What are sealed fasteners?
Sealing fasteners feature elastomers that are molded or built into the hardware, eliminating the need for messy pastes or liquid sealants. Internal O-rings are typically made of silicone or rubber, but manufacturers sometimes use other materials such as nitrile, neoprene, or EPDM. The purpose of the O-ring is to provide a tight airtight seal after the fastener is installed.
When an operator applies torque to tighten a fastener, the O-ring expands to fill any gap between the fastener and the surface. Many highly specialized sealing fasteners exist, including nuts, bolts, screws, washers, etc.
Sealing Fastener Capability
Sealing fasteners create a tighter seal than standard fasteners. This seal prevents contaminants such as dust, oil, or other liquids from seeping in or out. This feature makes sealed fasteners ideal for sterile environments and operations containing toxic materials and contamination.
O-rings also provide better grip for the fastener, ensuring it doesn't loosen over time. High-quality sealing fasteners perform even in high-pressure environments, such as deep underwater or inside heavy machinery pressure valves. Overall, good sealing fasteners should have good resistance to chemicals, water, temperature changes, and vibration, making them far superior to traditional fastening hardware.
Benefits of using sealed fasteners
Sealed fasteners offer a range of advantages, such as:
Corrosion-resistant sealing fasteners are made from corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or galvanized steel.
Durability. The elastomers used to make sealing fasteners do not break down over time. These fasteners can withstand extreme temperature conditions, ozone and other harsh environmental factors without becoming brittle or losing integrity.
Versatility. Because sealed fasteners prevent the intrusion of moisture and contaminants, they work well in a variety of commercial, industrial, and consumer applications.
save time. The self-sealing feature of sealed fasteners simplifies the installation process and helps installers save time.
Lower cost of ownership. Sealing fasteners can often be removed and reused, making them ideal for temporary projects. They also last longer in permanent installations, minimizing maintenance and replacement costs.
Application of sealing fasteners
Many industries benefit from self-sealing fasteners, including:
aerospace
agriculture
put up
defense
electronic product
Food & Drink
industrial
infrastructure
light
ocean
medical
generate electricity