The Complete Guide to Silicone Rubber Gaskets: Types and Applications

Silicone rubber gaskets are one of the most versatile sealing solutions available across UK industries. Whether used in food processing, medical devices, automotive systems, or electronics, they offer durability, high performance under pressure, and long-term resistance to heat, chemicals, and weathering.

In this complete guide, we’ll explore what silicone rubber gaskets are, the different types available, and how to choose the right gasket for your application.

What Are Silicone Rubber Gaskets?

Silicone rubber gaskets are flexible seals made from silicone elastomer, designed to fill the space between two or more surfaces to prevent leaks, contamination, or pressure loss. They are typically used where resilience, hygiene, and temperature stability are essential.

At Silicone Rubber Products, we manufacture and supply both standard and custom silicone rubber gaskets tailored to suit a wide range of environments and technical demands.

Key Benefits of Silicone Rubber Gaskets

Silicone rubber is favoured for gasket applications due to its unique combination of properties:

  • High Temperature Resistance – Performs in temperatures from -60°C to +230°C
  • Non-Toxic and Inert – Safe for food, medical, and pharmaceutical use
  • Excellent Flexibility – Compresses easily and returns to form
  • Weather & UV Resistance – Long-lasting in outdoor environments
  • Chemical Resistance – Resists water, ozone, and many industrial solvents
  • Electrical Insulation – Suitable for electronics and enclosures

These properties make silicone sealing gaskets ideal for critical and high-performance sealing applications.

Types of Silicone Rubber Gaskets

There are various types of silicone rubber gaskets, each suited to specific uses and industries.

1. Food Grade Silicone Gaskets

Manufactured using FDA-compliant material, these gaskets are used in food production lines, drink dispensers, ovens, and hygiene-sensitive environments.

2. High Temperature Silicone Gaskets

Made to perform in extreme heat, these are used in industrial ovens, automotive engine components, and machinery exposed to high thermal loads.

3. Medical Grade Silicone Gaskets

Designed for use in medical devices, hospital equipment, and pharmaceutical packaging. They are biocompatible and sterilisable.

4. Custom Silicone Rubber Gaskets

Tailored to exact specifications including shape, thickness, colour, and hardness. Perfect for unique designs or specialised industrial machinery.

5. Moulded Silicone Gaskets

Created in complex shapes with tight tolerances for enclosures, valves, and pumps where flat gaskets won’t work.

6. Silicone Gasket Sheet

Available in sheet format for manual or die-cutting, ideal for prototyping or custom gasket manufacturing.

Common Applications in the UK

Silicone rubber gaskets are trusted across a wide range of sectors:

  • Food and Beverage – Used in processing equipment, bottling systems, and bakery ovens
  • Medical and Pharmaceutical – Seals for sterile packaging and drug manufacturing equipment
  • Automotive – High-temperature gaskets for engines, sensors, and fluid systems
  • Electronics – Sealing and insulation in enclosures, control panels, and connectors
  • Construction – Expansion joints and glazing seals
  • Aerospace – Lightweight, high-performance gaskets for cabin pressure and equipment seals

Whether you need a flexible silicone gasket for sealing irregular surfaces or a firm profile for pressure sealing, we offer the solution.

Choosing the Right Silicone Rubber Gasket

Selecting the correct gasket depends on several factors:

1. Operating Environment

  • Choose high temperature silicone gaskets for extreme heat
  • Use food grade silicone gaskets for hygiene-critical environments
  • Select medical grade silicone gaskets for biocompatibility

2. Shape and Fit

Flat, O-ring, or custom-moulded? Select based on the joint design and contact surface.

3. Compression Requirements

Ensure the gasket compresses enough to seal but not so much that it loses shape.

4. Thickness and Hardness

Soft gaskets suit low-pressure sealing; harder ones resist compression over time.

5. Customisation Needs

If off-the-shelf options won’t fit, choose custom silicone rubber gaskets designed to your specifications.

Why Buy from a UK Supplier?

Working with a UK silicone gasket supplier ensures:

  • Fast turnaround and delivery
  • Technical advice from experienced engineers
  • Access to a full range of silicone rubber seal options
  • Made-to-order gaskets that meet British and EU standards

At Silicone Rubber Products, we specialise in both stock and bespoke gasket solutions across all sectors.

Contact Us for Expert Advice

Need help choosing or designing the right silicone rubber gasket? Our team can help with everything from material selection to prototyping and bulk production.

Phone: 01903 732088
Email: sales@silcoproducts.co.uk

Explore our full range of silicone rubber gaskets or request a custom design tailored to your application. Visit the Silicone Rubber Gaskets product page to learn more or request a quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can silicone rubber gaskets handle hot liquids or steam?
A1: Yes, high temperature silicone gaskets are suitable for steam, hot oils, and fluids up to 230°C.

Q2: Are silicone gaskets safe for food use?
A2: Only food grade silicone gaskets that meet FDA or WRAS standards should be used in food applications. These are non-toxic and resistant to contamination.

Q3: Do you manufacture custom-shaped silicone gaskets?
A3: Yes, we offer custom silicone rubber gaskets tailored to your dimensions, material grade, colour, and hardness.