An o-ring is a small circular shaped contraption, typically manufactured from a variety of rubber or plastic. Its purpose is to act as a seal and prevent the escape of oil, air and water as well as other substances under high pressure. O-rings are similar to gaskets and often imitate their functions. In industrial applications, o-rings are placed between matched machined parts - for instance, inside of pneumatic systems, pumps and hydraulic valves. During the manufacturing process (of rubber o-rings), rubber and other additives are mixed in a rubber mixer. Then the material is poured into a rubber press to form a shape. Lastly are the final touches to remove the excess material and finish with a well-shaped product.
O-rings have a simple design, but can be very powerful and reliable for sealing static machine parts. Because of their simple shape, o-rings tend to be fairly inexpensive and are relatively easy to use. O-rings work by creating a barrier around areas of leak risk.
O-rings have a simple design, but can be very powerful and reliable for sealing static machine parts. Because of their simple shape, o-rings tend to be fairly inexpensive and are relatively easy to use. O-rings work by creating a barrier around areas of leak risk.
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Last Updated: June 16, 2007
Last Updated: June 16, 2007
What are O-Rings?
They are ideal for the job because they, elastomeric materials especially, transmit stress in every direction upon compression and are able to prevent leakage. Some are even capable of sealing leaks that have pressures reaching up to 1,000 bar.
Besides being a low cost alternative to other sealing methods, o-rings also have the advantage of using a wide range of materials available for manufacture. Some of the most common materials used for o-rings include nitrile, butyl, styrene/butadiene, hypalon, silicone, Teflon® and viton. Partly because of the wide range of materials available, one covering almost any environmental need, many industries choose to use o-rings for their sealing applications. O-rings are frequently used in the automotive, water filtration, off road equipment, hydraulics, telecommunications, electrical, medical, pharmaceutical and food processing industries.
When purchasing o-rings, there are a couple general guidelines to keep in mind. First of all, because there are so many different kinds of materials that are used to make o-rings, it is important to know the particular conditions in which the o-ring must work. The varying material compounds that are used offer different lubricities, degrees of hardness, heat tolerances, chemical resistances and other properties. Also, it is good to consider what the particular size and strength needed will be. Additionally, some o-rings need accessories, such as back-up rings, that assist in the operation and function of the rings, so it is important to know exactly what is needed before making an investment.
Besides being a low cost alternative to other sealing methods, o-rings also have the advantage of using a wide range of materials available for manufacture. Some of the most common materials used for o-rings include nitrile, butyl, styrene/butadiene, hypalon, silicone, Teflon® and viton. Partly because of the wide range of materials available, one covering almost any environmental need, many industries choose to use o-rings for their sealing applications. O-rings are frequently used in the automotive, water filtration, off road equipment, hydraulics, telecommunications, electrical, medical, pharmaceutical and food processing industries.
When purchasing o-rings, there are a couple general guidelines to keep in mind. First of all, because there are so many different kinds of materials that are used to make o-rings, it is important to know the particular conditions in which the o-ring must work. The varying material compounds that are used offer different lubricities, degrees of hardness, heat tolerances, chemical resistances and other properties. Also, it is good to consider what the particular size and strength needed will be. Additionally, some o-rings need accessories, such as back-up rings, that assist in the operation and function of the rings, so it is important to know exactly what is needed before making an investment.
