Custom rubber-metal seals
GUME stands for the combination of rubber and metal. We are not just a moulded rubber parts manufacturer, but also a rubber-metal connection manufacturer for custom seals. With our in-house toolmaking and metalworking capabilities, we produce custom rubber-metal seals from batch size 1 right through to large-scale production.
- Customised production
- Batch sizes 1 to 1 million units.
- Express production from 2 weeks
- 100% Reliability & proactivity
Rubber metal seals of tyre
Rubber-metal seals consist of a dimensionally stable metal carrier with vulcanised-on elastomer sealing areas. The metal carrier ensures dimensional stability and mechanical strength, and also limits compression. Meanwhile, the Gummy or Silicone the actual seal and compensates for unevenness between component surfaces. At our site in Bavaria, we produce all Rubber metal connections Individually according to customer requirements.
Special geometries for demanding applications & industries.
Special forms
Rubber sealing element for sealing against vibrations, displacement, and thermally induced movements.
Rubber compensator
Metallic carrier with vulcanised elastomer for secure positioning, dimensionally stable sealing under defined pressure.
Rubberised metal support
Robust composite seal with steel core for high mechanical loads
Rubber steel seal
Annular composite sealing element made of elastomer and metal for dimensionally stable sealing under defined mechanical load.
Sealing ring
Rubber-metal composite part for dimensionally stable integration and reliable sealing in the housing assembly.
Gasket
Rubber-metal composite part for position-secure sealing of cover interfaces and for stable force absorption during installation.
Lid seal
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Structure & function Rubber metal seals
Whether it's a rubber seal with a steel insert, a flange connection, a housing with an integrated seal, or rubberised metal rings – every rubber-metal seal from GUME is individually tailored to the application. We also precisely implement individual geometries in our manufacturing for rubber-metal seals and advise on production-optimised design and construction.
Metal support
A metallic carrier, usually made of aluminium or a steel alloy, provides stability in the seal. In a sealing ring, it ensures the dimensional stability of the ring, defines the diameter, and stabilises the seal under radial load. In gasket seals, the metal carrier serves as a rigid base body that supports the elastomer sealing lines. It distributes the screw forces evenly over the sealing surface, limits the compression of the elastomer, and ensures reproducible surface pressure between the components.
Rubber seal
In rubber-metal seals, the rubber seal performs the actual sealing function. Due to its elastic properties, the elastomer adapts to the mating surfaces and creates a defined contact pressure. This reliably seals gaps between components and compensates for manufacturing tolerances and surface irregularities. At the same time, the elastic deformation of the material prevents the escape of liquids or gases along the sealing interface.
Drilling and threads
Not all rubber-metal seals require holes or threads. For housings, flange seals, surface seals and sealing rings, they enable precise positioning and fixing of the rubber-metal seal within the component. They serve as mounting and centering points, ensuring that the seal remains correctly aligned and uniform surface pressure is achieved along the sealing line.
Materials for your Rubber metal seals
The right material combination for every application. We source metal and Raw rubber materials from a broad base of suppliers, so that we have all common materials for seals Metal rubber and process. In our manufacturing of rubber-metal seals, we use rubber Injection Molding- and Pressing process, to manufacture micro-components ranging from 1g to 5kg and up to 650mm in diameter.
Contact us about your rubber-metal seal or get in touch directly for free material advice!
Sectors & Applications Rubber metal seals
Vacuum grippers are used in various industries such as mechanical and plant engineering, medical technology, the automotive industry and logistics. Their purpose is to gently, safely and mostly automatically grip, lift and place elements.
Rubber-metal seals in Mechanical Engineering
In rotary vane pumps, hydraulic power units and heat exchangers, frequently changing loads and high screw forces occur. Rubber-metal seals ensure a defined compression despite assembly variations and prevent settling phenomena, which would lead to leakages with pure elastomer seals.
Rubber metal seals in the Commercial vehicle industry
High production volumes, tight tolerances and strong thermal cycles characterise the applications. In valve covers or oil pans, seals must be reproducibly mountable, compensate for component tolerances and provide permanent sealing against oil, coolant and vibrations.
Rubber metal seals in the Energy and Utilities Engineering
In gas pressure control systems, district heating pipes, or water treatment plants, rubber-metal seals are used in flanged connections that must remain leak-proof for years. They compensate for pressure and temperature fluctuations and prevent leaks that could lead to failures in critical infrastructures.
Rubber metal seals - Your component, entirely manufactured in-house by us.
- Toolmaking is our core competency
- 100% in-house expertise
- Fast response times for tooling modifications
Insights in rubber-metal sealing projects
of our customers.
A permanently leak-proof connection achieved through a customised rubber-metal seal.
The challenge
A customer in mechanical and plant engineering had problems with a screwed connection that repeatedly developed leaks under fluctuating temperatures and mechanical stress. Pure elastomer seals reach their limits in such installation situations, while metallic solutions offer too little tolerance. What was needed was a seal that would provide a secure seal, could be mounted with positional accuracy, and could be reliably integrated into the assembly.
Implementation
We analysed the connection geometry, surface pressure and thermomechanical requirements together with the customer. On this basis, we developed a rubber-metal seal with a customised metal carrier for defined positioning and improved assembly stability. At the same time, the elastomer geometry in the sealing area was designed to better compensate for component tolerances. In addition, we selected a material compound that was tailored to temperature, medium and permanent restoring force.
Solution
With the customised rubber-metal seal, the connection could be permanently stabilised and sealed in a process-reliable manner. Assembly was simplified, the seal was reproducibly in the intended position, and leaks could be significantly reduced. This provided the customer with a robust solution that combines sealing function and component stability in a single element.
Do you have questions about rubber-metal seals?
We have answers!
For which rubber-to-metal seals is GUME the right partner, and for which is it not?
GUME is the right partner for custom rubber-metal seals when catalogue solutions are not sufficient. This includes seals with complex geometries or special requirements regarding media resistance, temperature range, or surface pressure. With our own toolmaking and a high degree of in-house manufacturing, we realise individual rubber-metal seals from prototypes and small series right through to economical series production. We would be happy to check for you whether custom manufacturing is worthwhile.
How is the bond between rubber and metal formed?
First, the metal surface is cleaned, blasted, and coated with a bonding agent. During the subsequent vulcanisation process, the rubber is formed and cross-linked in a mould under pressure and temperature. This creates a permanent chemical and mechanical bond between the rubber and the metal surface.
Gummi-Metall-Dichtungen werden eingesetzt, wenn eine Dichtung benötigt wird, die flexibel und gleichzeitig robust und widerstandsfähig gegenüber mechanischen Belastungen ist. Sie kombinieren die elastischen Eigenschaften von Gummi mit der Stabilität und Festigkeit von Metall.
Rubber-metal seals are used when, in addition to the actual sealing, high dimensional stability and mechanical strength are required. The metal carrier enables defined surface pressures and secure positioning in the component.
How are rubber-metal seals fitted?
Rubber-metal seals are typically fitted positively into a housing groove or between two component surfaces and then compressed by bolting or flange connections. The metal carrier ensures stable positioning and prevents over-compression. When tightening the fasteners, the rubber sealing lips generate the necessary surface pressure for a reliable seal.
Which manufacturing processes are used for production?
The metal strut is first manufactured by punching, laser cutting, deep drawing or milling, then cleaned and coated with adhesion promoters. In our in-house toolmaking department, we use milling machines to produce the tool that matches the component. Afterwards, we vulcanise rubber or silicone using compression moulding or injection moulding, creating a permanent, material-bonded connection between the rubber and the metal.
When is the development of a custom rubber-metal seal worthwhile?
The development of an individual rubber-metal seal is worthwhile if standard seals do not sufficiently consider the available installation space, geometry, or operating conditions. Typical reasons include complex housing shapes, high pressure or temperature loads, aggressive media, or special assembly requirements where a precisely adapted sealing line and metal carrier geometry are necessary. Furthermore, custom manufacturing also often proves worthwhile for catalog rubber-metal seals in high quantities from approximately 1,000 pieces upwards.
Do rubber metal gaskets meet standards such as DIN 682 or DIN 681-1?
Rubber-metal seals are generally not directly standardised according to DIN EN 682 or DIN EN 681-1. However, at GUME, we select the raw material so that the elastomers used comply with the respective standards. To achieve this, we source compounds with appropriate certificates – for example, EPDM according to DIN EN 681-1 for water applications, or materials according to DIN EN 682 for gas applications. This allows even demanding applications in regulated sectors to be covered safely and verifiably.
