O-Ring Dimensions Metric and Standard

O-Rings and rubber seals are critical components in many plants and equipment across a wide range of industries. The performance of o-rings and gaskets is determined by a number of factors including the design of the o-ring or seal, the groove or recess whereby it is to be seated upon, the material grade and composition of the product, as well as the selection of the right o-ring or gasket sizes and dimensions.

O-rings are sealing components used particularly for the containment of fluid and air in many hydraulic and pneumatic applications. They are also used as seal components for the preventing of the entry of dirt and foreign particles into devices and equipment. The application of o-rings varies depending on the demands placed upon it in its working environment. Because o-rings and sealing gaskets are used very extensively, engineers who design such components will have to take into consideration many factors. Temperature resistance as well as the ability to withstand degradation as a result of contact with aggressive chemicals are two important design criteria. The ability to resist ozone or ultraviolet light degradation are other requirements. Specialty formulations can enhance performance of such sealing compounds.

The material selection is diverse, and the typical material grades in use are FFKM or fluoroelastomers, FKM Viton, nitrile, epdm, silicone and more. The selection of the right oring sizes for the equipment to be sealed is just as critical as the use of the right material grade. In the semiconductor manufacturing industry, o-rings and seals are subject to harsh environments of extreme temperatures and contact with corrosive media. High end sealing technology is employed in this instance and the use of FFKM is universal for the chip manufacturing industry. The price of ffkm o-ring are high, owing to its advantages and enhanced characteristics.

The use of sealing components for hydraulic and pneumatic devices like cylinders is somewhat different. The main difference is that hydraulic applications places seal under high pressure in excess of 10,000 psi, whereas pneumatic devices do not. Wear and abrasive resistance is also featured as an important design criteria as piston continually travels up and down the cylinder. Seals are available as single acting or as double acting. Single acting seals are used in rotary applications and double acting for reciprocating action.

Many o-rings and seals are custom molded to very precise requirements of customers because of the fact that many equipment used in manufacturing are custom designed. The manufacturing of sealing components is a well established industrial process, and there are verification authorities that stipulate standards and requirements. O-rings and gaskets are used extensively across a wide range of industries, including the aerospace, medical equipment manufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing, heavy equipment and plants, chemical processing, food processing, oilfield exploration, petrochemicals and pharmaceutical industries.

Danny Ding is a freelance writer who runs his own keywords advertising ageny 關鍵字廣告 in Taiwan.