05 Feb What are the Different Types of O-Rings?
O-rings might be small in size, but they play vital roles in different industries and applications—they prevent fluids and gases from leaking in manufacturing and industrial environments. And when it comes to choosing the right parts for your machinery or equipment, understanding the various types of O-rings available is essential.
At I.B. Moore Company, LLC, our experienced team members guide clients through the process every day.
Our Highly Rated O-Ring Kits
I.B. Moore offers customers O-rings, O-ring kits, and O-ring cords that withstand extreme pressure, temperature fluctuations, chemical compounds, water, gas, and oil. Our highly rated O-ring kits contain O-ring cords, custom seals, molded parts, springs, and gaskets.
These pre-packaged, standard kits have O-rings made from a variety of materials. Ask us about metric O-ring kits, quad rings kits, and splicing kits, too. And if you don’t see the kind of kit you’re looking for, we’ll help you design a custom one. We can ship them for next-day arrival so you’ll have them on hand for repairs as quickly as possible.
Flat O-Rings vs. Round O-Rings
Our customers often ask us to explain the differences between flat O-rings and round O-rings. The main differences between these types of o-rings are their shapes and intended uses.
- Flat O-rings are flat and wide and best suited for broader sealing surfaces and static (non-changing) applications. They are stable and resistant to deformation, preventing leaks between non-moving parts. We often recommend them for equipment like vacuum pumps and lids.
- Round O-rings feature circular cross-sections and work best for dynamic (changing) applications like pneumatic and hydraulic systems. Since they’re circular, they provide efficient sealing between dynamic parts with axial and radial movements.
We Carry These Types of O-Rings
At I.B. Moore, we carry O-rings made from high-performance materials. Here is a list of the ones we offer:
Buna: Versatile and Cost-Effective
Also called nitrile, NBR, or Buna-N, these are some of the most common kinds of O-rings available. They’re made from synthetic rubber for strength and versatility; they withstand extreme temperatures and are cost-effective. Buna O-rings are resistant to petroleum-based fluids like fuel and oil; they are also used in industrial machinery, automotive applications, and hydraulic systems.
EPDM: Excellent Elasticity and Resistance
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) O-rings are highly elastic and resist water, steam, weathering, UV exposure, and ozone. They are excellent for brake systems, outdoor applications, aerospace, and HVAC systems. EPDM O-rings also have low electrical conductivity and long-lasting durability.
Neoprene: Withstands Weathering
Durable and versatile, Neoprene O-rings are also made from synthetic rubber. They are exceptionally resistant to weathering, heat, ozone, and seawater; they withstand temperatures down to -67°F and are often used in cooling and freezing applications. And since they are flexible with compression set resistance, they perform reliably for long periods of time.
Neoprene O-rings are typically employed in marine, industrial, automotive, and aerospace settings. Our customers tell us that our Neoprene O-rings exceed expectations for resisting chemicals, oils, and abrasions.
Silicone: Temperature-Resistant
Made with silicone rubber, these O-rings can withstand extreme temperatures while remaining flexible. We recommend them for sealing applications where temperature variations are the norm. We recommend silicone O-rings for electronic components, medical devices, and aerospace applications. They can handle temperatures up to 450°F and also resist water, ozone, and acids.
HNBR: Resilient and Versatile
HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) O-rings withstand a wide range of temperatures without losing sealing effectiveness. That makes them effective in various applications, like car engines, household appliances, and plumbing systems.
Viton®: Chemical Resistance
Viton® O-rings are often the best choice for applications with ongoing exposure to harsh chemicals and fluids. They are made from a fluoroelastomer, a high-performance, rubber-like material that resists chemicals, heat, and extreme conditions. Viton® O-rings are used in aerospace applications, petrochemical industries, and chemical processing plants. They also resist fungus and are reliable in temperatures from -14°F to 400°F.
I.B. Moore Company Has All the Types of O-Rings You Need
I.B. Moore carries an unmatched range of O-rings and O-ring kits because we serve so many industries. We also supply customers with gasket material, finished gaskets, and sheet rubber. We are based in Lexington, KY, and serve customers nationwide.
Contact us to request a quote and see what a difference our years of experience and wide-ranging industry expertise will make for your business.