Fiber

Fiber creates a good seal because it naturally swells slightly when exposed to moisture.  Fiber-based materials include:  cellulose fiber, cellulose fiber blended with rubber binders, fish paper, insulating fiber, synthetic fiber, vegetable fiber and vulcanized fiber. Web Seal can recommend the best fiber material for your specific sealing application.

Fiber Materials for Gaskets, Seals & Other Components

die cut fiber gaskets from Web Seal in Rochester NYFiber gasket materials are an economical sealing material for a variety of applications, available in a range of densities, thicknesses and colors.  Many varieties are produced to meet ASTM, SAE, and military standards.

Gasket Paper or Fiberboard

Gasket paper or fiberboard is composed of natural vegetable fiber, also known as cellulose fiber.  The fibers are harvested from the bark, leaves or wood of plants, processed into a pulp and extruded. Vegetable fibers are generally graded according to cleanliness, color, fineness, luster, strength, and uniformity.  Fiber paper and fiberboard are low density, recyclable and biodegradable.

Commonly used as chemical filters, in industrial motors and connectors in vehicles, alcohol distilleries, petrochemical plants, and shipyards, among other applications.

Vulcanized Fiber

Vulcanized fiber is dense, tough, and resilient vegetable fiber, containing no binders or resins.  It offers high mechanical strength and resistance to both cold and heat.  Vulcanized fiber is lightweight, stiffer than most thermoplastics, with outstanding tear resistance and flatness.  It is available in several grades and colors.

Common applications of vulcanized fiber are insulation for appliances, electric motors, switches, electric motor insulation, vehicle parts and as industrial gaskets, among other applications.

fiber gasket paper and cardboard rolls from Web Seal in Rochester NYFish Paper

Fish paper is the electrical grade of vulcanized fiber.  Fish paper is also a lightweight but strong paperboard insulation, perfect for gasket applications, washers and spacers.  Being non-magnetic and having exceptional arc resistance makes it ideal for electrical insulation applications.  Fish paper is resistant to abrasion, corrosion, grease, oils and solvents, and is easily machined.

Common applications are used in similar applications as vulcanized fiber as well as in arc shields, circuit breakers, electrical appliances and instruments, fuse tubes, lightening arresters, slot insulations, and other applications in which moisture is not a factor.

Beater-Add Materials

Beater-add materials can withstand large temperature fluctuations and flange compression extremes, with good flexibility and dimensional stability. They are commonly used in automotive, truck and engine construction, and petrochemical industries.