An O-Ring is one of the most basic, yet highly critical, precision mechanical components ever developed. An improper choice of O-ring could lead to time-consuming, costly, and potentially dangerous consequences of seal leakage. Since 1944, Parker O-Ring Division has been one of the most reliable manufacturers and worldwide suppliers of precision-engineered o-rings. Below we will cover what an O-Ring is, its purpose, how it works, and the exclusive sealing benefits of the Parker O-Ring.
What is an O-Ring?
An O-Ring is a mechanical gasket in the shape of a doughnut-shaped ring. It is a loop of elastomer with a round cross-section, designed to be seated in a groove and compressed during assembly between two or more parts, creating a seal at the interface.
What is the Purpose of an O-Ring?
The O-Ring is a sealing device, used to block a pathway that fluid or air may escape through. O-Rings are one of the most common seals used in machine design today.
How Does an O-Ring Work?
O-Rings are usually put into a groove to hold fluid or air in place, and then squeezed between two surfaces. When you squeeze the O-Ring between two surfaces you are taking up the clearance and
blocking the pathway that the fluid or air wants to escape through. When an O-Ring is squeezed the rubber has muscle memory. In other words, it wants to go back to its original shape. This memory is how the O-Rings seal under low to no pressure. When pressure is applied, it squeezes the O-Ring against the wall of the groove forcing it to expand in the opposite direction helping the O-Ring to seal against the walls of the groove.
Exclusive Sealing Benefits of Parker O-Rings:
-They seal over a wide range of pressure, temperature, and tolerance
-The symmetry of the O-Ring’s circular cross-section allows for sealing in any direction
-Ease of service, no smearing or re-tightening
-O-Rings do not require any special installation tools or primers
-O-Rings are capable of bidirectional sealing
-No critical torque on tightening, therefore unlikely to cause structural damage
-O-Rings normally require very little room and are light in weight
-In many instances, an O-Ring can be reused
-They are cost-effective
-The duration of life in the correct application corresponds to the normal aging period of the O-Ring material.
-O-Rings consist of a varied number of compounds that can resist virtually all aggressive chemicals and environmental application
-O-Ring failure is normally gradual and easily identified
More Than Just O-Rings
If you want to prolong the life of your synthetic rubber seals, we offer a barium base petroleum grease, called Parker O-Lube and the more durable Parker Super O-Lube, that can be applied during the installation of O-Rings and seals that will do the trick. We also offer Parker O-Ring Size Gauges for determining precise sizes and an Installation and Extraction Tool Kit. Find out for yourself today why engineers in every industry choose Parker O-Rings to keep their equipment working safely and dependable.
