making it ideal for high-heat or cold applications.
- Flexibility: Maintains performance even at extreme temperatures, keeping a consistent seal without losing shape
- Chemical Inertness: Silicone doesn't react with many chemicals or solvents
- Low Compression Set: Retains shape and performance even after being compressed for long periods
- Abrasion Vulnerability: Silicone is less resistant to cuts and wear, making it unsuitable for high-friction environments
Which Gasket Material is Right for You?
Choosing between polyurethane and silicone comes down to your specific application. Polyurethane gaskets are unbeatable when it comes to durability and wear resistance, making them a solid choice for heavy-duty and industrial settings. Meanwhile, silicone gaskets are the way to go when you’re dealing with high temperatures.
Get the Best Gasket for Your Application
Still not sure which material fits your needs? Don’t worry—we’re here to help. Whether you’re looking for the rugged toughness of polyurethane or the heat resistance of silicone, we’ve got you covered.
At MPC, we offer both custom and standard molded gaskets to fit your unique needs. Not sure which gasket material is right for your application? Reach out to our team for expert guidance.