Question: Do thicker gaskets seal better?
Answer:
The thickness of a gasket is not necessarily an indication of its sealing performance, as the sealing effectiveness of a gasket is dependent on various factors such as the material used, the surface finish of the mating surfaces, the clamping force applied, and the design of the gasket itself.
In some cases, a thicker gasket may be needed to achieve the required level of sealing, especially in applications where there are large gaps or uneven surfaces. However, in other cases, a thinner gasket may be sufficient, as long as it is made of a suitable material and is designed to fit the mating surfaces properly.
It’s worth noting that increasing the thickness of a gasket can also increase the compressibility and resilience of the gasket, which can help it conform better to irregular surfaces and compensate for minor surface imperfections. However, there may be cases where a thicker gasket may not compress evenly, leading to areas of low clamping force and potential leak paths.
Therefore, when selecting a gasket, it’s important to consider the specific requirements of the application, including the material, design, and thickness of the gasket, to ensure that it provides the required level of sealing performance.