Elastomerics Blog

Silicone gaskets provide dependable thermal management and reliable environmental sealing in artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and high-density computing environments. Whether it’s inside a rack-mounted server, cooling module, or graphic processing unit (GPU) enclosure, they manage heat, prevent leaks, and protect electronics.

Stockwell Elastomerics specializes in silicone gaskets and fabricates them from elastomers that are either thermally conductive or thermally insulating. Both type of materials resist a wide range of temperatures, including high heat and cold. Silicones also absorb very little water, resist many chemical coolants, dampen vibrations, support fire safety, and have a low compression set.

Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs)

AI workloads generate extreme heat flux, especially in GPU accelerators and high-bandwidth memory modules. High-density computing also generates high heat at a component level because advanced chips contain billions of tiny transistors. Silicone gaskets withstand high temperatures and are manufactured from solid silicone, silicone sponge, silicone foam, tapes, or coated fabrics.

Thermal interface materials (TIMs) are cut into pads that transfer or dissipate heat. Silicone is inherently insulating, but TIMs contain fillers that impart thermal conductivity. Stockwell Elastomerics die cuts TIMs into thermal gap filler pads that are more effective at moving heat than the air that would otherwise fill the small gaps between heat sources and heat sinks.

Liquid Cooling Systems

Traditional data centers and computer rooms use fans to remove heat, but AI data centers and high-density computing use liquid cooling systems instead. Cold plates, direct-to-chip (D2C) chips, and immersion systems all need gaskets that can withstand not just temperature extremes, but also coolant exposure. Silicone gaskets meet these requirements and maintain their sealing integrity.

Stockwell Elastomerics fabricates silicone gaskets for liquid cooling systems and offers custom sealing solutions for cold plates, pump housings and manifolds, quick-disconnect couplings, immersion tank lids and access panels, and rear-door heat exchanger assemblies. In addition to preventing coolant leaks, silicone gaskets tolerate hot spots and remain flexible at low temperatures.

High-Power GPU Enclosures

Modern GPU enclosures pack many high‑power modules into a compact chassis. Silicone gaskets protect connectors and solder joints by absorbing vibrations from GPU fans, pumps, and power modules. Applications include GPU chassis doors and access panels, airflow management barriers, and power module housings.

Silicone’s thermal stability and environmental sealing support the performance of high-power GPU enclosures. Even under continuous high temperatures, these elastomers resist hardening and cracking. In addition, they protect against dust, humidity, condensation, and airflow bypass, helping to ensure that cooling systems operate efficiently.

Fire and Smoke Requirements

AI data centers and high-density computing environments must meet strict fire safety standards. Silicone’s inherent flame resistance and low smoke generation make it a preferred gasket material for use with server racks and enclosures, power distribution units, cable management systems, and hot/cold aisle containment barriers.

Stockwell Elastomerics cuts silicone gaskets from materials that meet UL 94V-0 and other fire safety standards. Examples include R10400M flame retardant silicone sponge from Saint-Gobain and HT-800 flame rated silicone sponge from Rogers Corporation. Stockwell Elastomerics is an authorized distributor and preferred converter for both material suppliers.

Long-Term Compression Set Performance

Compared to EPDM, neoprene, and many other elastomers, silicone has excellent resistance to compression set failure – the inability of a material to return to its original thickness when a compressive force is removed. Silicone gaskets maintain sealing performance during long-term use, even under continuous compression and elevated temperatures.

In AI data centers and high-density computing environments, silicone’s long-term compression set performance helps to prevent coolant leaks, maintain environmental sealing, ensure airflow integrity, and support long-term uptime. Closed cell silicone foams are used for low-pressure sealing at flanged piping joints, raised floor cable cutouts, and containment aisle door frames and panels.

Find Silicone Gaskets for AI Data Centers and High-Density Computing

Stockwell Elastomerics is an experienced silicone gasket fabricator that can also help you with material selection and review your gasket design. To talk to our Applications Engineering Team, complete our on-line form, email service@stockwell.com, or call (215) 335-3005.