Rubber products are very popular products that are used in many specialized industries. O-rings, also called O-rings, are a perfect example of this. This specific element is used in the construction of static and dynamic machines, which makes it one of the most common and universal types of gaskets in the world. O-rings are very easy to manufacture, low-cost, and at the same time very durable. Their installation is very intuitive and lasts for a long time, even with intensive use of the device. Before buying, it is worth finding out about their diversity and possible applications on your own, in order to choose the right model for your needs and your own requirements.
O-rings – general characteristics
The name of the O-rings is actually a Polish version, coming from the English “o-ring”. The word refers to the characteristic shape of a regular ring when viewed cross-section. It is one of the most popular types of mechanical seals. It is easily recognizable because it looks like a tire tube or a small bagel. O-rings have been the most popular sealing rings for over 100 years. They are used in construction, industry, as well as in home renovations and in everyday work in a workshop or production plant. O-rings are placed between specific parts, thus creating a seal in the joint space. O-rings are most often made of various types of rubber, characterized by various parameters of strength, flexibility and resistance to weather conditions. The sealing ring is compressed by the pressing elements, which results in a tight connection. In this way, the O-rings prevent any liquids, gases or fine dust from escaping from the operating device.
Some types of rubber O-rings available on the market
O-rings are made of a combination of various types of rubbers based on the chemical compounds of elastomers. By selecting the appropriate proportions, it is possible to obtain specific properties, desired for a given type of machine or conditions. Bearing in mind the diversity in the selection of rubber O-rings, one should mainly consider the environment in which they will be used. It will be much better to use a different seal for the automotive industry and a different one for the food industry. In the first variant, you will need to find a material that will be easy to maintain when it comes into contact with hot oil, grease, crude oil or gasoline. It would be worth paying attention to the deformability and overall hardness, as it is likely that the O-rings will be pressed with great forces. In the case of an industry closely related to the production or transport of food, it will be necessary to have an appropriate certificate and attestations that guarantee the possibility of safe contact with food, drinking water and human skin. Such o-rings must be made of sterile rubber which does not transfer or affect the taste and smell, and cannot become toxic or melt at higher temperatures. There are several of the most popular types of O-rings: FKM, FPM Viton, EPDM, oil-resistant and silicone. Every professional manufacturer should offer O-rings in a variety of styles to offer competitive products. These are among others:
- NBR70, 75, 80 and 90 ShA rubber used for the temperature range: -20 ° C to + 90 ° C
- FFKM Kalrez rubber(with an extended range of resistance) 60, 70, 75, 80, 90 ShA used for the temperature range: -42 ° C to + 325 ° C
- EPDM rubber(caoutchouc)60, 70, 75, 80 Shore A used for the temperature range: -40 ° C to + 150 ° C
- silicone rubber 60, 70, 75, 80 ShA used for the temperature range: -20 ° C and up to + 300 ° C
- mixtures of FEP andPFA– i.e. rubber in a seamless casing – Teflon sheath with a core made of FPM or Silicone, used for the temperature range: -60 ° C to 260 ° C
When choosing a specific rubber mixture from which the O-rings will be made, you can expect other properties, which mainly concern the optimal temperature range, which also affects the price. The next parameters are size and thickness, which have a significant impact on the intended use and functions.
The use of rubber sealing O-rings
A well-chosen gasket can significantly increase the efficiency of the device with a simultaneous lower mechanical operation. High technical parameters guarantee long durability and high resistance to abrasion of the rings. O-rings have a relatively wide range of applications. They can be found practically at every step – in the kitchen, in every home, as a seal in the tap, in the gym as protection of machines against too fast wear, in cars. Also, specialists often turn to the help of sealing rings made of FKM FPM rubbers with increased resistance, using them in mining, in aviation and even in the space industry. O-rings are basically one of the most universal products on the market and their use depends on the expectations and needs. Currently, even the most demanding customer with the help of a professional will find the right model among the O-rings that will certainly meet their needs. Careful workmanship during production directly translates into the quality of their work and usefulness. For this reason, it is worth looking for FPM Viton rubber products in original and authorized places. Rubber O-rings can be used in various ways, depending also on their size. Most of the professional companies that distribute this type of product offer the possibility of cutting gaskets to the desired size. As a result, the O-rings can be perfectly adapted to your own needs.
Here you can buy o-rings for a wide purpose
Where to buy O-rings?
Reputable manufacturers and distributors of O-rings in the form of stationary stores and online wholesalers guarantee the purchase of high-quality products that have the required certificates and are completely safe to use. Rubber o-rings are very popular elements that can be used in many different ways. However, it is worth going to a specialized store to buy it to be sure of the quality and durability of the gasket. They are undoubtedly a great help in the daily work of many professionals, because the O-rings allow the machines to operate to their fullest potential. Often, other rubber products such as mats, flooring and slabs are also available at one location, which greatly facilitates the construction or renovation process for which orders can be placed. The high quality of primary materials and secondary workmanship is key to the strength and effectiveness of the sealing rings. Leading manufacturers of O-rings on the market ensure that their rubber products are resistant to abrasion and other mechanical damage and physical wear. Using an experienced team of engineers and technologists, he tries to ensure that O-rings and other products are as resistant to environmental factors and deformations as possible, while maintaining a certain degree of flexibility, so characteristic of rubber. You can always make an individual inquiry. By contacting a company offering rubber products and technical seals directly, you can easily get an answer from an industry specialist and learn about other complementary accessories that the manufacturer has. The advisor will certainly help you choose the best O-rings.
