Gaskets are elastic materials used to interface between two parts, typically to prevent leakage. When you design a gasket, it is beneficial to understand the critical design issues, and to perform tests to confirm the success of your design. TestResources can help you plan your gasket testing.
When in use, the gasket material is clamped in an interface surface between two parts. It must compress and distort to fill voids and irregularities in the interface to prevent leakage. It does not compress to zero. Therefore the gasket’s compressed thickness will be critical to your dimensional design. All of these complex issues justify testing to confirm the success of your design.
When creating your testing plan, be careful in selecting a test and test machine. In the test, it is important to have uniform loading throughout the gasket. This may require special compression platens, which TestResources can provide. You will be measuring very small displacements (the compression of the gasket), so you may need specialized displacement measurement instrumentation.
TestResources engineers know gasket testing and we know test system design. We can help you plan your test for success. If you want to follow a published testing standard such as ASTM F38, we are experienced in setting up testing plans and systems in strict accordance with standards. Call us today. Our gasket testing application engineer is standing by awaiting your call.
Applicable Testing Standards
- ASTM F36 Compression and Recovery Test Equipment for Gasket Materials
- ASTM F38 Creep Relaxation of a Gasket Material
- ASTM F152 Tension Testing of Nonmetallic Gasket Materials
Recommended Test Machine
Forces up to 10 kN (2,250 lbf)
Low force tabletop systems
Modular series of five frame options with adjustable test space
Affordable testing option for tension, compression, bend, peel and much more
Force range of 5 kN to 600 kN (1,125 lbf to 135,000 lbf)
Adjustable test space
The most popular choice for static tension and compression tests
These dual column testers are available in both tabletop and floor standing models
Recommended Testing Accessories
Standard load ratings up to 300 kN (67,500 lbf) *higher ratings available upon request
Platen diameters from 56 mm to 346 mm (2.2 in to 13.6 in)
Available in steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or delrin construction
Machined surface for flat interface with test specimen
Standard load ratings up to 300 kN (67,500 lbf) *higher ratings available upon request
Platen diameters available from 56 mm to 196 mm (2.2 in to 7.7 in)
Articulating platen aligns itself to specimen geometry
Available in steel or aluminum construction
Available from a 1 mm (0.04 in) measurement range to a 25 mm (1.0 in) measurement range
May be used in a wide variety of tests
Includes a magnetic and adjustable mounting base
Standard units meet Class B-1 of ASTM E83, Class 0,5 of ISO 9513
