Methods for Cutting Large Gaskets
Gaskets are a crucial part to the proper functioning of many machines and tools in a variety of industries. Gaskets of all sizes, small and large, are necessary. To avoid the overwhelming feeling of having to craft a large gasket, we have eliminated the daunting task of deciding which method of material cutting is capable and most reasonable for your project.
There are many ways to cut materials, but they each have their pros and cons. For a large gasket, or a large project, you should do your research and make sure you’re investing in the method that is right for you. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ways to cut large materials:
Waterjet Cutting
Specializing in architectural and industrial cutting of high quality parts from any type of material, waterjet cutting can provide you with virtually any kind of custom made gasket. CNC waterjets are capable of creating complex shapes and intricate patterns. At Cutting Experts, we fabricate parts measuring up to 144” x 77” at tolerances to ± 003”, which is verified by NIST certified measuring equipment.
CNC Waterjet Cutting Benefits
- Cost and Time efficient
- High tolerance
- Very Precise
- No burned edges, or Heat Affected Zones (HAZ)
- Multi-head cutting
- Can cut materials over .25 inch thick
- No distortion or discoloration
- Parts are not conductive
- Nesting yield
- Shiny, mirror finish
- Virtually any material
- Little to no secondary finishing
- Nontoxic and safe
- Environmentally friendly
Knife Cutting
Knife cutting offers a dependable solution for custom made gaskets that will fit your needs and applications. By utilizing the latest and most advanced equipment and technology, knife cutting can make precise cuts through a huge selection of materials. The size of desired parts, or working material, is only limited by the size of the working table. With the help of a large table, your large gasketing needs can be easily met.
Automated Cutting Benefits
- Perform repetitive tasks quickly
- Highly precise
- Skillful shape nesting
- Low amount of material waste
- Tight tolerance
- Superior edge quality
Die Cutting
Regular die cutting can be done to cut gaskets of a larger than average size, though unlike waterjet cutting the size can be limited by running into constraints of material size (if the material is not available that big or wide). Larger sizes can be created by forming a sectioned gasket assembly. Dimensional tolerances can be held to ±0.020″ for die cut gaskets. The cutting bed must also be large enough to accommodate the larger gaskets. 8’ x 12’ cutting beds, or larger, allow the production of larger gaskets to be created comfortably.
Precision die cutting, done by an experienced gasket fabricator, can create large gaskets to tight tolerances. Gaskets can be custom-made and cut to fit the exact need of your application and project. When working with large gaskets, you will have to deal with large sheet materials and other materials. There are a few types of gasket cutting styles that can be used to reduce part cost and increase material yield.
Dovetail Gaskets use interlocking joints to connect sealing materials at right
angles, which have high tensile strength and resist being pulled apart. Dovetails are
a good choice for larger gaskets made of softer materials such as, enclosure
gaskets. With the ability to withstand localized force, dovetail gaskets ensure
effective sealing.
Collapsible Gaskets expand and collapse as necessary. They help buyers and designers save money and increase material yield. These gaskets collapse from square, to diamond, to linear shape, all with notched ends.
To learn more about the power of waterjet cutting, knife cutting, and other information about cutting large gaskets, contact us about your next project.
