Rubber O-rings are a simple product that can be used in various ways, from assembling parts to being essential pieces of consumer goods. They are perfect for creating an air-tight or water-tight seal in home appliances, engines, and other devices and machines. If you are unsure if O-rings are right for your project, keep reading to learn more about how they work and their limitations. 

A Brief Guide to O-rings

What are O-rings?

Rubber O-rings come in various sizes to fit different surfaces. It fits into a groove where it’s secured in place and compressed between two pipes or anything else where you need a tight seal. They can contain different types of liquids and gases, preventing leaks. 

How can O-rings be used? 

There are a variety of ways in which people use O-rings, but they are all for the purpose of creating a seal that prevents gas or liquid leaks. They are often used in plumbing, such as on a faucet to keep it in place and only allow water out of the tap. O-rings can also be found in kitchen equipment and on automotive and aerospace parts. Even in the medical field, you can find O-rings on syringes, respirators, and dental implants.

How is the vacuum-tight connection made? 

The rubber O-ring needs to be the right size to fit into the groove. The compression of other parts into the rubber prevents it from moving and creates the vacuum-tight seal. 

Up to what temperature can O-rings be used?

O-rings can be used with a variety of liquids and gases of different temperatures. Depending on the material of the O-ring, it can withstand between -75 degrees up to 450 degrees. Therefore, they will work for hot water, steam, grease, hydraulic fluid, and certain chemicals. 

If you are looking for rubber O-rings for your project, reach out to Rothkopf in Chesterfield, MO. Whether you are looking for O-rings for home improvement work or a commercial project, they ensure that the parts show up on time for all clients. They have a large quantity of various types of O-rings so you can find exactly what you are looking for. Call (636) 449-2376 to place an order, or visit them online to learn more about their services.