Custom Silicone O-rings
Silicone O-rings are circular or torus-shaped seals with a round cross-section that are used to prevent the leakage of liquids or gasses in various mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems. Our silicone O-rings have cross sections ranging from 0.5 cm to 7 cm. We provide the flexibility to tailor silicone O-rings to specific applications by offering choices in color and shore hardness levels.We employ various silicone molding techniques, including silicone injection molding, silicone compression molding, silicone overmolding, and silicone extrusion molding, to create silicone O-rings in different sizes and colors including red, green, purple, clear, orange and black.
Features of Silicone O-rings
Silicone O-rings possess numerous unique characteristics that render them appropriate for a wide range of sealing purposes. Here are the key features of Silicone O-rings:
- Temperature Resistance: Depending on the specific silicone grade employed, Silicone O-rings can endure a broad spectrum of temperatures, spanning from a frigid -60°C (-76°F) to a scorching 230°C (446°F). This temperature resistance makes them suitable for both extreme hot and cold environments.
- Flexibility and Resilience: Silicone displays remarkable flexibility and resilience, enabling Silicone O-rings to preserve their sealing capabilities even under the strain of recurrent compression and expansion.
- Chemical Resistance: Silicone O-rings exhibit resistance to a diverse range of chemicals, encompassing water, steam, certain acids, bases, and solvents. This chemical resistance makes them appropriate for applications where exposure to different substances is a concern.
- UV and Ozone Resistance: Silicone is highly resistant to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and ozone, making Silicone O-rings suitable for outdoor and exposed applications.
- Electrical Insulation: Silicone is an excellent electrical insulator, and Silicone O-rings can be used in applications where electrical insulation and sealing are both required.
- Low Toxicity: Silicone is considered safe for use in applications related to food, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices due to its low toxicity. It does not release harmful byproducts when in contact with these substances.
- Inertness: Silicone O-rings are relatively inert and have minimal reactivity with other substances. This makes them less likely to contaminate or react with the materials they come into contact with.
- Biocompatibility: Certain grades of silicone are biocompatible and can be used in medical and healthcare applications, such as in medical devices and implants.
- Weather Resistance: Silicone O-rings maintain their properties and integrity when exposed to harsh weather conditions, making them suitable for outdoor equipment and sealing in aerospace and automotive applications.
- Longevity: Compared to certain other elastomers, Silicone O-rings offer an extended operational lifespan thanks to their durability and resistance to deterioration.
- Low Compression Set: Silicone exhibits a low compression set, meaning it retains its shape and sealing effectiveness even after being compressed over time.
- Easy Installation: Silicone O-rings are relatively easy to install, as they can be stretched and fitted into grooves or mating surfaces without the need for complex installation methods.
Where to Use Silicone O-rings?
Silicone O-rings find applications in a wide range of industries and scenarios where sealing and gasketing are essential. Their unique properties, including temperature resistance, chemical compatibility, and flexibility, make them suitable for various applications.
- Automotive: Silicone O-rings are used in automotive engines and transmissions to create seals for various fluids, such as oil, coolant, and fuel. They are also employed in exhaust systems due to their high-temperature resistance.
- Aerospace: Silicone O-rings are used in aerospace applications to seal fuel systems, hydraulic systems, and in other areas where resistance to extreme temperatures and aviation fluids is required.
- Medical Devices: Silicone O-rings are biocompatible, making them suitable for use in medical devices, including syringe seals, pumps, and implantable devices.
- Pharmaceuticals: These O-rings are employed in pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment and packaging to ensure aseptic and sterile environments.
- Food Processing: In the food industry, Silicone O-rings are used to create seals in machinery and equipment to prevent contamination and maintain hygiene standards.
- HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Silicone O-rings are used in HVAC systems for sealing applications in heating and cooling systems, as they can withstand a range of temperatures.
- Electronics: Silicone O-rings are used in electronic enclosures to provide a waterproof seal and protect sensitive electronic components from dust and moisture.
- Environmental Sealing: They are used in outdoor and environmental sealing applications, such as in LED lighting fixtures, where they provide resistance to UV radiation and moisture.
- Chemical Processing: Silicone O-rings are used in chemical processing equipment where they need to resist exposure to various chemicals and maintain a tight seal.
- Marine: In marine applications, Silicone O-rings are used for sealing in engine systems, pumps, and other equipment exposed to seawater and harsh weather conditions.
- Oil and Gas: Silicone O-rings can be found in oil and gas equipment to seal components and systems exposed to a range of temperatures and chemicals.
- Water and Wastewater Treatment: These O-rings are used in water treatment equipment to ensure that pipes and valves remain watertight.
- Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems: Silicone O-rings are used in hydraulic and pneumatic systems to prevent fluid leakage and maintain system integrity.
- Solar Energy: In solar panel installations, Silicone O-rings are used to seal connections and junction boxes, providing protection from the elements.
- Sealing in Laboratory Equipment: Silicone O-rings are employed in laboratory instruments and glassware to create airtight seals for various experiments and processes.
Custom Slicone O-rings
- Part Design
- 3D Rendering
- Mold Fabrication
- Prototype Creation
- Large-Scale Production
- Timely Delivery
Silicone O-rings come in a wide range of sizes to accommodate various applications. These O-rings are available in both standard and custom sizes. Standard sizes are typically denoted by their inner diameter (ID), outer diameter (OD), and cross-sectional diameter (CS) in either metric or imperial units (e.g., millimeters or inches).
Common silicone O-ring sizes include (in both metric and imperial units):
- Metric Sizes:
– ID (Inner Diameter): Typically ranging from 1 mm to 1000 mm.
– OD (Outer Diameter): Corresponding to the ID plus the cross-sectional diameter.
– CS (Cross-Sectional Diameter): Typically ranging from 0.5 mm to 50 mm.
- Imperial Sizes:
– ID (Inner Diameter): Typically ranging from 1/32 inch to 39 inches.
– OD (Outer Diameter): Corresponding to the ID plus the cross-sectional diameter.
– CS (Cross-Sectional Diameter): Typically ranging from 1/32 inch to 2 inches.
Rubber O-rings and Silicone O-rings are both types of elastomeric seals used for sealing and gasketing applications. Nevertheless, distinctions exist in their material makeup, characteristics, and intended uses. Here’s a comparison of rubber vs. silicone O-rings:
- Material Composition:
– Rubber O-rings: Rubber O-rings are typically made from natural rubber (NR) or synthetic rubber compounds like nitrile rubber (NBR), neoprene (CR), EPDM, and others. The choice of the particular rubber type is determined by the specific purpose or use.
– Silicone O-rings: Silicone O-rings are made from silicone rubber, a synthetic elastomer that contains silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen atoms. Silicone is known for its high-temperature resistance and flexibility.
- Temperature Resistance:
– Rubber O-rings: Rubber O-rings have moderate to good temperature resistance depending on the type of rubber. Nitrile rubber, for example, has a lower temperature resistance compared to silicone.
– Silicone O-rings: Silicone O-rings have excellent high-temperature resistance, often capable of withstanding temperatures ranging from -60°C (-76°F) to 230°C (446°F).
- Chemical Compatibility:
– Rubber O-rings: The chemical compatibility of rubber O-rings varies depending on the type of rubber used. Nitrile rubber is resistant to oils and fuels, while EPDM is more resistant to weathering and ozone.
– Silicone O-rings: Silicone O-rings are generally more chemically resistant than many rubber O-rings. They are resistant to water, steam, acids, bases, and some solvents.
- Flexibility and Resilience:
– Rubber O-rings: Rubber O-rings are known for their flexibility and resilience, providing effective sealing properties even under compression and expansion.
– Silicone O-rings: Silicone O-rings are highly flexible and resilient, making them suitable for dynamic sealing applications.
- Biocompatibility:
– Rubber O-rings: While some rubber compounds can be used in medical applications, they are not as widely recognized for biocompatibility as silicone.
– Silicone O-rings: Silicone rubber is known for its biocompatibility and is commonly used in medical devices and applications where direct contact with the human body is required.
- Electrical Insulation:
– Rubber O-rings: Rubber O-rings are typically not good electrical insulators.
– Silicone O-rings: Silicone’s exceptional electrical insulating properties render it well-suited for use in electrical and electronic applications.
The choice between rubber and silicone O-rings depends on the specific requirements of the application, including factors such as temperature, chemical exposure, flexibility, and biocompatibility. It’s essential to select the right material to ensure effective sealing and long-term performance.