subject: Purchasing O-ring Gaskets Online [print this page] O-ring gaskets can be custom made to fit all types of requirements. When an O-ring is applied to a gland, it will seal against a variety of cryogenic conditions, chemical as well as at high temperatures. O-rings can be made out of several types of materials such as rubber, metals, synthetics and poly materials depending on the type of the type of application and its use.
An O-ring is a metal or nonmetal ring with a highly finished surface that requires completely accurate measurements to manufacture for any industrial purposes. O-ring gaskets are an integral part of industries around the world. It is a simple part, but it is extremely important for sanitary and proper pressure sealing. They are usually fairly inexpensive, reliable and have simple mounting requirements.
O-rings are one of the most commonly used seals in machines. The part is used in industries as diverse as automotive, power generation, petrochemicals, fluid power,Instrumentation, electronics, chemicals & fertilizer plants, filtration, pharmaceuticals, hydraulic fittings, hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, valves and pumps, plumbing products, dairy, food processing, earthmoving & construction, etc. Because of their use in high pressure systems, they suffer wear and tear quickly. For this reason, they need to be stocked in sufficient quantity to that you are able to replace them as necessary. You need to procure O-rings from manufacturers who offer a full line of products in all sizes, made using FKM Fluoroelastomer, EPDM, PTFE, Silicone Buna-N and Tuf-Steel FDA or USP Class VI compliant compounds.
These are available in about five or more different types of polymer materials for mechanical instruments such as rubber, metals, synthetics, poly materials etc. They are also available in various sizes that coincide to the diameters of ending section of crossed O-ring gaskets. Depending on the need, O-rings are available for customization in an array of sizes as well. They are manufactured as per various global standards viz. AS-568A, DIN 3771, METRIC, JIS 2401, BS 1806, SMS 1586, AS, AN, BS, AMS, NAS, Custom & Special Standards etc. O-Rings should be exact in measurement or they wont fit in the machine.
When an O-ring is applied to a gland, it will seal against a variety of cryogenic conditions, chemical and at high temperatures. O-rings are made of elastomers including silicone rubber, fluorocarbon rubber, buna rubber, nitrile rubber, butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber and more. O-rings can be used in an array of static and dynamic applications.
O-rings are simple, yet highly critical, precision mechanical components. A defect in O-ring may cause severe accidents, even disasters. For instance, failure of an O-ring seal was found to be the cause of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. The FKM O-ring used in the space shuttle was not fit for cold temperature applications. Cold O-ring, once compressed, takes longer than normal to regain original shape. On the night before the launch of the space shuttle, air temperature was exceedingly low. A failed O-ring seal allowed high temperature gas impinge upon the external tank, destroying the shuttle.
Devastation may not be as severe in all instances, but it can certainly stop production on the tracks. It is essential that the O-rings being used in an application must perfectly match the requirements. Misfit O-ring gaskets may create problems. This is something where the engineers can take chances only at the peril of the facility. It is better to procure the perfect gasket rather than using such an O-ring.
Take into account the track record of the manufacturer before making the final decision. The reputation they have earned in the market for their products is an assurance of the quality they will deliver.
by: Bob DuPont
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