Multi-layer gasket assembly

A method of making a multi-layer gasket assembly, comprising the steps of:

• preparing a three to five metal functional layers;
• forming at least two openings into each of the functional layers;
• forming at least one full embossment bead into each of the functional layers such that, in each functional layer, the at least one full embossment bead is spaced radially from and surrounds one of the at least two openings;
• stacking the functional layers with one another such that the openings of the functional layers are axially aligned with one another and such that the full embossment beads of all of said functional layers are in a nesting relationship with one another;
• and
• locating a pair of annularly-shaped stoppers adjacent the nested full embossment beads and fully encircling each of said at least two sets of axially aligned openings for preventing full flattening of the full embossment beads and wherein one of the stoppers is disposed radially between the nested full embossment beads and the aligned openings and the other of the stoppers is disposed radially on an opposite side of the nested full embossment beads from the aligned openings.

A multi-layer gasket assembly, comprising:

• a plurality of metal gasket layers including at least two functional layers, said at least two functional layers having at least two sets of axially aligned openings, and said at least two functional layers further having a set of full embossment beads spaced radially from and surrounding each of said at least two sets of axially aligned openings;
• said at least two functional layers being in a stacked relationship with one another, and for each of said sets of full embossment beads, said full embossment beads of all of said functional layers in said multi-layer gasket assembly being in a nested relationship with one another;
• at least one annularly-shaped stopper positioned adjacent said nested full embossment beads and fully encircling each of said at least two sets of axially aligned openings for preventing full flattening of said full embossment beads;
• and
• wherein said plurality of metal gasket layers further includes a protection layer abutting one of said functional layers and wherein said nested full embossment beads extend axially away from said protection layer.