Selecting the Right Gasket: Going Beyond STAMP


The acronym STAMP is often used by buyers for selecting the right gasket for a particular application. STAMP is an acronym whose letters stand for the following:

  • S refers to the physical dimensions of gasket that is needed. While inside and outside diameters are important, so too is material thickness as this is a key factor for ensuring sealability. Other size factors that may have to be considered include the spacing of holes, cut-outs, etc.

  • T refers to the continuous as well as the maximum and minimum temperatures which will be encountered in a sealing application. Knowing these factors are critical for ensuring a successful seal. Gasket materials can be sensitive to temperatures and each material has own service temperature range.

  • A stands for application - the end-use purpose and equipment for which a gasket will be used. For example, will the gasket be used to prevent the ingress of moisture or dirt into an enclosed space, or is it being used to help filter and strain particulates? Will it be used in rotary or reciprocal pumping equipment? Will the application subject the gasket to vibration or other stresses? These and other application-related questions must be known to aid in the selection of the right material.

  • M refers to media, or whatever is being sealed in or out of an application. Commonly, gaskets are usually used to seal liquids or gases. Sometimes solids, or combinations of liquids and solids (such as slurries), need to be sealed. It is critical to choose gasket materials which are compatible with the media being handled in an application. For example, sealing abrasive media, such as a slurry, will require choosing a gasket material which is abrasion-resistant. Similarly, in applications involving strong acids or caustics, it is vital to select a gasket material which can withstand the chemical attack.

  • P refers to pressure. The pressure range in an application over which a gasket needs to service must be known. Similarly, the normal working pressure which will be experienced should be identified.

While STAMP is a useful acronym for selecting the right gasket, and one which has withstood the test of time, it should be extended by considering the following additional criteria:

  • Regulatory requirements. Increasingly, applications are coming under the mandate of regulatory directives and requirements. Thus, applications involving drinking water, where sanitary service is desirable, are being required to use gaskets made from materials that meet the requirements of the NSF/ANSI 61 standard. Similarly, low-emission (Low E) gaskets are increasingly being mandated in applications where it is important to control fugitive emissions. In every procurement situation, any applicable regulatory requirements should always be identified and communicated to the gasket supplier during the buying process.

  • Extra features and properties. Sometimes, special features or finishes are required on a gasket to accommodate unique conditions and requirements. For example, sometimes gaskets are required to adhere onto sealing surfaces. In this case, knowing the type of surface that the gasket is adhering to can guide the choice of a suitable adhesive. Or, specially finished edges, such as those with bevelling, may be required. Similarly, knowing if the gasket surface needs to be flat or contoured can determine the effectiveness of the final seal. All of these extra features and properties should be noted and communicated to the gasket supplier as requirements.

Considering these two additional categories in addition to STAMP can help buyers in selecting the right gasket, ensuring fitness for purpose while reducing the risk of outright failure or a shortened life-cycle.

At CRG, we have over 25 years’ experience in helping customers in selecting the right gasket for their needs. We maintain an extensive stock of elastomers, foams, and other materials from which we fashion high-quality, precision-fit gaskets and seals. All our gaskets are produced using the latest CNC technology and we specialize in fast order turnaround and emergency service when required.

To find out more about how CRG can help meet your gasket needs, please contact our sales department at crg@canadarubbergroup.com.