A metal seal withstands extreme operating conditions such as very high or cryogenic temperatures, very high pressures or ultra high vacuums. Industries that use metal seals are aerospace, nuclear, automotive, power generation, packaging and food processing.

Metal seals come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. You can buy a metal seal that has a circular, rectangular or customized shape. Metal seal suppliers use aluminum, copper, silver, nickel or stainless steel for manufacturing these seals. Some metal seals also have a coating of anti-corrosive metals or alloys such as cadmium, copper, nickel, silver, gold or indium.

Some important parameters you must consider before purchasing a metal seal are:

1. Pressure and other forces acting on the metal seal
2. Required dimensions of the metal seal
3. Operating temperature range
4. Additional features, such as corrosion and chemical resistance

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy metal seals from reputable metal seal manufacturers

Once you understand your sealing requirements, evaluate standard metal seals available with reputable manufacturers of metal seals.

I recommend: American Seal & Engineering supplies metal seals to various industries such as aerospace, automotive, chemicals and power. Kaydon is another metal seal manufacturer that offers oil metal seals and gas metal seals for industrial equipment. You can buy copper seals at Franklin Fastener, a reputable manufacturer of automotive and industrial engine components. Nicholsons is a global supplier of sealing components including metal seals.

Buy a specialty or customized metal seal

If standard metal seals do not match your requirements, opt for a specialty or customized metal seal.

I recommend: Emedco offers metal seals, including custom flat head metal seals and custom metal ball seals. Hydrodyne supplies customized metal seals that can sustain very low or high temperatures and extreme pressures or ultra high vacuum. United Ring & Seal provides metal seal rings for turbines and aerospace engines. Frontline is a reputable mechanical seals and pumps manufacturer that also provides metal seals.

Purchase a metal seal from metal seal distributors or retailers

You can compare metal seals based on features and prices at distributors and retailers' websites. Ask for a discount if you are buying in bulk.

I recommend: All Seals is a reputable distributor of seals, including metal seals. Zatkoff Seals & Packings is another metal seal distributor that supplies bonded metal seals, resilient metal seals and integral metal seals. You can buy metal seals at Sealing Devices, a distributor for reputable metal seal manufacturers, including Parker and AMETEK. You can also refer to the list of metal seal suppliers at ThomasNet and DirectIndustry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For extreme operating conditions, such as high temperatures or pressures, consult an expert to design appropriate metal seals.
• •  Use heat-treated metal seals for extreme operating conditions such as cryogenic engines, aerospace engines and mining equipment.