Tætningsfladen

Tætningsfladen is a term used in mechanical engineering to describe the sealing surface on mating parts of a joint where a gasket or seal is compressed to prevent fluid or gas leakage. It is typically the opposing face of components such as flanges, valve housings, cylinder heads, or pump casings.

The sealing surface plays a central role in seal performance. Its condition determines how well a gasket can form a leak-tight interface. Therefore tætningsfladen must be flat, smooth, and free from defects such as scratches, nicks, corrosion, or debris. Imperfections can create leakage paths or prevent uniform gasket compression, leading to reduced seal life or failure. In many applications, different face designs exist, such as raised-face or full-face flange surfaces, and the choice affects gasket selection and tightening requirements.

Manufacturing and finishing of the tætningsfladen involve careful machining and finishing processes. Surfaces are typically machined to a precise flatness and then finished by grinding or lapping to achieve an appropriately smooth texture. The recommended surface finish depends on the gasket type and operating conditions; metal-to-metal seals generally require tighter flatness and smoother finish than some elastomeric seals, which can tolerate slightly rougher surfaces.

Materials for tætningsfladen are usually the same or compatible with the surrounding components, often metal for flanges and housings, but can include coated finishes or non-metallic options in specialized equipment. Surface condition is commonly specified and inspected according to relevant standards and manufacturers’ guidelines, with measurements of flatness and roughness used to verify readiness for assembly.