The Difference Between Sealing Plugs, Silicone and Rubber

The vibrating screen seal is an indispensable component of the vibrating screen. This article analyzes the differences between silicone and rubber materials used in these seals.

Classification of Seals

Sealing rings are categorized into three material types: rubber, silicone, and polyurethane. Rubber sealing rings serve as the standard configuration for most vibrating screens. Silicone and polyurethane variants are specifically engineered for materials with unique properties, such as those exposed to high temperatures, oil, or corrosive environments.

Rubber Sealing Rings

A rubber seal ring is an annular cover, constructed from one or multiple components, that mounts onto a bearing ring or washer. It contacts another ring or washer or forms a narrow labyrinth gap to prevent lubricant leakage and block the intrusion of foreign particles.

Silicone Sealing Rings

Silicone sealing rings are primarily utilized for waterproof sealing and preservation in consumer goods such as food storage containers, rice cookers, water dispensers, lunch boxes, thermal flasks, incubators, water bottles, ovens, insulated cups, and coffee makers. They offer superior sealing performance, excellent waterproofing, and reliable preservation capabilities while being completely non-toxic and odorless.

Cold Resistance

While ordinary rubber becomes brittle at temperatures between -20°C and -30°C, silicone rubber maintains excellent elasticity even in extreme cold conditions ranging from -60°C to -70°C. Certain specially formulated grades of silicone rubber are capable of withstanding exceptionally low temperatures.

Heat Resistance

Silicone rubber offers significantly superior heat resistance compared to standard rubber compounds. It can operate indefinitely at 150°C without any degradation in performance, sustain continuous use for up to 10,000 hours at 200°C, and withstand short-term exposure to temperatures as high as 350°C. This makes it ideal for a wide range of heat-resistant applications, including thermos bottle sealing rings, pressure cooker gaskets, and heat-resistant handles.

When selecting seals for your vibrating screen, it is crucial to choose based on the specific characteristics of the materials being screened rather than making arbitrary decisions. Do not underestimate the importance of this small component; it plays a vital role in ensuring efficient and reliable vibratory screening operations.