O-ring

O_ring

O-ring

o-rings

Orings_Xrings

== O-ring ==

An O-ring, also known as a packing or a toric joint, is a mechanical gasket in the shape of a torus. It is a loop of elastomer with a round cross-section, designed to be seated in a groove and compressed during assembly between two or more parts, creating a seal at the interface.

O-rings are one of the most common seals used in machine design because they are inexpensive, easy to make, reliable, and have simple mounting requirements. They can seal tens of megapascals (thousands of psi) of pressure.

History

The O-ring was patented in 1937 by a Danish-American machinist, Niels Christensen. The design has since become a standard component in many industries, including automotive, aerospace, and hydraulics.

Applications

O-rings are used in a variety of applications:

• Hydraulic cylinders
• Pneumatic cylinders
• Pumps
• Valves
• Flange connections

Materials

O-rings can be made from various materials depending on the application, including:

• Nitrile rubber (NBR)
• Fluorocarbon (Viton)
• Silicone rubber
• Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)
• Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Design Considerations

When designing an O-ring seal, several factors must be considered:

• Compression set
• Chemical compatibility
• Temperature range
• Pressure
• Lubrication

Failure Modes

Common failure modes for O-rings include:

• Extrusion
• Abrasion
• Chemical attack
• Thermal degradation
• Compression set

Related Pages

• Gasket
• Seal (mechanical)
• Hydraulic machinery
• Pneumatic system
• Elastomer

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