What is an O-Ring?

An O-ring is a torus, or doughnut-shaped ring, generally molded from an elastomer. O-rings are used primarily for sealing. They are also used as light-duty, mechanical drive belts.

Advantages of O-Rings:

• 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 cuase 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 effected because metal to metal contact is generally allowed for,
• They are cost-effective