What is an O-Ring and How Does It Work?

O-Rings are ring-shaped elastomeric seals used to provide sealing in industrial applications. They get their name from their circular cross-section shape resembling the letter "O".

O-Ring Working Principle

O-Ring seals work on the compression principle. When placed in a groove and compressed to a specific ratio, the O-Ring fills the gaps between surfaces, providing perfect sealing.

Material Options

• NBR (Nitrile Rubber): Most common, oil resistant
• FKM (Viton): High temperature and chemical resistance
• EPDM: Water and steam applications
• Silicone: Food and medical applications

Application Areas

O-Ring seals are used in hydraulic and pneumatic systems, pumps, valves, cylinders, and many other industrial equipment. Visit the Wikipedia O-ring page for more detailed information.