Advantages of Silicone O Rings
Silicone o rings are known for their ability to handle high temperatures while maintaining flexibility. They are also resistant to chemicals, acids and ozone.
These characteristics make silicone o-rings an ideal choice for food, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, automotive and aerospace industries. However, their low tensile and tear strength means they are not suitable for dynamic applications.
Temperature Resistance
O-rings must withstand a variety of conditions, including temperature. Temperature resistance is one of the most important factors when selecting an o ring for a particular application. There are many types of o-rings available, and each has its own unique set of properties. A few key characteristics to consider include durometer, size, material, tensile strength, chemical compatibility, and electrical insulation.
Silicone o rings are a common o-ring choice, as they can operate in a wide range of temperatures Silicone o rings and offer excellent resistance to ozone, shear, and weathering. However, silicone o-rings do not have high tensile strength and can easily tear in dynamic applications. To prevent this, a Teflon sleeve can be used to cover the o-ring and protect it from damage caused by shear forces.
Another type of o-ring that is well suited to operating in high temperature environments is fluorosilicone (FVMQ). FVMQ offers improved hot air resistance over silicone and also displays better fuel and mineral oil resistance.
Another type of o-ring that is ideal for use in high temperature environments is perfluoroelastomer (FFKM). FFKM uses carbon-fluorine bonds to deliver superlative chemical, thermal and oxidation resistance. ESP offers FFKM o-rings in various metric and inch standard sizes as well as custom geometries to accommodate non-standard gland configurations. We also compression mold electrically conductive FFKM o-rings for EMI requirements.
Chemical Resistance
Silicone o rings are resistant to the majority of chemicals, making them ideal for use in a range of applications, including those where chemical leaks could occur. They are inert and do not react with many materials, which makes them popular in the medical industry and food processing. They can also withstand a high degree of vibration and abrasion without being damaged or worn down.
Nitrile (Buna-N) o rings are also very resistant to oil, fuel and many diluted acids and alkalines. However, they do not perform well in dynamic applications due to their low tensile strength and abrasion resistance and they cannot withstand steam or superheated water.
FKM (fluoroelastomer) is another commonly used rubber o ring. It has strong carbon-fluorine bonds and provides exceptional chemical, thermal and oxidation resistance. It works well in a wide range of temperatures and can withstand exposure to many volatile organic compounds, including alcohols and highly polar substances such as esters and ketones.
FDA (FDA) metal detectable silicone o rings are designed for use in the pharmaceutical and food processing industries. They are easy to clean and sterilize, reducing the risk of contamination. These o rings are also highly resistant to chemicals and UV rays, which makes them an excellent choice in areas where the sealing system will come into contact with food or drugs.
Aesthetics
Silicone is an attractive material for o rings. It’s available in a variety of colors and has a pleasing appearance that many customers prefer. It’s also durable, which makes it a good choice for long-term use. Exposure to the sun, UV rays and ozone can degrade other types of rubber, but silicone resists these conditions better.
Silicone o-rings are available in a variety of standard and custom sizes to meet the specific needs of an application. They’re often used in conjunction with a seal, gasket or washer to create a tight seal that prevents fluid or gas leakage and keeps out contaminants.
A wide range of elastomers can be developed into o-rings, including Viton FKM and EPDM. These materials offer resistance to temperature, ozone, chemicals and oils. They Silicone O Rings – Supplier have low compression set and are suitable for static and dynamic sealing applications.
In addition, these o-rings have excellent dielectric stability and excellent resistance to water, steam, flame and temperature. They also have a high tensile strength, which helps them maintain flexibility and their shape in high temperatures. Silicone o-rings are also non-aging and can be easily colorized. They’re also compatible with most lubricants, making them an excellent choice for most applications.
Flexibility
Silicone is a man-made material that uses polymers containing silicon, oxygen, hydrogen and carbon to create unique elasticity. It is highly flexible, and can be molded into intricate and specialized shapes. It can be easily manipulated and adheres to tight tolerances, making it a very versatile seal. It also promotes extreme temperature resistance and resists UV damage and corrosion. It is non-toxic and does not impart an odor or taste to the product it is sealing, which is particularly important for medical applications.
Silicone o rings are typically available with either solid or hollow cores. Solid cores offer a higher level of stiffness while hollow cores provide more flexibility in low temperatures. Both types of silicone o-rings can be coated with fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) or perfluoroalkoxy copolymer (PFA), which offers additional benefits like resistance to chemicals, high compression set and lower thermal expansion.
The most common color for a silicone o-ring is reddish orange, but it can be manufactured in a variety of other colors and finishes depending on application. It is not recommended for dynamic applications, as it has low tensile and tear strength, but provides good abrasion and wear resistance. It does not perform well in high vacuum environments, and is incompatible with concentrated acids and alkalis, ketones, aromatic mineral oil, brake fluid, or steam over 250 degrees Fahrenheit.