What are the functions of Kammprofile gaskets?

Kammprofile gaskets are specially designed metal gaskets with annular or radial serrations (tooth patterns) on the surface, mainly used to enhance anti-loosening, anti-vibration and connection sealing performance. Toothed gaskets are usually made of a one-piece metal core with concentric serrations or grooves on both sealing surfaces, usually covered with soft sealing materials such as graphite or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

1. Structure and type

(1) Basic structure

Material: Usually carbon steel, stainless steel (such as 304/316), copper or alloy.
Tooth design:
External tooth type: serrations are distributed on the outer edge of the gasket, suitable for softer surfaces (such as aluminum).
Inner tooth type: serrations are on the inner ring to protect the appearance of the connected parts.
Inner and outer tooth type: double-sided serrations, stronger anti-loosening effect.

(2) Common types

Standard toothed gasket: general type, used for general anti-loosening.
Conical toothed gasket: with a taper, suitable for high-pressure sealing (such as flange connection).

2. Functions of toothed gaskets

(1) Anti-loosening and anti-vibration

Mechanical engagement: The serrations are embedded into the surface of the connector to form a physical interlock, effectively resisting loosening caused by vibration, impact or dynamic loads.
Elastic compensation: Provides continuous tension after deformation under pressure, and can remain tight even if the bolt retreats slightly.

(2) Stress dispersion

The serration structure expands the contact area and reduces the risk of crushing the surface of the connector (especially soft materials such as aluminum and plastic).

(3) Auxiliary sealing

Fills the microscopic unevenness of the contact surface and can improve the sealing performance in low-pressure environments when combined with sealants.

(4) Electrical/thermal conductivity

Metal materials can improve the current conduction or heat dissipation performance of the connection parts (such as electrical grounding, radiator fixing).
Applicable scenarios
High-vibration equipment: engines, rail transportation, wind turbines.
Dynamic load parts: engineering machinery, automobile suspension.
Soft material connection: Prevent bolts from loosening in aluminum alloy or plastic.

3. Replacement standards for toothed gaskets

(1) Clear standards for replacement

Serrated teeth are severely worn or blunt
Performance: The tooth tip is visibly worn flat and loses its sharpness (no scratching when scratched with a fingernail).
Consequences: Loss of bite ability and reduced anti-loosening performance.

(2) Gasket deformation or cracking

Performance: Overall warping, tooth root fracture or cracks.
Consequences: Unable to evenly distribute pressure, which may cause damage to the connection.

(3) Repeated bolt loosening

Performance: The same position is still loose after multiple tightenings, and other reasons (such as bolt thread damage) are excluded.
Cause: The gasket serrations have failed and cannot provide continuous tension.

(4) Seal failure

Performance: Leakage occurs when used with a seal (such as liquid/gas leakage from the flange interface).
Cause: The gasket teeth are crushed and cannot fill the surface unevenness.
(5) Corrosion or material deterioration
Performance: Rust penetration, verdigris (copper gasket) or high-temperature oxidation (surface bluish, brittle). Risk: Reduced strength, possible rupture and contamination of the system (such as hydraulic lines).