Know Which Material You Need for Your Application
Almost every industry uses an O-ring, and for good reason—they’re one of the best seals out there. An O-ring is a doughnut-shaped loop of elastomer, also referred to as a torus, that offers a simple and versatile sealing solution. Usually, an O-ring will be installed in a gland where it blocks any fluids or gases from passing through gaps in the hardware.
There are as many types of O-rings as there are applications for them, so it can be difficult to know which one to select for your needs. You’ll want to pay careful attention to what materials you choose, among other concerns. The better your initial selection is, the less wear your O-ring will experience and the better performance you’ll have overall.
So, how should you start? We break down the process for you in a quick and easy to manage list below.
What Environment Will Your O-Rings Experience?
Will your O-ring be in an extremely hot or cold environment? Experience weathering? Encounter moisture? Chemicals? Oils or fuels? Consider these questions before selecting your O-ring.
Knowing these helps you select the right material for your O-ring. There are so many types of materials to choose, from silicone, to rubber, thermoplastic, metal and more. These all have different resistances and strengths, so be sure you’re choosing the most cost-effective option that can survive your environment and suit your needs.
Which Pressures & Compression Does Your O-Ring Need to Tolerate?
What hardware design are you using in your application? Again, this will affect the type of material your O-ring should be built from. In other words, you should be able to know your O-ring “squeeze ratio” to understand what pressures and compression your O-ring has to sustain.
Some materials are more durable and have more impact resistance than others, so if you have a demanding hardware design, don’t settle for anything less than a material that can handle the job. Doing otherwise can be incredibly dangerous and cost you a lot more in the long run.
What Size O-Ring Do You Need for Your Application?
Once you’ve settled on a material and understand your O-ring’s application, you can focus on getting the right size O-ring. There are O-rings in all sizes, but in some cases, you might want a custom O-ring solution. The good news is no matter what kind of O-ring you settle on, we at Orange Seal can help you find the one you need!
Need Assistance Finding Your Perfect O-Ring?
Our experienced team at Orange Seal, LLC has over 30 years of global experience locating O-seals and other parts for your industrial application. If you’re looking for your perfect O-ring, get in touch with us! We’d be glad to help.