Silicone O Rings

Silicone O Rings

Silicone o rings are very durable and can retain their flexibility even in extreme temperatures. They also have high resistance to water and ozone.

They are also known for their low tensile strength and poor tear and wear resistance. These characteristics make them unsuitable for dynamic seals.

Standard silicone o-ring compounds are peroxide-cured. Other types include platinum-cured o-rings for medical systems and LSR compounds for injection molding with custom geometries.

Customization

O-rings are circular seals that are placed between mechanical parts to prevent fluid and gas leakage. They are available in a variety of materials and can Silicone o rings be customized to fit the specific needs of an application. For example, silicone is an extremely versatile material that resists heat, cold, ozone, set, chemicals, oil, water, and steam. Its versatility makes it ideal for many applications, including sealing and thermal insulation.

Silicone O-rings can be molded in two different ways: continuous molding and compression molding. Both processes require tooling, but continuous molding is optimal for small volumes of large diameter o-rings. It is also possible to vulcanize o-rings in-house, which can be an affordable option for larger quantities of custom o-rings.

Silicone is a polymer of silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Its unique chemical structure allows it to withstand high temperatures, UV damage, and corrosion. It is also non-toxic and does not grow mold, making it the perfect choice for food and medical applications. In addition, it is resistant to ozone and weathering. However, silicone is not recommended for dynamic applications due to its low strength and abrasion resistance.

Versatility

Silicone o rings are highly versatile and can be used in different environments because of their resistance to cold and hot temperatures, wide range of chemical compatibility, and low toxicity. They can also be compounded to be electrically insulating, making them ideal for electronic and mechanical equipment use. They can even be FDA-approved food grade (VMQ), which makes them a great choice for medical and jewelry applications.

Nitrile o-rings can’t match silicone’s durability when it comes to high temperatures, but they do have excellent resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels, and good abrasion resistance. EPDM o-rings are another popular choice, but they don’t have the flexibility of silicone and don’t perform well at extremely low temperatures.

Fluorosilicone o-rings combine the good high- and low-temperature properties of silicone with limited fuel and oil resistance, and they provide a wider operational temperature range than Fluorocarbon rubbers. They can also be made to be flame retardant, which is important for many applications. They’re also nontoxic and inert, which makes them safe for sensitive materials. This versatility is a huge benefit for industries that need to seal components that come into contact with food and other potentially toxic substances.

Durability

Silicone o rings are durable, especially in comparison to other o-rings. They resist temperature extremes, UV rays, corona, and chemicals. They also have a high dielectric stability and are electrically insulating. In some aspects, silicone o-rings surpass other materials like EPDM and nitrile. However, they don’t perform as well with petroleum-based oils and fuels.

O-rings made from silicone are FDA approved for use in food processing and medical equipment. They can withstand extremely low temperatures, ozone and UV radiation, and are odorless and tasteless. These characteristics make them a suitable choice for food storage products, electronic equipment, home repair and hardware, and other applications that require a clean seal.

Nitrile o-rings are also durable, but they don’t stand up to petroleum-based fuels and oils as well as silicone. They are known for their excellent resistance to weather, ozone, and certain chemicals, but they lack silicone’s flexibility at low temperatures and electrical insulation properties. Viton (FKM) o-rings have better resistance to petroleum-based fuels and oils but don’t offer as much flexibility at low temperatures or ozone resistance.

Cost-Effectiveness

O-rings made of silicone are inexpensive and can be manufactured easily, making them a cost-effective solution. They are also flexible and durable, making them a good choice for a variety of applications. Additionally, they are easy to mount and do not require complex techniques.

Some o-rings are designed to Silicone o rings withstand aggressive chemicals or extreme temperatures. These o-rings are called specialty o-rings and are available in a wide variety of sizes and cross-section thicknesses. Some of these rings can even be produced quickly and stocked in inventory.

Other o-rings are designed for more common applications. They include VMQ, Viton, and EPDM. VMQ is a versatile material that is resistant to ozone and UV radiation. It is also a good choice for chemical processing, automobile, and household appliances. It is not suitable for dynamic applications, however, due to its low tensile strength and poor abrasion resistance.

Nitrile o-rings offer greater resistance to petroleum-based fluids and abrasion. However, they can’t match silicone’s flexibility at lower temperatures or electrically insulating properties. FEP o-rings are excellent for high temperature applications, but they are not as compatible with chemicals as neoprene.

Safety

Silicone o rings are an excellent choice for sealing applications due to their versatility, durability, and temperature resistance. These rings create a tight seal and prevent leaks, protecting the integrity of equipment and ensuring optimal performance. They are also used in body piercings because they are flexible and comfortable to wear.

O-rings made from silicone have a high level of chemical resistance and can withstand harsh environments and thermal cycling, which is an environmental stress test that exposes an o-ring to extreme temperatures for repeated use. These tests are a vital part of quality assurance and can help identify defects or manufacturing issues.

In addition to being resistant to hot air, silicone (VMQ) o-rings are resistant to ozone, UV radiation, engine and transmission oils, animal and vegetable fats, and most chemicals. They are available in various durometers and can be compounded to be electrically resistant or conductive. Fluorosilicone and FFKM o-rings offer higher fuel and oil resistance than silicone, but their high-temperature capabilities are limited. Engineered Seal Products is a leader in engineering, quality, and supply chain management for standard and custom silicone (VMQ) o-rings.