A high-temperature O-ring consists of material that can function effectively at elevated temperatures. Damaged O-rings and related performance issues common to O-ring failure at high temperatures can be directly attributed to incorrect material for the application. Every type of elastomeric material used for O-rings has its own temperature limits to function effectively. Exceeding these limits… Read more »
In sectors where precision is paramount, like engineering and manufacturing, micro o-rings, also known as miniature o-rings, play a pivotal role in success. These tiny, often overlooked components ensure seamless operations, acting as trustworthy barriers between pristine environments and the rest of the world. Although they are similar to other gaskets and o-rings, their size… Read more »
What is a grommet used for? Though they may seem similar (as each is a ring-shaped rubber component), grommet uses are far different than what an o-ring is used for. Beyond their common shape and use of similar materials, they differ in design and utility. In other words, just because they look the same doesn’t… Read more »
O-ring failure can be damaging, expensive, and even deadly if someone gets injured by malfunctioning equipment. Fortunately, o-ring failure causes are well-known and can be prevented. In this blog, we’ll cover how to troubleshoot and prevent five of the most common causes of o-ring failure.
Perhaps the most famous O-ring failure in history is that of the Challenger space shuttle, which ended the lives of seven NASA astronauts in January 1986. In the shuttle’s right rocket booster, a seal failed at the aft field joint that led to the spacecraft exploding. It was later found that the O-ring didn’t have… Read more »
When it is time to replace a seal, knowing the differences between a gasket vs. o-ring is essential for the application to function as designed. Each type of mechanical seal is used in numerous applications ranging from engines, motors, machines, and pumps to cylinders, piping, valves, tools, equipment, and so on. Both gaskets and o-rings… Read more »
Considered an industry-standard, silicone O-rings hold excellent mechanical properties that perform in the most extreme conditions. Silicone materials, in general, are exceptionally versatile. The material is not only used in the fabrication of seals, gaskets, and O-rings, but in numerous other applications such as adhesives, lubricants, thermal and electrical insulation, and in medical devices, and… Read more »
In the realm of mechanical components, few forces are as detrimental as heat. This makes it crucial to utilize materials that can endure high temperatures, especially in applications where the impact of heat is significant. O-rings, which are donut-shaped mechanical gaskets constructed from elastomer loops, play a vital role in creating seals between components. Whether… Read more »
Selecting an o-ring vs. gasket will depend on the application. Each is a type of everyday mechanical seal frequently used in machines, motors, engines, piping, pipelines, fixtures, and the like. O-rings and gaskets join and seal parts and components found in these devices to prevent gas or fluid leakage from them.
Nitrile o-rings and seals are the most commonly used o-rings and seals on the market. The popularity of the material is due in large part to its excellent mechanical properties. O-ring seals are a necessity, an integral component found in mechanical devices, equipment, and machines. The familiar doughnut-shaped gaskets are used in a variety of… Read more »
