Solid Rubber Washers

Solid Rubber Washers

Advanced Seals & Gaskets are one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of quality washers, cut from a whole range of non-metallic materials including various types of solid rubber. As we manufacture our solid rubber washers in-house, we can offer bespoke items to match our customers’ samples and drawings to ensure the final product perfectly fits the application – even offering a small sample run if required. Depending on the size and quantity of the washers required, our production team will select from our range of atoms, autos, travelling head, kiss cut pressing machines or for very large or thick washers, we can programme our CNC (oscillating knife) to produce the washers in the most efficient way to keep lead times down.

What is a Solid Rubber Washer? 

Washers are a flat ring (comprising of an Outer Diameter (OD), Internal Diameter (ID) and the thickness) cut from a sheet or roll of material,  which is placed between two surfaces creating a level surface, acting as a spacer, between a nut/bolt to spread the pressure when tightened or allow for a better fit and also to protect the surface into which fixing are been inserted. Solid rubber has most of the same properties as its sponge and foam versions, but without the cushion and bounce, offering a more durable and resistant material.  Solid rubber washers are available in a range of types each with its own set of characteristics,  properties and resistances to suit different exposures and environments.

Why Use Solid Rubber Washers 

Solid rubber washers are available in a range of material types, grades, thicknesses and hardnesses, each with its own desirable properties for use in different applications and industries. Using solid rubber washers creates a tight, leak-proof seal that will remain unaffected when under impact and also protect surfaces from damage when used between moving components. Solid rubber washers, depending on the material type used can have qualities such as good resistance to chemicals, UV, ozone/weathering, oils, acids and salts. Different grades of solid rubber have various working temperature ranges and have abrasion and tear-resistant properties. Solid rubber washers are a popular choice for outdoor sealing applications and for sealing components within the automotive industry.

DIFFERENT GRADES

Advanced Seals & Gaskets work with a multitude of material manufacturers and suppliers, giving our customers more choice when choosing their rubber washers, our most popular materials being:

Neoprene (CR) is one of our most popular solid rubber materials, with various thicknesses held in stock. Neoprene is suitable for use where there is exposure to grease, oil, acids, ozone and even seawater.

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) another very popular solid rubber used for washers, great for use in outdoor applications. This material is resistant to water, UV, ozone, weather, abrasion, alkalines, ketones and diluted acids.  

Nitrile (NBR) rubber is a popular solid material for washers used within the automotive industry where there is contact with petroleum, oil and grease.  

SBR (Styrene-butadiene rubber) is a cost-effective, commercial-grade, general-purpose rubber with good abrasion resistance, tensile strength and low compression set. (not sure use with petrol and chemicals).

Silicone (SI) is an excellent electrical insulation material that can operate at high and low temperatures. Silicone rubber performs well when exposed to UV, weathering, ozone and moisture, and is available in a range of colours.

Viton rubber washers are manufactured for more demanding applications where there are harsh chemicals and high temperatures present. Viton rubber offers resistance to fluids, oils, acids and petroleum-based liquids.

For samples, spec sheets or to discuss your washer needs further, please give our sales team a call.

Benefits of Solid Rubber Washers 

The type of solid rubber used to manufacture washer will depend on the industry, environment and application it is going to be used in and what it will be exposed to. Depending on the material used, some of the benefits offered by solid rubber include:

• Popular for internal, external, marine & automotive sealing  applications
• Can be used with high or low  temperatures and with harsh chemicals
• Variety of grades, colours, hardnesses available
• Impermeable to water, dust, air and gases
• Resistance to oils, petroleum fluids, acids, ketones,  chemicals,  greases and fats.
• excellent resistance to ozone, weathering and ageing