Grand River Rubber & Plastics Blog

Improving Chemical Pump Performance with Lathe-Cut Gaskets

Posted by Alan Blankenship on Jun 26, 2025 10:01:13 AM

Chemical pumps, like centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, depend on precision engineering and durable materials to ensure reliability in harsh applications and operating conditions. Lathe-cut gaskets provide robust sealing solutions that enhance efficiency and extend the life of the pump. Learn more about lathe-cut gaskets below.image001 (2)

Where are lathe-cut gaskets used?

  • Centrifugal Pumps
    Lathe-cut gaskets are critical in centrifugal pumps, sealing the housing and preventing fluid leaks during operation. They also enhance pump efficiency by maintaining pressure integrity and reducing energy losses.
  • Mechanically Sealed Centrifugal Pumps
    When used in mechanical seals, lathe-cut gaskets help prevent fluid leaks or gases by filling gaps between the seal faces, maintaining pressure and reducing wear.
  • Positive Displacement Pumps (includes AODD pumps)
    These pumps require precision sealing to maintain consistent flow and pressure. Lathe-cut gaskets provide the exact fit needed to prevent fluid bypass.
  • Submersible Pumps
    In submersible applications, gaskets must resist water intrusion, pressure, and corrosion. EPDM or nitrile lathe-cut gaskets can be used to overcome the challenges of these conditions.
  • Specialty Pumps
    For pumps used in food processing, pharmaceutical, or medical industries, silicone or other FDA-compliant materials are used to ensure hygienic sealing and temperature resistance.

Benefits of Lathe-Cut Gaskets in Pump Systemsimage002 (1)-1

  1. Precision Fit and Reliable Sealing
    The lathe cutting process creates gaskets with tight dimensional tolerances, ensuring a secure and leak-proof fit. 
  2. Durability in Harsh Conditions
    Lathe-cut gaskets can be tailored to withstand high pressures, extreme temperatures, and exposure to corrosive chemicals, reducing maintenance frequency and extending pump life.
  3. Material Selection
    The availability of a wide range of elastomers allows manufacturers to select materials tailored to specific pump applications.
  4. Cost-Effectiveness
    Compared to molded gaskets, lathe-cut gaskets are more affordable to produce in large quantities, especially for custom sizes and shapes. This makes them an economical choice for high-volume pump production.
  5. Quick Customization
    Lathe cutting allows for rapid prototyping and customization, enabling manufacturers to produce gaskets that meet unique pump designs and specifications.

Whether in centrifugal pumps for industrial water systems or drum pumps handling hazardous chemicals, lathe-cut gaskets provide the precision, durability, and cost-effectiveness needed for today’s fluid transfer systems.

Do you need lathe-cut gaskets for your pump systems? Contact us to see how we can meet your needs!

Topics: Lathe Cut Gaskets