Gaskets

O-Ring

An O-ring is a toroidal, or "doughnut-shaped," seal used as a mechanical seal in virtually every machine requiring fluid containment. O-rings are intended to be seated into a gland, or grove, and compressed between two parts, thereby creating a seal at the interface. Because of their circular shape, O-rings are well suited for both static and dynamic applications. Furthermore, because of their simplicity and ease of production, O-rings tend to be very cost-effective.

  • Advantages

    Advantages
    They seal over a wide range of pressure, temperature and tolerance.
    Ease of service, no smearing or retightening.
    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 cases an O-ring can be reused, an advantage over non-elastic flat seals and crush-type gaskets.
    The duration of life in the correct application corresponds to the normal aging period of the O-ring material.
    O-ring failure is normally gradual and easily identified. Where differing amounts of compression effect the seal function (as with flat gaskets), an O-ring is not affected because metal to metal contact is generally allowed for.