Conventional fasteners—which include bolts, rivets, nuts, and screws— can efficiently mount a number of items to surfaces or surfaces to each other. In certain industrial applications, however, regular fastening isn’t enough to prevent unwanted and unintentional flow of potentially damaging gases and liquids.
When used in conjunction or fused with a rubber product like a rubber washer or rubber gasket, fasteners form a much more effective seal against all kinds of external contaminants.
Rubber Products and Their Benefits
At Thomas A. Caserta, we provide high-quality rubber hardware for a broad spectrum of fastening applications. Available in a variety of designs and configurations, rubber fastener components work well in conjunction with metal fasteners to create reliable, durable seals. The most popular rubber fasteners include washers, spacers, gaskets, and bushings.
Washers
Rubber washers are round, flat discs with a hole in the middle, which allows fastening components such as washer screws to pass through the center. Manufacturers use screws with rubber washers distribute the force of the screw head, which keeps the screw head from digging into surfaces and creating damage. They can also be used to dampen vibrations and prevent air or fluid leaks around the fastener. Rubber washers for screws come in a wide range of materials, thicknesses, and diameters to meet the needs of particular applications.
Spacers
Spacers are also round rubber discs with holes, similar to washers, although they are often thicker. Spacers are designed to separate two parts or objects by a specific distance. Rubber spacers for bolts are especially useful for securing fasteners in high-vibration applications because the rubber will absorb the vibration to keep the fastener from loosening unexpectedly.
Gaskets
Gaskets are available in a variety of shapes and thicknesses and are often used with metal screws to create a tight seal between two parts. Rubber gasket screws are metal screws that come with the rubber gasket already affixed, allowing users to easily fasten components together while establishing a physical barrier against the intrusion of air, fluids, particulate matter, and electromagnetic interference. They also help to keep parts from creeping or extruding in extreme operating conditions.
Bushings
Industrial rubber bushings isolate vibration between components to minimize wear. The rubber bushing absorbs the vibration energy produced by the interaction of the attached components, ensuring smoother operation and reduced friction between components.
Benefits of Using Rubber Components in the Fastening Industry
Rubber components offer a variety of benefits over more traditional metal fasteners. Some of the primary advantages of using rubber hardware include:
- Added flexibility. Rubber is more flexible than traditional metal components, which provides a more secure fit with less potential for leakage and creep.
- Broader load distribution. Rubber washers help to distribute pressure from fastener loads, which reduces the potential for damage to surrounding surfaces.
- Reliable and accurate spacing. Rubber washers and spacers help to establish a reliable amount of space between components, ensuring optimal operation and preventing unwanted contact between components.
- Vibration absorption. Rubber hardware helps to absorb vibration, reducing the potential for wear, creep, and displacement.
- Sealing protection. Flexible rubber gaskets seal components to prevent fluid and other substances from leaking. They are available in a variety of materials that can withstand corrosive chemicals, extreme temperatures, and other harsh operating conditions.
- Surface protection. The flexibility and load distribution properties of rubber washers help to prevent surface damage and corrosion, which helps to mitigate the risk of equipment damage, cross contamination, and inefficient processes.
- Enhanced stability. Rubber fastening hardware can be manufactured in a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations to ensure a stable, dependable fastening solution with a reliable seal and low creep potential.
When to Use Rubber Hardware? 
From rubber bolts and rubber washers to sealing gaskets and industrial rubber bushings, fastening hardware is critical to a wide range of industries and applications. Examples include:
- Aircraft engines and motors (fastenings for fuel pumps, satellites, and robotic equipment)
- Circuit boards (insulate connections, mitigate vibration)
- Conveyor belts (seal process machinery, prevent leaks, and reduce vibration)
- Home appliances (seal doors, prevent process fluid leaks, reduce vibration)
- Electric-charging vehicle units (protect from fluid leaks, unwanted electrical flow)
- HVAC systems (seal process fluids, prevent intrusion of unwanted materials into the system)
- Medical equipment (facilitate reliable operation of medical assistive devices and equipment)
- Sensors (keep air and fluid pressure consistent, prevent the intrusion of unwanted materials)
Custom Rubber Components from Thomas A. Caserta
Rubber washers and gaskets are essential in the fastening industry when they are used with traditional fasteners like nuts, bolts, and screws; the rubber components provide extra sealing protection against the environment and foreign substances. This can save equipment from excessive damage and expensive repairs, maximize productivity, and minimize operational downtime.
Thomas A. Caserta, Inc. manufactures quality rubber products for diverse and demanding industries. With more than 50 years of experience, we can design our rubber products to any specification to ensure they are the right fit for your needs. We also utilize the latest equipment that produces high-quality parts at competitive prices and quick turnaround times. Regardless of how big or small your job is, we can meet your needs. Our skilled and dedicated team strives to fulfill our number one goal: customer satisfaction. Contact us to request your custom rubber product quote today!
Automotive rubber products play an important role in many applications in the automotive industry. Their primary uses in mechanical equipment include filling gaps between components, minimizing damage from vibration, preventing the leakage of liquids or gases, or hindering contamination from moisture or dirt.
