Abstract: A method of manufacturing an embossed metal gasket includes the steps of supplying a metal gasket preform having opposed first and second planar surfaces and at least one sealing port defined therein, laminating the opposed planar surfaces with a chemical resist material, masking the chemical resist material on the first planar surface in such a manner so as to delineate a raised surface area of a bead circumscribing the sealing port, masking the chemical resist material on the second planar surface in such a manner so as to delineate a recessed surface area of the bead circumscribing the sealing port, curing the unmasked chemical resist material on the opposed planar surfaces of the preform, removing the uncured chemical resist material from the opposed planar surfaces, and exposing the gasket preform to a chemical etching agent to reduce the thickness of the gasket preform in areas which are absent cured chemical resist material.

Abstract: A metal gasket assembly includes first and second gasket layers each having at least one sealing port defined therein. Each sealing port has an embossed bead formed about the periphery thereof which extends from a planar surface of the gasket layer. A stopper layer is disposed between the respective planar surfaces of the gasket layers and it has at least one bore extending therethrough which circumscribes the embossed beads. The stopper layer is of a sufficient thickness to prevent over-compression of the embossed beads during installation of the gasket assembly. A method is also disclosed for constructing a gasket assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention.