Seals & Gaskets
Verified by Mel Sykes, Industrial Supply Chain Specialist - April 2026
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Types | O-rings, oil seals, mechanical seals, gaskets, V-rings, bonded seals |
| Materials | Nitrile (NBR), Viton (FKM), EPDM, silicone, PTFE, neoprene |
| Standards | BS ISO 3601 (O-rings), ISO 6194 (rotary shaft seals), BS 7531 (gaskets) |
| Temperature range | -60C to +300C depending on material |
What are Seals & Gaskets?
Seals & Gaskets prevent leaks and maintain pressure integrity between mechanical parts by filling gaps and blocking fluid passage. They're critical components in machinery across various industries.
Types of Seals & Gaskets
O-rings, oil seals, mechanical seals, gaskets, V-rings, and bonded seals are common types used to ensure proper sealing under different conditions.
- O-Rings: Donut-shaped rings made from elastomers that fit into grooves to create a seal.
- Oil Seals: Used in rotating equipment like pumps and motors to prevent oil leakage while allowing rotation.
- Mechanical Seals: Complex assemblies often used in high-pressure environments with multiple sealing elements.
- Gaskets: Flat, compressible material placed between two surfaces to provide static seals.
- V-Rings: Wedge-shaped seals that create a tight seal against rotating shafts under compression.
- Bonded Seals: Consist of rubber or elastomer bonded to metal rings for use in high-pressure applications.
Materials and Specifications
Seal materials include Nitrile (NBR), Viton (FKM), EPDM, silicone, PTFE, and neoprene. Each material has specific properties suited for different environments:
- Nitrile: Resistant to oils, fuels, and hydraulic fluids but not suitable for high temperatures.
- Viton: Highly resistant to chemicals and extreme temperatures up to 204°C (399°F).
- EPDM: Excellent resistance to water, ozone, and UV light; ideal for automotive and plumbing applications.
- Silicone: Flexible over a wide temperature range (-60°C to +200°C) but less resistant to oils and fuels.
- PTFE: Ideal for high-temperature environments due to its chemical inertness and low friction coefficient.
- Neoprene: Durable against petroleum-based products, but not suitable for temperatures below -35°C (-31°F).
Standards such as BS ISO 3601 cover O-rings, ISO 6194 outlines rotary shaft seals, and BS 7531 specifies gaskets. These standards ensure consistency in dimensions, performance criteria, and testing protocols.
How to Choose the Right Seals & Gaskets
Selecting the right seal or gasket involves considering factors like operating environment, temperature range, pressure levels, media compatibility, and required lifespan:
- Operating Environment: Identify potential contaminants such as dust, moisture, chemicals, and oils.
- Temperature Range: Ensure the chosen material can withstand both minimum and maximum temperatures without degradation.
- Pressure Levels: Determine if a dynamic or static seal is needed based on whether the application involves moving parts.
- Media Compatibility: Select materials that resist corrosion from fluids and gases in contact with the seal.
- Lifespan Requirements: Consider how often seals need to be replaced, aiming for minimal downtime.
UK Suppliers
MLC lists verified suppliers registered with Companies House, providing reliable options like CBM (British Seals), BIAFD (Rubber Products Association), BTMA (Bearing and Sealing Technology Manufacturers' Association), and BPMA (British Pump Manufacturers' Association).
Common Applications
Seals & Gaskets are used in numerous industries for diverse applications:
- Automotive: Engine oil seals, transmission seals, fuel system gaskets.
- Aerospace: High-pressure hydraulic systems, airframe sealing, turbine engine components.
- Manufacturing: Pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders, valves, pipe connections.
- Construction: Plumbing joints, HVAC ductwork, roofing membranes.
Understanding these applications helps in choosing the right materials and designs for optimal performance.
Seals & Gaskets listings on MLC cover products including ring o rings and o rings. All suppliers are verified against Companies House public records.
References
- Companies House - UK supplier verification
- British Standards Institution - ISO and BS standards
Verified UK seals & gaskets suppliers
MLC lists 52 verified seals & gaskets suppliers, each cross-referenced against Companies House public records.
| Company | Company No. | Incorporated | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hill'S Rubber Company (2018) Limited | 11304190 | 2018-04-11 | Dissolved |
| Jjpudelko Limited | 12081542 | 2019-07-03 | Dissolved |
| Rubber Transformer Ltd | 11568085 | 2018-09-13 | Dissolved |
| Destination Karma Ltd | 11911804 | 2019-03-28 | Dissolved |
| Hawkesden Limited | 11925762 | 2019-04-04 | Dissolved |
| Clay Franc Ltd | 10261621 | 2016-07-04 | Dissolved |
| Triark Pumps Limited | 01854311 | 1984-10-11 | Active |
| Aor International Ltd | 12397242 | 2020-01-10 | Dissolved |
| Rimfinity Limited | 12972440 | 2020-10-23 | Dissolved |
| Ttlx Limited | 07042863 | 2009-10-14 | Dissolved |
Plus 42 more verified suppliers. Browse the full list on MLC.
Companies sourced from Companies House SIC codes: 22190. Data verified April 2026.
UK Import Data: Seals & Gaskets
The UK imported £171.4 million worth of seals & gaskets products in 2023, totalling 20.5 million kg (Source: HMRC UK Trade Info).
Top source countries:
| Country | Import Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | £46.2 million | 27.0% |
| France | £30.9 million | 18.0% |
| Poland | £27.2 million | 15.9% |
| Netherlands | £18.6 million | 10.8% |
| Sweden | £10.3 million | 6.0% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of Seals & Gaskets are available in the UK?
Seals & Gaskets are available from hundreds of UK suppliers in various materials, sizes, and specifications. Browse MLC's verified supplier listings for current stock and technical specs.
How do I choose the right Seals & Gaskets?
Selecting the right Seals & Gaskets depends on load requirements, operating environment, temperature range, and material compatibility. Check our buying guides for detailed selection criteria.
Can I buy Seals & Gaskets in small quantities?
Many UK Seals & Gaskets suppliers offer no minimum order quantities. Filter suppliers on MLC to find those selling individual items or small batches.
Are Seals & Gaskets suppliers on MLC verified?
All suppliers listed on MLC are verified against Companies House public records. Each listing shows incorporation date, company status, directors, and registered address.
What standards apply to Seals & Gaskets?
Seals & Gaskets are manufactured to various ISO, BS, and DIN standards depending on type and application. Check individual product pages for specific standard references.
What are Seals & Gaskets and why are they important in industrial applications?
Seals & Gaskets prevent leaks and maintain pressure integrity between mechanical parts by filling gaps and blocking fluid passage. They're important for machinery across various industries, ensuring reliability and efficiency.
What are the different types of Seals & Gaskets available?
Common types include O-rings, oil seals, mechanical seals, gaskets, V-rings, and bonded seals. Each type is designed to meet specific sealing requirements under varying conditions.
How do engineers choose the right material for Seals & Gaskets in their applications?
Engineers select materials based on temperature range and chemical compatibility. Common choices include Nitrile (NBR), Viton (FKM), EPDM, silicone, PTFE, and neoprene, each with a specific temperature range from -60°C to +300°C.
What are the key standards for Seals & Gaskets in the UK?
Key standards include BS ISO 3601 for O-rings, ISO 6194 for rotary shaft seals, and BS 7531 for gaskets. Adhering to these standards ensures quality and reliability.
Where can UK engineers find reliable suppliers of Seals & Gaskets?
Engineers can visit mlc.org.uk or other reputable industrial supply chain websites to find a variety of Seals & Gaskets from trusted manufacturers, ensuring they meet industry standards and are available for prompt delivery.