Industrial O-rings form a seal in a mating pair of surfaces. They are used extensively in industry for sealing moving parts and preventing the leakage of fluids and gases.
This article outlines the materials and applications of industrial O-rings. You can also learn about some of the key factors you need to consider when selecting an industrial O-ring for your application.
O Ring Materials
The three most common materials used to make O-rings are elastomers, metals and plastics. Elastomers are the most popular choice due to their flexibility and resistance to wear and tear. The most common elastomers used are nitrile, silicone and fluorocarbon.
Metals O-rings are made from stainless steel or brass. They offer superior strength and durability but are less flexible than elastomer O-rings.
Plastic O-rings are made from materials such as polyethylene or polyurethane. They offer good resistance to chemicals and high temperatures.
What Should Guide Your Choice of O-Rings?
The type of o rings you choose will depend on the operating conditions of your application. You need to consider the temperature, pressure, chemical compatibility and abrasion resistance when selecting an O-ring.
Temperature is a critical factor as O-rings can become hard and brittle at low temperatures or soft and deformed at high temperatures. So, you need to choose an O-ring material that can withstand the operating temperature of your application.
Pressure affects the O-ring seal in two ways. The O-ring must be able to withstand the internal pressure of the application. The O-ring must also maintain its shape and not deform under applied pressure. If the O-ring deforms, it will no longer form a perfect seal.
Chemical compatibility is another key factor to consider. You need to select an O-ring material that is compatible with the fluids and chemicals it will be exposed to. For example, O-rings made from nitrile work perfectly with petroleum oil and grease applications. These nitrile O-rings won't swell and deform when exposed to these fluids.
Abrasion resistance is the ability of the O-ring to resist wear and tear from moving parts. For applications with moving parts, you need to choose an O-ring material that has good abrasion resistance.
Speak to an O-ring specialist to learn more about the O-ring materials available and which one is best suited for your application.
What Are O-Rings Used For?
O-rings are used in a wide variety of applications. They are common in plumbing and tubing applications, automotive engines, hydraulic systems, and aerospace applications.
O-rings are also used in many different types of machinery, such as pumps, compressors, and valves. Here, they are used to seal moving parts and prevent the leakage of fluids and gases.
O-rings are also available in a wide range of sizes. The O-ring size is determined by the inner diameter (ID) and the cross-sectional diameter (CS). These measurements are usually given in millimetres (mm) or inches (in).
For more information on O-rings, contact a company near you.