What is a Rubber O Ring?
Rubber O rings are a type of mechanical gasket in the shape of a torus or donut, engineered for both static and dynamic applications (when they move against each element creating friction).
Rubber O rings are usually inexpensive, easy to make, reliable, work under pressure, and easy to install. Rubber O rings are made from several rubbers including nitrile, viton, silicone, and other synthetics.
When choosing the correct type of rubber for O-ring applications, the following main criteria are taken into consideration: Chemical resistance, hardness, abrasion resistance, permeability, heat resistance, and pressure resistance are examined.
With the large variety of rubber O Rings available, professional engineers can select the rubber material type which best meets their applications specifications and operating conditions.
What materials are used for rubber O-rings?
Selecting an appropriate rubber O-ring material is essential for achieving the ideal sealing performance, chemical compatibility, and service life in a variety of industrial and commercial applications.
Rubber O-rings, or elastomeric gaskets, or sealing rings, are consider a precision part of an assembly that are engineered to prevent the escape of fluids or gases from joints and connections.
Their low-cost construction, adaptability, and reliability makes them a method of sealing that is found everywhere from the automotive and aviation industries to plumbing, food processing, and electronics manufacturing.
Recently, the use of premium rubber O-rings has grown in popularity due to expanding applications in water filtration systems, hydraulic valves, pneumatic valves, industrial pump applications, electrical equipment, enclosure seals, rotating motor shaft seals, lighting fixture piping, and high-pressure flange gasket assemblies.
The continuing popularity of rubber O-rings is due largely to their elastic deformation and useful service life; they can be used for versatile sealing applications under static and dynamic operating conditions.
There are two main types of rubber O-rings: static O-rings that are designed to seal in a stationary capacity and dynamic O-rings that are designed for applications and assemblies where motion, such rotary and reciprocating shafts occur.
Awareness of the differences in O-ring applications leads to the proper selections of materials for specific O-ring applications based on the user’s particular operating environment or necessity.
Rubber O Ring Materials
Nitrile Rubber (NBR or Buna-N)
Nitrile rubber (NBR), made of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene, continues to be the gold standard for O-rings as the industry-standard sealing material because of its balance of performance, cost and chemical resistance.
Nitrile O-rings can be trimmed for levels of resistant to oil, gas and solvents and for temperature resistance based on the ACN and butadiene ratio. Variables in performance are influenced through the range of ACN concentrations – with low ACN having superior low-temperature performance, while with higher ACN molecules providing improved solvent resistance.
The extensive use of nitrile elastomer O-rings throughout many industries is due to lower cost, low compression set, high abrasion strength, and high tensile strength.
NBR O-rings are also ideal for sealing petroleum-based oils, hydraulic fluids, grease and some fuels. Thus NBR O-rings are found in the automotive industry, aerospace, hydraulic machinery and industrial machinery.
What has elevated NBR O-rings even more is the sealing performance level they achieve, performance achievement over the vast -40°C to 120°C operating temperature range. When you combine versatility and cost, NBR O-rings are an excellent choice for general sealing applications.
Viton® (FKM) Material
Viton fluoroelastomer O-rings, fabricated from synthetic rubber (FKM), are designed for industrial sealing applications that require high performance in extreme sealing environments and conditions that are chemically aggressive.
Developed by DuPont, Viton is a fusion of fluoropolymer chemical resistance and elastomer flexibility. Viton A grade has 66% fluorine is the baseline standard in many industries for O-ring applications ythat require good resistance to harsh chemicals, solvents, and fuels.
Viton O-rings may have higher up-front costs than Nitrile but have longer service life and resistance to heat, ozone, oxidation and chemical exposure may deliver long term cost benefits.
They service temperature range is –20°C to 210°C enabling them to withstand environmental conditions and sealing applications found in automotive fuel systems, aerospace fluid transfer, chemical processing and other aggressive service applications.
Viton O-rings offer excellent temperature stability and resist oils, acids, silicone fluids, hydraulic fluids, and aromatic hydrocarbons while working in adverse environmental conditions like UV light exposure, fungus and mold growth. Viton FKM O-rings are the best choice for industries with key applications that involve chemical compatibility and low maintenance.
Silicone Material
Silicone rubber O-rings are a combination of silicon, oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon in a cross-linked polymer matrix. They offer excellent biocompatibility, high flexibility, and excellent temperature performance.
Various methyl, phenyl, and vinyl modifications make silicone O-rings optimal in terms of chemical stability.
The UV degradation, ozone, have excellent overall weathering properties, in addition to the extensive chemical compatibilityIt is a non-toxic, and easily sterilized materials for food-grade, medical, and pharmaceutical uses, and are frequently used in both FDA and USP Class VI approved conditions food processing, beverage manufacturing, and sanitary sealing purposes.
Silicone O-rings operate well at an extreme temperature range of -60°C to 225°C, though specialty formulations can be rated higher (from as low as -100°C to as high as 300°C). Silicone O-rings are still very flexible and have excellent corrosion resistance, as well as resistance to microbial growth.
However preferred elastomers, silicone O-rings have much lower tensile strength as well as less wear resistance than most other elastomers. In high wear scenarios, you could add a Teflon(PTFE) sleeve to protect the silicone o-ring.
Some industries that apply silicone O-rings include food and beverage processing, as well as medical device manufacturing, aerospace, and electronics industries, which need to work in cleanroom or otherwise contaminant-free areas.
Neoprene (CR) Elastomers
where resistance to environmental agitation is prerequisite. Neoprene (commercially available as chloroprene rubber or CR) is an excellent everything for O-ring material because it is created using the emulsion polymerization of chloroprene, which is a common elastomer that has moderate oil, chemical, and weather resistance properties for O-ring seals.
Additionally, neoprene is a special elastomer due to its stability around its backbone that gives it resistance to environmental impacts of UV light, ozone, age, and oxidation, making it the best elastomer to use on an outdoor application or marine application.
Neoprene O-rings are produced using sulfur curing that make them not very flammable-they will stop burning when the source of flame is removed.
This flame-resistant characteristic can be helpful in cases where safety is paramount for sealing uses in refrigeration, HVAC and selected automotive presence.
Neoprene O-rings were tested for ranges in service temperature from –40°C to 121°C and can be used to seal refrigerants, ammonia, silicone fluids, coolants and selected petroleum based lubricants.
The fact that neoprene can work in so many different types of operating environments makes them a dependable sealing solution in general industrial and mechanical uses.
Latex Rubber
Natural latex rubber O-rings are derived from processing the sap from rubber trees and have been prevulcanized to create an elastomer that is well known for its ultimate flexibility, stretch and strength.
Latex O-rings provide great overall tensile strength and are very elastic, enabling them to perform well in dynamic sealing applications that require expansion and contraction very often.
Latex performs very well in lower temperatures, however it is susceptible to heat, sunlight, and oxygen, and any material degradation would typically occur unless it was treated with an appropriate stabilizer.
Latex is not recommended for use with petroleum oils, and fuels and most solvents as it will deteriorate very rapidly in these environments.
The most common industries using latex O-rings include laboratory, sports equipment, and some medical and pharmaceutical industries, especially where biocompatibility, durability, and high flexibility is a requirement.
Polyurethane Material
Polyurethane O-rings are synthesized (formed) by polyols reacting with diisocyanates, and are recognized for excellent wear and abrasion resistance, high tensile strength, and great elasticity.
With polyurethane as a thermoplastic elastomer, O-rings can be customized for specific sealing requirements. The O-rings encounter significant mechanical stress, frequent motion, and exposure to hydraulic fluids, oils, fuels, and a variety of chemicals.
Polyurethane O-rings are effective and functional in service between -54°C and 225°C (specific compound selection must still be identified).
They are an excellent choice for applications requiring high pressure, recurrent impact, and exposure to abrasive conditions, e.g., hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic actuators, mining machinery, automotive components, etc.
Low permeability to gases, resistance to extrusion, and versatility allow for other large-scale practical uses for hydraulic and pneumatic sealing technology.
The six products of natural and synthetic rubber highlighted earlier only represent a small fraction of the total range of O-ring materials available commercially.
Many other specialty elastomers and engineered polymers can be specified for sophisticated sealing products requiring not only extreme temperature tolerances, high chemical resistance, or meeting speci fic regulatory hurdles (such as those by the FDA, USP, or NSF).
Key alternative O-ring materials include:
- EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer): Exceptional resistance to moisture, steam and polar solvents; frequently used in drinking water systems and food-grade applications.
- HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber): Improved thermal and chemical resistance for sealing in automotive, oil, and gas applications.
- FFKM (Perfluoroelastomer): Outstanding high temperature and chemical compatibility to support semiconductor manufacturing, hydraulic seals and aggressive chemical processes.
- PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene): Very good chemical inertness and temperature performance for aggressive acids, caustics and food processing.
- Butyl, Aflas™ (TFE/P), Fluorocarbon FFKM, PEEK and TPV (EPDM+PP): Advanced elastomers and thermoplastics with exclusive characteristics for very specific sealing applications.
Selecting the right O-ring material will depend upon the user intent and application criteria: temperature ranges, pressure ratings, regulatory compliance, media compatibility, and dynamic vs. static sealing.
Selecting the right O-ring material can be facilitated by working with qualified O-ring manufacturers and material engineers, all of whom will help you select the right material for correct sealing, product life, and product efficiency.
| Aflas™ | Perfluoro elastomer |
| Fluorocarbon FFKM | Fluorez |
| HNBR | PTFE |
| PEEK | HNBR |
| TPV(EPDM+PP) | Butyl |
| FFKM | Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene |
| EPDM | Epichlorohydrin |
What Are the Types of Rubber O-Rings?
The primary classification for rubber O-rings is static and dynamic, which is essential when implementing O-ring seals in all industries. Static rubber O-rings perform sealing between two rigid, non-moving surfaces, which is common in pipe joints, hydraulic assemblies, and flange connections.
In these cases, the O-ring performs as a gasket by relying on the compression of the elastomer material to seal against leakage.
Dynamic rubber O-rings perform sealing between two surfaces that are in relative motion; examples of dynamic O-rings include pistons, shafts, and any machined component where the component reacts with rotating pieces or reciprocating motion.
This is an important distinction because both the motion type and the application conditions affect the O-ring material selection process and baseline performance.
Whereas static rubber O-rings can use standard polymer compounds like nitrile (NBR) or silicone that provide good chemical resistance and some level of pliability, dynamic applications require a durable, corrosion resistant material.
Dynamic rubber O-rings are always exposed to some levels of abrasion, some level of extrusion, some level of shear force, and in most cases repeated cycles of compression.
The manufacture of dynamic rubber O-rings require more durable compounds like; fluorocarbon (Viton®), EPDM or PTFE-encapsulated or a combination of durable polymers.
In addition, actual dynamic applications may require the additional step of lubrication of the O-ring in the application to reduce wearing on the elastomer and maximize useful service life.
Proper lubricatio would also help distribute heat buildup and lessen the chance of premature seal failures in dynamic conditions.
The variety and complexity of rubber O-ring types are exponentially increasing every day as new sealing solutions and innovative designs are created to meet the constantly changing standards in present day industry.
Rubber O-rings are designed to perform as a custom engineered seal and can be quickly identified by the inner and outer diameter, cross-section thickness, durometer (hardness), shape, functional requirements, and base elastomer material.
Further, the correct selection of rubber O-rings based on temperature range, pressure rating, chemical compatibility, and application-specific requirements determines the reliability of the seal and the maximum longevity of the O-ring.
Rubber O Ring Types
Back-Up O Rings
Back-up O-rings–also known as anti-extrusion rings are dedicated sealing devices used only to seal hydraulic or pneumatic systems for high-pressure, and/or high-temperature applications.
Back-up rings provide extra protection to the primary O-ring seals from extrusion when a pressurized fluid forces an O-ring into clearance.
Back-up O-rings perform as a physical barrier to extrusion while still aiding in reducing the extrusion space. Back-up O-rings also allow the primary seals to achieve higher pressure ratings and allow the seals to performance better in demanding and aggressive service conditions.
Back-up O-rings predominantly used in industries such as oil & gas, chemical processing, and fluid power systems to provide ensure better reliability, and therefore safety, of the seal and system.
The diagram below shows the extrusion points located on the left and right with the back-up O-rings protecting against extrusion as physical barrier. To maximize the effectiveness of the back-up O-ring seals, it is crucial to install the seals correctly and select the correct materials.
Coated Rubber O Rings
Coated rubber O-rings utilize surface-coated films, such as PTFE (Teflon®), parylene, or silicone, to enhance performance. The coating functions to reduce the friction during installation, increase chemical compatibility, resist aggressive media, and identify different sealing applications by color.
A coated O-ring has less tendency to twist, tear and damage during assembly; thus improving performance in terms of durability, longevity, and maintaining seal integrity.
Coated O-rings are especially desirable in food processing, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and high purity fluid handling, where cleanliness and compatibility to chemical conditions are important.
Encapsulated Rubber O Rings
Encapsulated rubber O-rings have a resilient core, usually silicone or Viton®, embedded in a jacket of state of the art plastic, generally FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) or PFA (perfluoroalkoxy-copolymer).
Encapsulated O-rings are the most robust available sealing solution for corrosive chemicals, extreme temperatures, aggressive solvents, and thermal cycling.
FEP jackets provide a wide chemical inertness spectrum and operate over a wide temperature range (from cryogenic to hot), while PFA jackets provide even higher mechanical properties and resistance to cracking while under stress.
Encapsulated O-rings should only be used in static sealing applications due to the encapsulating jacket being susceptible to damage by sliding or dynamic movements during application. Static sealing applications include pumps, valves and process instrumentation.
Encapsulated O-rings are most appropriate for use in the chemical processing, semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries where chemical purity and integrity are paramount.
Hollow O Rings
Hollow rubber O-rings possess a hollow cross-section, giving them more ease of compression and the ability to better conform to non-standard or sensitive sealing surfaces compared to standard solid O-rings.
Such lightweight attributes make hollow O-rings, ideal for low-pressure, static, or vacuum sealing applications (i.e., instances in which there is little space or force available to achieve a proper seal) so includes electronic enclosures, medical devices, and fragile laboratory equipment.
However, hollow O-rings should not be used in dynamic and high-pressure assemblies as structural integrity would not allow extrusion or continuous application of motion. Even still, offering the flexibility of non-standard or customized groove geometry.
Square Rubber O Rings
Square rubber O-rings, or lathe-cut sealing rings or washers, have a square cross-section instead of a circular cross-section.
The square, unlike the circular profile, has a larger area of contact over the sealing surfaces, providing a measure of leak resistance and seal pressure in certain static applications as a result.
Square O-rings are not designed for rotational applications, but are frequently a cost effective alternative to molded O-rings for use in plumbing applications, water filtration systems, and many other custom sealing applications.
When contained in a groove, a square O-ring sits comfortably and uniformly in the groove producing a solid, leakfree seal with the mating surfaces.
When choosing from distinct types of rubber O-rings, users must analyze the unique requirements of the sealing application(s) they will be utilized in.
We need to consider variables related to environmental exposure, as well as industry expectations (i.e. relating to food contact include FDA, NSF, ASTM) and installation limits.
Many factors (consider operating temperature extremes, fluid or chemical compatibility’s, pressure rating, dynamic vs. static configuration, As well as maintenance cycles) all work together to influence the selected O-ring.
Ultimately, when users are diligent and speak with experienced O-Ring suppliers/manufacturers, it will help users choose the right sealing solution for their unique operations to promote reliability and reduce downtime.
In addition, users can even procure custom-designed O-rings that can be employed for very specialized functions in service within sectors such as aerospace, automotive, medical device manufacturing, and chemical processing.
How to Select the Right Rubber O-Ring Material?
A rubber O-ring is made to provide a snug fit for a leak-proof seal for a variety of applications, such as products, process control systems, and motor shafts. One of the reasons they are so widely used as sealing methods is because of simple design, easy to manufacture and install.
Rubber O-rings utilize the fundamental aspect of rubber, elasticity (compression set), and when compressed between two surfaces, the elastic force of the O-ring pushes back for a leak-proof seal.
Material Selection for Rubber O Rings
Temperature Resistance
Temperature resistant can be numerous types of rubber. Generally there are three temperature related criteria: high, moderate, and low.
- High: The temperature resistance of rubber O rings made with Viton®, FFKM, Kalrez®, and Silicone rubber will resist temperatures to 350°C. This is important for aerospace applications.
- Moderate: The temperature resistance of rubber O rings made with HNBR and peroxide cured EPDM will resist temperatures to 150°C.
- Low: Silicone O-rings can resist temperatures of – 60°C without losing their properties.
Compatibility with Chemicals
Different elastomeric rubbers display various degrees of resistance to solvents, esters, ketones, petrochemicals, fluoroalkanes, and acids.
Therefore, chemical compatibility is fundamental to the performance of a rubber O-ring, and the considerations can affect the suitability of the O-ring relative to its application.Compatibility can be generally divided into three classifications:
- Maximum: FFKM and Kalrez rubber O rings are compatible with virtually all solvents and gases. They can be considered a versatile, adaptable material solution.
- Moderate: Viton® and Silicone rubber elastomers possess moderate compatibility.
- Limited: Nitrile and Neoprene rubber elastomers exhibit limited compatibility. Careful consideration should be taken when chemical exposure is possible.
Hardness and Durometers
Hardness reflects a material’s resistance or deformability in the application of force, and hardness can be further categorized into scratch hardness, indentation hardness and rebound hardness.
Durometer is the international standard for determining hardness for materials such as rubber O-rings. Durometer is based on increments of five or ten (e.g., 50,60,65,70,75). O-rings made of rubber generally have a durometer rating of 70 or 90.
Durometers typically come in three different types: A, M, and D. Type A is designed for soft rubber, Type D for harder rubber, and Type M is a durometer designed to measure very small, soft rubber O-rings.
Soft materials with a low durometer, such as a 50 durometer, are more flowable, and thus have the ability to deform into microfine grooves, or imperfections and deformities in the substrate or interface. However they may have wear/extrusion problems.
As durometer increases (or O-ring hardness, in particular, such that a 70 durometer or a 90 durometer), the better resistance of the rubber O-ring to extrusion, which allows O-rings with low durometers to be used in dynamic applications.
Tensile Strength
Tensile strength denotes the amount of force that a material can withstand before it fractures or breaks; tensile strength is the antonym of compression strength.
As tensile strength is important in situations where materials are subject to forces in the pulling direction, understanding tensile strength assists designers and engineers to estimate how a product will behave under tension.
Of all the rubber O-ring materials, silicone has very low tensile strength and is not suitable for dynamic sealing applications.
Tensile strength is measured by a tensometer which is a machine that applies tensile or compressive force. The results are then displayed in a stress-strain curve which indicates the amount of force put in to deform or break the material.
Material Purchasing Considerations
When sourcing rubber O-rings, other factors should also be taken into account. Generally, these conditions are already considered by designers and engineers since O-rings must be reliable for the process to succeed.
The table below provides a comprehensive summary and comparison of the various rubber materials attributes.
| Material | Nitrile | Butyl | Neoprene | Ethylenepropylene | Fluorocarbon | Polyurethane | Silicone | Perfluoroelastomer |
| Property | NBR | IIP | CR | EPDM | FKM | AU or EU | VQM | FFKM |
| Ozone Resistance | P | G/E | G/E | P | E | E | E | E |
| Weather Resistance | F | G/E | E | E | E | E | E | E |
| Heat Resistance | G | G/E | G | E | E | F/G | E | E |
| Chemical Resistance | F/G | E | F/G | E | G | P | F/G | E |
| Oil Resistance | E | P | F/G | P | E | G | F/G | E |
| Impermeability | G | E | G | F | G | F/G | F/P | G |
| Cold Resistance | G | G | F/G | G/E | F | G | E | F |
| Tear Resistance | F | G | G | G/E | F/G | G/E | P | P |
| Abrasion Resistance | G | F/G | G | G/E | G | E | P | E |
| Set Resistance | G/E | F/G | F | G/E | G/E | F | G/E | P |
| Dynamic Resistance | G/E | F/G | F | G/E | G/E | F | G/E | P |
| Acid Resistance | F | G | F/G | G | E | P | F/G | E |
| Tensile Strength | G/E | G | G | G/E | G/E | E | P | P |
| Electrical Properties | F | G | F | G | F | F | G | E |
| Water Steam Resistance | F/G | G | F | G | F | F | G | E |
| Flame Resistance | P | P | G | P | E | P | F | G |
| P = Poor | F = Fair | G = Good | E = Excellent | |||||
What Are the Benefits of Rubber O-Rings?
Rubber O-rings are one of the most uncomplicated precision mechanical components. However, they are essential to the high performance of products, machinery, and components.
Their use is diversifying by the development of new and innovative processes and procedures. Even though they are simple, they are essential to many operations and processes.
Rubber O Ring Benefits
Multiple Sizes
Rubber O-rings are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and designs, from small enough to fit in a pen to large enough to seal pipes.
This makes O-rings adaptable to many different processes and operations. As new devices become smaller and more flexible, O-rings out of rubber will be re-engineered and resized.
Proper Hardness
Although hardness is important to many uses, the durometer for rubber O-rings can be adjusted to obtain the texture desired for each use.
Rubber O-rings can range from extremely soft – they’re easily compressed with the squeeze of a finger, to hard ones that can be hammered on, and everything in between. This has made rubber O-rings adaptable and practical for many conditions.
Simple Structure and Design
All rubber O-rings whether standard or customized had a simple configuration and shape. This simplicity allows for quick installation and replacement in any application.
Self Seating
Rubber O-Rings are simple enough that they will self-seat without instruments and tool adjustments and they usually require little or no maintenance.
Tight Seal
An effective rubber O-ring must produce a tight positive seal to avoid leakage. This is one of the most important attributes of rubber O-rings, and it is why they have a continued application.
Cost Effective
Relative to other materials needed for complicated tasks, rubber O-rings are by far the most economical and easiest to source.
What Causes Rubber O-Ring Failure?
There are numerous contributing factors attributable to rubber O ring failures, such as initial use issues. These are items such as improper installation or misunderstanding of the compression level being used in a process.
If you can get a better handle on these factors, you can often prevent future problems and protect your devices and equipment.
Rubber O rings differ from gaskets in that they are circular and do not have a flat surface, and they are made from a variety of elastomers.
O rings are molded to match the specific profile you need. The design of rubber O rings allows for liquids to be sealed and is generally used on hydraulic and other high pressure devices. Rubber O rings are an inexpensive and effective process solutions for both static and dynamic applications.
Rubber O Ring Failure
Failure Through Abrasion
Abrasion is a frequent form of rubber O ring failure due to an improper finish to its surface, when the O ring is used in dynamic process.
Dynamic rubber O rings need to be lubricated and must retain a lubricant when applied to a system. In other situations, the system where the rubber O ring exists may not provide enough lubricant.
Excessive Swelling
A rubber O-ring is prone to swelling due to the absorption of fluids based on contact with surrounding fluids in the environment.
If the material and seal are not suited for the temperature, fluid type, or system environment, swelling may increase beyond a critical threshold. Continued uncontrolled swelling can lead to gland fill, extrusion, and loss of the seal altogether.
More often than not, the elastomer that is chosen is simply incompatible with the application and the elastomer material is not able to properly react to the environment and fluids that are present.
Compression Set
Along with abrasions, compression sets are similarly a common cause of rubber o-ring failures. Compression set failure occurs when an o-ring’s seal line gets compromised from improper seal squeeze.
Rubber o-rings usually rebound to their original shape when a rubber o-ring is compressed. However, if the o-ring is extended beyond their recommended size, the cross-section can decrease and flatten into an oval shape, reducing the o-ring’s ability to seal properly.
Compression set failure can happen for several reasons such as using rubber o-rings with poor compression set characteristics. Other possible sources of error such as gland design, excessive temperature, swelling, over-tightening, or fluids oy o-rings have incompatible attributes.
Timely Lubrication
The performance and service reliability of rubber O-rings depend on the proper and timely lubrication. Lack of lubrication can cause a lot of things such as pinching, scratches, abrasions, and deformities.
Rubber O-rings can either be encapsulated or coated, but providing lubrication provides additional protection. Without lubrication, O-rings can become damaged and degrade, which justifiably may lead to major failures of processes and devices.
Conclusion
- A rubber O ring is mechanical gasket in the form of a torus or donut utilized for both static and dynamic applications where there may be friction due to relative motion between parts.
- The rubber material that is used for O ring applications must be compatible chemically, hardness, abrasion performance, permeability, temperature and pressure performance.
- Understanding the selection of rubber for O rings can be a daunting task due to the variety of available rubber materials. Rubber O rings are elastomeric rubber materials used to seal connections to prevent leaking.
- Rubber O rings fall under the two general categories of static and dynamic. Static rubber O rings provide a sealing surface for two surfaces that do not move, dynamic rubber O rings provide a sealing surface between two surfaces that move. These different functions require us to use rubber materials that function for these different applications.
- Rubber O rings are one of the simplest types of precision mechanical parts, nevertheless they are critical to the high performance of products, machinery, and components. Their use will continue to grow, as new and innovative processes, and procedures are being developed.