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Why Aerospace Gaskets Are Different
Aerospace gaskets differ fundamentally from standard industrial options. Strict compliance demands and harsh operational environments — from sub-zero altitudes to engine-adjacent heat zones — drive material choices that would be over-specified anywhere else.
Five performance priorities for aerospace gaskets
1. Weight-to-performance ratio
Every gram matters on an aircraft. Low-density foams and thin silicone constructions minimize mass while maintaining seal integrity.
2. Extreme temperature performance
Materials must endure everything from sub-zero altitudes to engine-adjacent heat zones, with service temperatures of 400–500°F and beyond in some locations.
3. Flame resistance and compliance
Cabin and equipment materials are commonly required to meet UL 94 V-0 or FAR 25.853. Coated or filled silicone foams are frequent choices where flame performance and compressibility both matter.
4. EMI / RFI shielding
Avionics and navigation systems need protection from electromagnetic interference. Nickel-graphite-filled elastomers combine environmental sealing with conductive shielding, per MIL-DTL-83528 material classifications.
5. Outgassing control
Space and high-altitude applications must meet NASA and ESA specifications for low total mass loss (TML) and collected volatile condensable materials (CVCM), verified per ASTM E595.
Compliance standards to design against
Materials we convert for aerospace programs
- HT-800 Series silicone foam
- RS-800 Series silicone sponge
- BF-1000 soft silicone foam
- Nickel-graphite filled silicone (EMI shielding)
- EC-2130 electrically conductive silicone foam
- Aerogel insulation wrap
- Peroxide-cured solid silicone
H-O Products die-cuts and converts these materials to print, with material selection support against the specific standard your program requires.
Ready to spec an aerospace gasket?
Send the location on the aircraft, the temperature range, the standard you must meet, and the geometry. Engineering reviews every RFQ and recommends a compliant material family.
Samples typically ship in 3 to 5 business days for common die-cut configurations; standard production runs about two weeks; special orders are quoted to the job.
Family-owned in Winsted, Connecticut since 1971 · ISO 9001:2015 certified · OEMs worldwide send us a drawing — and get back their part.
Frequently asked questions
Which standards apply to aerospace gasket materials?
Commonly UL 94 V-0 and FAR 25.853 for flame, ASTM D1056 for cellular rubber classification, MIL-DTL-83528 for conductive EMI elastomers, and ASTM E595 for outgassing in space applications.
Can one gasket both seal and shield EMI?
Yes — conductive particle-filled elastomers such as nickel-graphite silicone provide environmental sealing and EMI shielding in a single die-cut part.
Request a quote for your aerospace gasket
Send H-O your material role and geometry—engineering reviews every RFQ, recommends a family per material, and converts samples on your geometry.