
O-rings refer to round loops primarily used for sealing structures’ tubes, pipes, or cylinders. These elastic loops are made using various materials depending on where and how they’ll be utilized. Static and dynamic applications are two common ways O-rings are used; the main difference is the type of motion involved.
Dynamic application is done when two parts of the structure move, while static sealing is meant for elements that don’t move. Aside from the two kinds of applications, O-rings come in different sizes and thicknesses, and these are essential aspects that ensure your O-rings are the right fit for keeping structures together. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right O-ring sizes.
Standard vs. Metric Dimensions
The first thing you should take into consideration is the type of size dimension used to measure them. O-rings come in varying sizes and thicknesses, which also involves whether they are measured with millimeters or inches.
Generally, an O-ring with a cross-section measurement equal to an AS586 size, often at 0.103”, 0.210”, or 0.70”, is the standard size. The AS586 size refers to the aerospace size standardized by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) for O-rings. On the contrary, if it doesn’t match any AS586 size, it’s an O-ring in metric size, which comes in millimeters.
Tolerances
Another factor that matters when choosing an O-ring size is its tolerance. Tolerances refer to the manufacturing limitations that vary for each O-ring, and this aspect is typically linked with standardized dimensions and the cross-sectional diameter of an O-ring. But, if you need a customized tight tolerance, you will need to contact an expert who can make that happen for you.
Steps in Properly Measuring an O-Ring
Now that you have an idea of the factors that matter in differentiating O-ring sizes, the next thing to determine is how to measure them properly. Getting the exact size of the O-ring you need is crucial because it affects the system's overall performance to which it’ll be applied. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to measure them.
- Firstly, put your O-ring on a flat and clean surface.
- Use a ruler or a tape measure to determine the exact inside diameter (ID) by measuring the length of the inner space of the O-ring. The ID is the aspect of your O-ring that identifies the largeness of its opening, which should match the diameter of the groove where it’ll be situated.
- After that, you’ll use the same ruler to measure the outside diameter (OD), this time through the length of the outer portion of the O-ring.
- Lastly, you’ll need to use a vernier caliper to find out the cross section (CS) of your O-ring. To do this, clamp the caliper jaws to gently situate a part of the ring inside, allowing you to note its thickness. This is a crucial measurement because it determines the compression resistance and volume swell that the O-ring can handle at best.
Once you have all the necessary information about your O-ring, you can now use them as a guide to select an O-ring with those exact measurements. Although there is a standard size chart for some O-ring dimensions, there may be instances where you’ll have varied findings. That’s why it’s essential to still take note of the measurements of your O-ring to create or find one specific to your needs.
Types of O-Ring
As mentioned, O-rings are one of the simplest and most effective forms of sealants. For that reason, other than plumbing, they are also used for other industries like general engineering, automotive, and even aerospace equipment. Given that the environments for these industries vary, it’s only natural that different types and materials are used to make O-rings that cater to them.
To give you an idea, below are some common types of O-rings:
Silicone
Silicone is a flexible type of O-ring with a temperature tolerance of -100°C and 300°C. However, it is vulnerable to damage caused by rips and abrasions, and it is most suited for environments involving petroleum, water, and steam.
Nitrile
Nitrile, on the other hand, is considered an all-purpose O-ring mostly because it has a temperature tolerance range of -50°C to 120°C. It works well against rips and abrasion but is weak against elements like hydrocarbons, ketones, or automotive brake fluids. It often works best for agricultural, dairy, plumbing, and railway use.
Neoprene
O-rings made of neoprene have a temperature tolerance ranging from -54°C to 149°C. It is important to note that this kind of O-ring is often made with lead-based materials, making it a potential threat to your health. These are often used for sealing refrigerants for air conditioners and refrigerators.
Fluorocarbon
Like Nitrile, O-rings made out of Fluorocarbon are considered versatile because they have many different applications, most often for mechanical industries where their temperature tolerance of -40°C to 250°C works best. Among the elements that it can be used for are silicone fluids, acids, halogenated hydrocarbons, and petroleum oils.
Final Thoughts
O-rings are essential seals that make significant contributions to most industries. Understandably, only a few people are aware of these things, primarily because only industry specialists handle these aspects. But should you be put in a position where you need to deal with O-ring sizes, discussed above are all you need to do and consider. Most importantly, if you require additional guidance and information, don’t hesitate to call a reliable expert to avoid potential accidents or problems.
Title Tag:.... O-ring Sizes | A Guide on Measuring
Meta Description: There are many things to consider when choosing the right O-ring sizes. Read on to learn more about these factors and the proper way of measuring an O-ring.
A Guide on Measuring O-Ring Sizes
O-rings refer to round loops primarily used for sealing structures’ tubes, pipes, or cylinders. These elastic loops are made using various materials depending on where and how they’ll be utilized. Static and dynamic applications are two common ways O-rings are used; the main difference is the type of motion involved.
Dynamic application is done when two parts of the structure move, while static sealing is meant for elements that don’t move. Aside from the two kinds of applications, O-rings come in different sizes and thicknesses, and these are essential aspects that ensure your O-rings are the right fit for keeping structures together. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right O-ring sizes.
Standard vs. Metric Dimensions
The first thing you should take into consideration is the type of size dimension used to measure them. O-rings come in varying sizes and thicknesses, which also involves whether they are measured with millimeters or inches.
Generally, an O-ring with a cross-section measurement equal to an AS586 size, often at 0.103”, 0.210”, or 0.70”, is the standard size. The AS586 size refers to the aerospace size standardized by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) for O-rings. On the contrary, if it doesn’t match any AS586 size, it’s an O-ring in metric size, which comes in millimeters.
Tolerances
Another factor that matters when choosing an O-ring size is its tolerance. Tolerances refer to the manufacturing limitations that vary for each O-ring, and this aspect is typically linked with standardized dimensions and the cross-sectional diameter of an O-ring. But, if you need a customized tight tolerance, you will need to contact an expert who can make that happen for you.
Steps in Properly Measuring an O-Ring
Now that you have an idea of the factors that matter in differentiating O-ring sizes, the next thing to determine is how to measure them properly. Getting the exact size of the O-ring you need is crucial because it affects the system's overall performance to which it’ll be applied. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to measure them.
- Firstly, put your O-ring on a flat and clean surface.
- Use a ruler or a tape measure to determine the exact inside diameter (ID) by measuring the length of the inner space of the O-ring. The ID is the aspect of your O-ring that identifies the largeness of its opening, which should match the diameter of the groove where it’ll be situated.
- After that, you’ll use the same ruler to measure the outside diameter (OD), this time through the length of the outer portion of the O-ring.
- Lastly, you’ll need to use a vernier caliper to find out the cross section (CS) of your O-ring. To do this, clamp the caliper jaws to gently situate a part of the ring inside, allowing you to note its thickness. This is a crucial measurement because it determines the compression resistance and volume swell that the O-ring can handle at best.
Once you have all the necessary information about your O-ring, you can now use them as a guide to select an O-ring with those exact measurements. Although there is a standard size chart for some O-ring dimensions, there may be instances where you’ll have varied findings. That’s why it’s essential to still take note of the measurements of your O-ring to create or find one specific to your needs.
Types of O-Ring
As mentioned, O-rings are one of the simplest and most effective forms of sealants. For that reason, other than plumbing, they are also used for other industries like general engineering, automotive, and even aerospace equipment. Given that the environments for these industries vary, it’s only natural that different types and materials are used to make O-rings that cater to them.
To give you an idea, below are some common types of O-rings:
Silicone
Silicone is a flexible type of O-ring with a temperature tolerance of -100°C and 300°C. However, it is vulnerable to damage caused by rips and abrasions, and it is most suited for environments involving petroleum, water, and steam.
Nitrile
Nitrile, on the other hand, is considered an all-purpose O-ring mostly because it has a temperature tolerance range of -50°C to 120°C. It works well against rips and abrasion but is weak against elements like hydrocarbons, ketones, or automotive brake fluids. It often works best for agricultural, dairy, plumbing, and railway use.
Neoprene
O-rings made of neoprene have a temperature tolerance ranging from -54°C to 149°C. It is important to note that this kind of O-ring is often made with lead-based materials, making it a potential threat to your health. These are often used for sealing refrigerants for air conditioners and refrigerators.
Fluorocarbon
Like Nitrile, O-rings made out of Fluorocarbon are considered versatile because they have many different applications, most often for mechanical industries where their temperature tolerance of -40°C to 250°C works best. Among the elements that it can be used for are silicone fluids, acids, halogenated hydrocarbons, and petroleum oils.
Final Thoughts
O-rings are essential seals that make significant contributions to most industries. Understandably, only a few people are aware of these things, primarily because only industry specialists handle these aspects. But should you be put in a position where you need to deal with O-ring sizes, discussed above are all you need to do and consider. Most importantly, if you require additional guidance and information, don’t hesitate to call a reliable expert to avoid potential accidents or problems.