O-rings are very commonly found in pumps, cylinders, connectors and valves, helping to seal joins between separate parts and prevent leaking of fluids and gases. They’re used with static, dynamic, hydraulic and pneumatic components, making them an especially versatile solution to a very widespread engineering issue. O rings are also used in many other applications, such as in automotive and mechanical engineering. They have many benefits. On the whole, static o-rings are created from less robust and hard-wearing materials than their dynamic equivalents. It’s also important that the components being joined together in a dynamic environment are carefully designed and finished, such that they will not abrade, shear and eventually destroy the O-ring positioned between them. This is less of a concern for o-rings used in static applications, as the only stress force they’ll be under is usually compression (to which they tend to be fairly resilient). Knowing how to lubricate an O-ring, which lubricant is best, and when to apply it will provide stability, maintain consistency, and optimize the service life of your O-ring. Let’s take a closer look: How to Lubricate O-rings An O ring is an important part of many plumbing systems. It is a small, rubber ring that helps create a watertight seal. If you are unfamiliar with what an O ring is and what it does, don’t worry!

Suited for: Pure PTFE o-rings are very rigid and hard to apply, but PTFE encapsulated o-rings handle surface wear well, in addition to exhibiting corrosion and abrasion resistance, non-permeability, chemical inertness, and low absorption.Sensitive to weather influences, moderate temperature resistance, unsuitable for brake fluid and polar solvents

High-pressure resistance is a common requirement of industrial o-rings, along with reliable performance in high temperature and dynamic environments. For a high-pressure seal to work to optimal levels, o-ring design and manufacture again depends on choosing specific materials for better performance under specific conditions. O rings are often used in plumbing applications to help prevent leaking between one pipe and another pipe. You will find them in your bathroom and kitchen faucet, and at connectors or fittings. Determine the o-ring material: Determine the o-ring material based on the application requirements like temperature, pressure, and media. Getting an o-ring replacement can be difficult if the material of the existing o-ring is not known. Use a rubber indicator test to determine the material. One of the key strengths of an O-ring-type seal is that after the parts it joins are disconnected and the compression forces acting on it are removed, it will return to its original shape. Over time, repeating this process will start to have an effect on the resilience and uniformity of the materials and the torus shape of the seal, and ultimately the o-ring will need swapping out for a new one if the seal is to remain tight.

Selection Factors

This article reviewed the different types and material options available for o-rings as well as the considerations for their selection. For information on other topics, consult our additional guides or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform where you can locate potential sources of supply for over 70,000 different product and service categories, including over 1,200 suppliers of o-rings. Sources