Among the many types of materials our team at Breiner works with, cloth-inserted diaphragm is one of the most unique. Using a combination of woven cloth and rubber materials, these specialized gaskets are built to withstand a variety of intense industrial operations. Let’s talk about this material and dive into greater detail about its special qualities.
Is Fluorosilicone the Right Material For You? Learn the Pros and Cons Here
Creating Cloth-Inserted Diaphragm
Cloth-inserted diaphragm is a unique type of rubber gasket material made with a variety of rubbers and reinforced with sheet of woven cloth. The most common rubbers used to create cloth-inserted diaphragm gaskets are:
- Natural rubber
- Nitrile Butadiene (Buna-N/NBR)
- EPDM
- Neoprene
- Silicone
- Viton
- Styrene Butadiene (SBR)
- Butyl
To create cloth-inserted diaphragm material, a sheet of woven fabric must be put between two layers of the chosen rubber. Though nylon or cotton are more common choices, fabrics such as silk, natural fibers, or synthetic choices like polyester or Nomex® can also be used. With a single sheet of fabric, the material will bolster its durability, stability, and longevity for manufacturers. With additional layers of fabric, the strength and form of the gasket can be further enhanced to prevent warping from extended use. Once the rubber coating adheres to the fabric, the material is cured with a protective seal to ensure the sheet is stabilized for cutting.
Material Properties
Whatever rubbers, elastomers, or fibers are used to create the cloth-inserted diaphragm material, typically the same strengths and properties are also applied. For example, if the diaphragm gasket is reinforced with Nomex® fiber, then the gasket will have a high degree of flame and heat resistance. Depending on the combination of materials, a gasket’s tensile strength, flexibility, and wear and tear resistance can be significantly increased. Above all, though, cloth-inserted diaphragm material boasts great stress endurance compared to normal rubber gaskets since the fabric will offer better support to the gasket’s integrity.
Cloth-inserted gaskets support industries such as construction or material handling that require more strength.
Industrial Applications for Diaphragm Gaskets
Due to their high strength and durability, cloth-inserted diaphragm gaskets are used in a wide range of manufacturing industries. Using shock absorbent materials like natural rubber, these gaskets make great supports to seal pumps or valves in construction, defense, or automotive equipment. Materials such as nitrile butadiene or neoprene used in diaphragm gaskets could make great seals to block certain chemicals or oils from leaking out of tanks or engines. With the right combination of materials, it’s also possible to create reinforced cloth-inserted diaphragm material from FDA-grade compounds for medical machinery or food production. Industries that require precision parts to handle a high degree of pressure or environmental conditions may also enjoy optimal results with diaphragm gaskets.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Cloth-Inserted Diaphragm
With the right combination of materials, manufacturers can gain the advantages of both a rubber and fabric gasket within one component that lasts longer than either material alone. This strength and resilience not only ensure production continues with few delays but also reduces the time and money spent on replacing parts. Additionally, these gaskets can withstand greater environmental or chemical exposure than other rubber gaskets, offering more support to different industrial applications.
However, you should be aware that these gaskets are quite expensive. Furthermore, any potential weaknesses presented by the rubbers and fabrics used in the gasket must be also considered. Thus, companies using cloth-inserted diaphragm gaskets need to consider additional limitations before purchase.
Is Cloth-Inserted Diaphragm the Material You Need?
No matter what specific part or material your business needs, our team at Breiner Innovative will produce the perfect gasket, seal, or custom part you need to keep your production lines running—on time and every time! Does cloth-inserted diaphragm material match up? Contact Breiner today to learn about how we will help you solve your problems before they arise.
Looking for more gasket materials? Check out our blog on Nonmetallic Materials: Viton vs EPDM!
