Gaskets play an important role in sealing objects and protecting against leaks. Consisting of an elastomeric sheet with one or more holes, they are designed to fill the gaps between mating surfaces. As pressurized fluid or gas flows through a mating surface, it may leak. A gasket, however, can prevent leaks by sealing the mating surface.
While they are all designed to prevent leaks, gaskets are manufactured in different ways. Some of them are made with a lathe. Others are made via laser cutting. Laser cutting is an advanced cutting process that leverages a high-powered laser to cut materials and workpieces. Below are some of the top benefits of laser-cut gaskets.
High Precision
Laser-cut gaskets offer a superior level of precision. The lasers used in this advanced cutting process allow for extremely tight tolerances that isn’t possible with many other cutting processes. So, if you need a gasket in a specific shape and size, you can’t go wrong with a laser-cut gasket.
Protection From Leaks
Laser-cut gaskets are less likely to leak than many other types of gaskets. Leaks can occur due to defects, imperfections or an improper fit. Laser-cut gaskets, however, are manufactured with tight tolerances and extreme precision to minimize the risk of leaks.
Supports a Variety of Materials
You can find laser-cut gaskets in a variety of materials. Some of them are made of rubber or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), whereas others are made of silicone. Different materials, of course, have different properties. Rubber, PTFE and silicone are all highly elastic, making them excellent choices for gasket materials. PTFE, though, offers a higher level of resistance to chemicals and heat than rubber.
Burr-Free Edges
Another benefit of laser-cut gaskets is burr-free edges. Burrs consist of small, jagged pieces of material. They are commonly found on the edges of mechanically cut objects and workpieces. If you use a blade to cut a workpiece, for instance, it may leave behind burrs. Laser-cut gaskets don’t have burrs. Laser cutting creates clean edges that are burr-free.
Eco-Friendly
When compared to many other cutting processes, laser cutting is eco-friendly. Thanks to its high precision, it produces less waste. Laser cutting also doesn’t require chemicals and lubricants that other cutting processes require. Furthermore, laser cutting produces fewer emissions. For these reasons, it’s considered an eco-friendly cutting process.
Cost-Effective
Laser-cut gaskets are cost-effective. Laser cutting involves less waste and lower labor costs than many other cutting processes. There’s also no tooling to maintain other than the laser. The end result is a lower cost of production.