O-rings are used to tightly seal the connections in tubes, pipes, and other systems in various industries. To ensure optimal performance, it is important to choose the right type of rubber O-ring for your specific application and operating conditions. At Moriteq USA, we specialize in producing a wide range of custom rubber parts, including O-rings. We can work with you to understand your specific needs and deliver a quality O-ring solution tailored to your specifications.
What is an O-Ring?
An O-ring is a component used to seal the interface of joined parts in a system. These donut-shaped components have a simple yet effective design, making them crucial in varying sealing applications, from safety-critical aerospace and automotive systems to complex electronic and medical devices.
To enhance the sealing capabilities of O-rings, their designs can be customized to meet the exact requirements of the specific application in which they are used. When the joining surfaces are pushed together, the O-ring is mechanically deformed to create a leakproof, airtight seal at the interface. All fluid handling systems that need tightly sealed connections between components can use these versatile devices.
Custom O-Rings Material Considerations
There are many different types of O-ring materials available to fit the needs of various applications. Rubber O-rings utilize rubber’s primary property, which is its elasticity, also referred to as compression set. When compressed between two surfaces, the elastic force of the rubber pushes back to form a seamless seal.
When designing your custom O-ring, it’s important to consider the following factors:
Temperature Resistance
Since the materials used in O-rings have their own unique operating temperatures, it’s important to choose one that can accommodate the temperature requirements of your particular application. For example, silicone O-rings can perform well in temperatures ranging from -175 °F to 450 °F, whereas neoprene O-rings can maintain their properties in temperatures ranging from -45 °F to 250 °F.
Compatibility with Chemicals
Different rubber materials offer varying levels of resistance to solvents, acids, and other chemicals. Chemical compatibility can determine the failure or success of your O-rings and must be carefully considered when determining the best O-ring solution for your application. Materials like neoprene and nitrile have limited chemical compatibility; silicone and Viton® have moderate compatibility; FFKM and Kalrez have high compatibility with most solvents and gasses.
Hardness and Durometers
Hardness refers to a material’s resistance to an applied force, whether it be a scratch, rebound, or indentation. Durometer is the international standard for measuring the hardness of objects, such as rubber O-rings. Most rubber O-rings have a durometer reading of 70 or 90, which means they are resistant to extrusion and can be used in dynamic applications. However, soft materials with low durometer readings may have issues with extrusion and wear.
Rubber Materials
Based on the above factors, you should be able to select the best rubber material for your O-rings. Common rubber materials used in O-rings include Natural Rubber, Urethane, Nitrile/Buna-N, EPDM, Neoprene, Fluoro/Viton, and Silicone.
Our Unique Rubber O-Rings Manufacturing Process
At Moriteq USA, we utilize the following manufacturing processes to produce custom O-rings:
Moldless Process
The moldless process is a method of manufacturing products without the use of metallic molds. This technique is particularly useful for producing small quantities of trial products, prototypes, and products with complex shapes that cannot be made using metallic molds. It can also be used to create products that are otherwise impossible to manufacture using metallic mold technology.
Lathe Cutting
In lathe cutting, an extruded rubber tube is inserted into a mandrel, and the finished O-ring dimensions are precisely cut while the mandrel is rapidly rotated in a lathe. This process is cost-effective and leads to higher yields because there is minimal material loss. Lathe-cut O-rings offer a quick and economical alternative to molded or die-cut processes and are particularly well-suited for applications that require a static seal.
Get Quality Sealing Solutions for Your Applications
To ensure optimal sealing performance, the geometry, size, chemical compatibility, and material composition of custom O-rings must match the application’s specific requirements. Moriteq USA is a leading national manufacturer of custom rubber products and has the resources and expertise to provide sealing solutions that will be successful in your industrial applications. Contact us today to request a quote and find the perfect solution for your needs.