Tag: o-ring material

Viton® (FKM) O-Rings: Properties, Grades, and Industrial Applications

Summary What Are Viton® O-Rings? Viton® (FKM) o-rings are fluoropolymer elastomer seals engineered for extreme service conditions where standard rubber compounds fail. Developed in the late 1950s by DuPont, Viton® is a registered brand name for FKM — fluoroelastomer — a synthetic rubber defined by its high fluorine content. That fluorine content is the source […]

O-Ring Installation Best Practices

Summary Introduction O-Ring performance is often evaluated based on material selection, chemical compatibility, and operating conditions. However, installation is just as critical in determining whether a seal performs as intended. Some sealing issues attributed to material failure or poor design can result from improper handling, inadequate preparation, or incorrect installation techniques. Even a correctly specified […]

O-Ring Materials, Applications, and Selection

Summary Introduction An o-ring is an elastomeric ring with a round cross-section that forms a seal by squeezing and applying pressure. That sealing mechanism depends on the elastomer returning toward its original shape after deformation (elastic recovery) and maintaining contact pressure against the gland surfaces over time. Because elastomers respond differently to heat, cold, fluids, […]

AFLAS® vs Viton® vs FFKM O-Ring Performance

Summary Introduction AFLAS® (FEPM/TFE-P), Viton® (FKM), and FFKM are often grouped together under the “fluoropolymer o-ring” label. Despite this shared classification, each material responds differently to environmental exposure. Real-world performance depends on how an elastomer ages under sustained operating conditions. Steam, alkaline media, solvents, and elevated temperatures introduce distinct degradation mechanisms that influence elasticity, hardness, […]

Thermal Aging vs Chemical Attack: Diagnosing Elastomer Seal Failures

Summary Thermal Aging vs. Chemical Attack in Elastomer Seals Elastomer seals fail for many reasons, but thermal aging and chemical attack are among the most common. Thermal aging degrades elastomers over time by altering the polymer’s internal structure and physical properties, while chemical attack damages seals through material incompatibility, leading to swelling, shrinkage, or loss […]

Color Coding, Marking, and Lot Control for O-Rings

Summary Why Color Coding, Marking, and Lot Control Matter in O-Ring Applications Color coding, part marking, and lot control play a major role in preventing part mix-ups, supporting quality systems and audits, and reducing downtime and rework. By using color codes or markings to distinguish parts, manufacturers and maintenance teams can prevent part mix-ups and […]

Regulatory & Compliance Requirements for Seals by Industry

Summary Introduction Designing reliable sealing solutions requires careful consideration of industry regulations and standards. Many industries require seals to meet specific certifications or standards. By understanding these requirements early in the design phase, engineers can select the appropriate o-rings and elastomer materials certified for their application, avoiding costly redesigns or regulatory issues later. Food, Beverage […]

Volumetric Swell vs. Hardness Shift in Elastomers

Summary Why Swell and Hardness Matter in Seal Performance When an elastomer seal is exposed to fluids over time, two material-level changes largely determine its long-term reliability: volumetric swell and hardness shift. These parameters capture how the seal’s size and stiffness evolve due to chemical exposure. Excessive swell or a significant change in hardness can […]

Ensure O-Ring Quality Through Testing

Summary Why O-Ring Quality Testing Matters for Reliability and Safety Seals and o-rings that fail in the field can cause costly downtime, safety risks, and lost productivity. That’s why o-ring quality testing is critical. At Global O-Ring and Seal, our Quality Lab uses advanced testing tools. We have FTIR, tensile strength, and durometer machines. These tools […]

O-Ring Materials for Chemical Resistance

Summary Why Chemical Compatibility Matters for O-Rings An o-ring’s effectiveness heavily depends on using a material that can withstand the chemicals it contacts. Selecting the wrong material for a given chemical environment can lead to premature failure due to chemical degradation, causing the seal to swell, crack, or shrink and resulting in leaks. Such failures […]