O Rings and Cord
An O Ring is a product used in sealing applications. Typically an O-ring is a an elastomeric ring, manufactured to be a compressed, static seal between non-moving parts. O-rings can be used as a face seal on a valve, and used on rotating shafts inside a valve. An O Ring is a gasket consisting of a flat or round ring of rubber or urethane; used to seal a joint against high pressure. Two dimensions define the size of an O-ring: its inside diameter (ID) and its cross-sectional diameter, and these sizes can be inch or metric. A good rule of thumb when trying to ascertain if an O Ring is inch or metric dimensions is to know where the equipment the O Ring is utilized on was manufactured. If manufactured in the USA, the O Ring is likely an inch series, if manufactured anywhere else it is likely metric.
O Rings are available in numerous materials and durometers. What type of material utilized depends on the application. The most common material utilized is Buna. Buna is the least expensive o ring material and utilized in the majority of applications. Viton is also a common O Ring material. Viton is more expensive but is better in higher heat applications and more resistant to most chemicals than Buna. Silicone is also used as an O Ring material in many applications, particularly those that require resistance to extreme cold and heat. O Rings also are available in different durometers or hardness. The standard durometer is 70. It is common to also have applications that require 75 or 90 durometer O Rings.
O Rings can be spliced to size out of O Ring cord. Standard O Ring cord cross sections include both inch and metric sizes. An O Ring splice kit is a good tool for most industries to possess as it allows the end user to manufacture O Rings on site for their specific applications. Standardized O Ring kits are also available at a low cost and can cover a majority of an end users applications. Bearing Service stocks most common series of O Rings, O Ring Cord and both inch and metric O Ring kits. Contact a Bearing Service representative to assist in providing the correct O Ring for your application.
