O-Rings: The Ultimate Guide

History and Invention:

Niels Christensen invented the O-Ring while working on the development of car braking systems. He was granted a patent for his O-Ring in 1937, but manufacturers weren’t interested until World War II broke out. Christensen sold his O-ring design to the military. This “simple” O-ring revolutionized technology, accelerating advancements in complex systems. Today, the O-ring, particularly made from EPDM rubber, is indispensable in modern engineering and technology.

What is an O-Ring?

An O-ring is one of the most commonly used sealing devices in the world. It is relatively simple to manufacture and install, offering reliability and cost-efficiency. The size of an O-ring is defined by its inner diameter (ID) and cross-sectional diameter (CS).

O-rings are available in various elastomers (rubber types) and hardness levels (Shore).

Certifications:

KTW, USP, NSF 51 61, WRC, WRAS, FDA, R67 01.

Coatings for O-Rings:

We also offer O-rings with specialized coatings. O-ring coatings are used as assembly aids or to reduce friction. Coating options include silicone grease, PTFE, Teflon, Molykote, and talc.

Regulatory Compliance:

We supply O-rings in compliance with regulations such as RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals), and others like MIL R, NAS, and more. Our O-rings meet the stringent standards for various industries.

Types of O-Rings We Offer:

NBR O-rings, FVMQ Fluorosilicone O-rings, EPDM O-rings, HNBR O-rings, FKM / FPM Viton® O-rings, MVQ Silicone O-rings, ACM Polyacrylate O-rings, FFKM (Kalrez Chemras Parofluor) O-rings, IIR Butyl O-rings, CR Neoprene O-rings, AU Polyurethane O-rings,

EPDM O-rings are among the most popular due to their excellent properties.

Chemical Resistance of O-Rings:

Choosing the right O-ring material depends on its exposure to various substances. We can help you select the ideal O-ring material for your needs. We also offer testing services for O-rings.

We provide O-rings that are resistant to exposure to sunlight, ozone, UV radiation, fuels, gases, LPG R67, diesel, gasoline, water, potable water, oils, fats, kerosene, hydrocarbons, hydrogen, alcohols, acids, alkalis, chlorine, and FDA-approved food-grade O-rings. Additionally, we offer 100% silicone-free O-rings for industries such as glass, automotive, and more.

For Private Customers:

We supply O-rings to individuals through our webshop only.

Leading O-Ring Brands:
Trelleborg Busak – Shamban, Dichtomatik, James Walker, Guarnitec, Rada, Parker Prädifa, Angst & Pfister, Hitec Normatec, Eriks, Freudenberg Simrit, Ebele Sealing, Snijders, NOK, Kimman, Green Tweed, Dupont, Profiltra, Skega, Dowty O-ring

Materials Used for O-Rings:

FKM/VITON/FPM:

This fluoroelastomer is used in applications where O-rings need to withstand high temperatures and chemical exposure. FKM/FPM Viton® seals are commonly used in aerospace, automotive, and other industries that require exceptional resistance to extreme conditions.

NBR:

NBR O-rings are made from a synthetic polymer derived from the copolymerization of acrylonitrile and butadiene. The properties vary depending on the acrylonitrile content, which influences resistance to petroleum-based oils, hydrocarbon fuels, and flexibility at low temperatures.

VMQ/Silicone:

Silicone rubber (VMQ) was first produced by Dow Corning and General Electric in the mid-20th century. These O-rings are known for their heat and pressure resistance, but they have lower tensile strength, tear resistance, and wear resistance compared to conventional rubbers.

Explore our O-ring webshop for more materials used in O-ring production.

Tools for O-Ring Selection:

O-Ring Calculation Tool:

On our O-ring webshop, we provide a calculation tool to determine the cord length and inner diameter of your O-rings. This helps you gather more details or find the exact O-ring you need.

O-Ring Failure Analysis:

There are many reasons why an O-ring might fail, such as incorrect sizing or groove dimensions. On our webshop, you can get insights into why your O-ring failed and learn about possible solutions to prevent future issues.

Chemical Resistance Guide:

We offer a guide on our webshop where you can find out which O-rings are resistant to specific chemicals. This will help you choose the right O-ring for your application.

O-Ring Testing Services:

We work closely with a leading European O-ring laboratory and testing facility to offer an expanded range of services. You can have your O-ring tested for hardness, tension, and more. Visit our webshop to discover what other tests we offer for your O-rings.

Find here more tools and services that we offer.

View our other seals here

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