O-RINGS
Discovering a century of evolution and endurance in O-ring seals.
The O-ring, introduced in the late 19th century and officially patented in the U.S. in the 1930s, immediately sparked interest in the potential of its design. Soon, designers incorporated the O-ring into devices such as engines, pumps, and pipe joints.
Over a century later, the O-ring is now the most commonly used seal in the world. The core form and function of the O-ring have remained the same, but technological developments have improved O-ring seal applications and options. There are different material and size options to suit any device’s specifications.
At DBM Seal, we offer a wide range of material options and custom sealing solutions for any application.
What Is an O-ring?
It is important to understand what O-rings are and why they are such a popular seal choice. An O-ring is a round, donut-shaped object that is used to create a seal between two surfaces in a highly pressurized environment. When installed correctly, an O-ring seal can prevent nearly all fluids from escaping containers in both liquid and gaseous states.
The material of O-rings depends on their application, but common materials for O-rings include nitrile, HNBR, fluorocarbon, EPDM, and silicone. O-rings also come in various sizes since they must be fitted precisely to function correctly. These seals are called O-rings because of their circular or “O-shaped” cross-section. The shape of the O-ring stays consistent, but the size and material are customizable.
How Do O-rings Work?
O-rings are used for sealing components in high-pressure applications where their unique resistance to pressure and maintaining shape are essential. O-ring seals are installed into the space between two components or surfaces that are placed together. For example, O-rings are placed between the grooves in two components of a pump.
Once installed, the O-ring seal remains in place and is compressed in the joint, forming a tight, sturdy seal. With proper installation, material, and size, the O-ring can withstand internal pressure and prevent any fluid from escaping.
O-rings may warp under too much pressure if installed incorrectly or if they are not the proper size or material. However, O-rings can withstand significant pressure in the right conditions. Most standard O-rings are designed to function at pressures up to 1500 psi. O-ring suppliers are able to provide designs that can operate at higher pressures when necessary.
Common Industries
O-rings can be applied to any device or machinery with components that require secure sealing. Common applications include devices like vehicle engines, fuel pumps, valves, storage tanks, and more. These broad applications leave potential for a variety of industries to benefit from O-ring seals.
O-rings are commonly used in the following industries:
INDUSTRIAL
LIFE SCIENCES
ENERGY, OIL AND GAS
FLUID POWER,
CHEMICAL PROCESSING
HEAVY EQUIPMENT
Explore the importance of O-ring materials and learn about common options.
An O-ring’s reliability is directly related to proper installation and appropriately chosen materials. When selecting the O-ring that will suit your project’s needs, it is important to consult professionals and explore all material options.
Often, O-ring seals are color-coded to correspond to their material. Color coding is available and can simplify the installation process, but you should never assume that color tells you the material of a previously existing O-ring.
O-rings are extremely popular seals used globally in a wide range of applications. There are hundreds of standard-size O-rings on the market, and the sizes available are virtually limitless. At DMB Seal, we want to help you find the perfect sealing solution for your project.
When purchasing an O-ring, there are several factors beyond size and cost to consider. These include, but are not limited to squeeze, stretch during installation, compression, application pressure, clearance gaps, tolerances, and surface finish. Let us make finding the right sealing solution for your next project fast, easy, and stress-free.
HOW TO MEASURE O-RINGS
O-rings are available in many different sizes, so it is important to measure before you purchase. Two measurements are needed for the proper sizing of an O-ring: the inside diameter (ID) and the cross-section (CS).
To find the inside diameter, measure the inside of the O-ring from the inside wall to the inside wall. To find the cross-section, measure the width of one side of the O-ring – the height of the ring when it is on a flat surface.
STANDARD O-RING SIZES & DIMENSIONS
There are numerous standards available for O-ring sizing. Two of the most commonly used in the United States are AS568 and Metric. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) set the AS568 standards; also we support ISO3601, China GB3452.1 and Japan JIS, these standards require diameter and cross-section measurements as well as tolerances.
Once we have your specifications, we can help you find the perfect seal for your application. See the O-ring size chart below for AS568 and Metric O-ring standards as sizing chart.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
O-rings seal because they are squeezed under pressure. Under high stress, an O-ring may experience extrusion as material enters the clearance gap, damaging the surface of the seal. Extrusion limits will depend on factors such as O-ring hardness (or durometer), pressure, and the size of the clearance gap.
CUSTOM SOLUTIONS FROM DMB SEAL
There are thousands of ready-made sealing solutions available, but some projects require a innovative approach. At DMB SEAL, we make it easy to get what you need and deliver it quickly.
By partnering with DMB SEAL, an industry expert, you will receive a custom sealing solution made in-house to your specifications. Our team can help your project problem-solve during the design and engineering phase and quickly move to prototypes and manufacturing.
Learn more about our O-ring selection and custom solutions. DMB SEAL team are here to help you find the high-quality, high-performance solution you seek for your sealing needs.
THE DMB SEAL ADVANTAGE
We're here to help in selecting the right sealing solution. Tell us your specifications, and we'll partner with you to find the ideal seals for your next project. Contact DMB SEAL to find out more about our O-ring selection and custom solutions.