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O-rings are a popular type of seal used by many manufacturing industries for various products. These include automobile engines, firearms, rockets, and beyond. This type of seal is popular because they boast a relatively low cost. Their production is rather straightforward, installation tends to be simple, and they provide excellent pressure resistance in their applications.
O-rings are diverse, in large part, because they are manufactured from a wide variety of different polymers or elastomers. The O-rings may be made even more durable through vulcanization, depending on their fabrication. Because there are so many different types, it can be challenging to know which type of ring is the best for your application. An overview of the most common options can help you determine which material type best suits your needs.
Common Types of O-Rings
There are many different materials, each with its own benefits and limitations. Some of the most common are:
- Aflas performs well at temperatures of 25° to 450° Fahrenheit. It is resistant to various aggressive chemicals and is mainly well known for its use in the oil field and its electrical resistance properties.
- Neoprene/Chloroprene has a broad temperature range of -65° to 300° Fahrenheit. It is often used with refrigerants in refrigeration and air conditioning units.
- Ethylene Propylene boasts a wide temperature range from -65° to 300°F. O-Rings made from this material are generally used in hydraulic pumps as the material works well when exposed to hydraulic fluids, steam, water, silicone oils, brake fluids, and alcohol.
- Fluoroeslastomer offers a wide temperature range from 15° to 400° Fahrenheit. This type of O-ring has many applications in hydraulic pumps and otherwise, as it can withstand exposure to gasoline, hydraulic fluids, bases, hydrocarbon solvents, and acids.
- Fluorosilicone has a temperature range of -80° to 350° Fahrenheit. It offers a wide variety of mechanical and physical properties similar to silicone rubber. So, it can be used in applications such as fuel injection as they will perform well when exposed to water, steam, and petroleum fluids.
- Nitrile has a temperature range between -65° and 300° Fahrenheit. This ring type is exceptionally well suited for most general-purpose, such as petroleum oils, water, and hydraulic fluids. In addition to simple Nitrile rings, there are also highly saturated nitrile rings and highly saturated nitrile TFE coated rings that expand the use further.
- PTFE is another ring type with a broad temperature range of -100 degrees Fahrenheit and 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This type of ring is very rigid, so it can be challenging to apply, but it is a great option when corrosion and abrasion occur. Automotive steering and paint guns are typical applications.
- Silicone has a temperature range of -120 degrees Fahrenheit and +450 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing for various applications. While there is an extraordinary temperature range, silicone is known for its poor tear resistance and tensile strength. One of the most common applications for silicone rings is in fuel injection ports.
- Urethane/Polyurethane offers a temperature range of -65 degrees Fahrenheit and +212 degrees Fahrenheit. These rings are a great option when you know you’ll be dealing with extrusion resistance and abrasion, as the material is quite resilient. These rings are often used in hydraulic fittings, cylinders, valves, firearms, and pneumatic tools.
APG Wants to Be Your Sealing, Coupling and Related Products Provider
If you have been looking for an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer and supplier of fluid sealing and conveyance products such as O-rings, look no further than APG. Since 1943 we have provided the highest quality products in as little time as possible to get you back up and running in short order. We are proud to be a globally recognized company specializing in manufacturing and supplying quality sealing, coupling, and related products.
We are focused on innovation within our field and are committed to the culture of customer centricity and employee development. We continue to honor our legacy but anxiously focus on our future and invite you to experience all that APG offers. We are sure you will find what you need in our product offerings but don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.
