Neoprene Orings, Chloroprene O-rings and CR Orings

Neoprene / Chloroprene / CR O-Rings

Neoprene homopolymer of chlorobutadiene is unusual in that it is moderately resistant to both petroleum oils and weather (ozone, UV, oxygen). This qualifies neoprene o-rings uniquely for certain sealing applications where many other materials would not be satisfactory. Neoprene is classified as a general purpose elastomer which has relatively low compression set, good resilience and abrasion, and is flex cracking resistant. The neoprene o-ring is commonly referred to as a Chloroprene o-ring, or CR o-rings.

 

Silicone Orings, VMQ O-rings and PVMQ Orings

Silicone / PVMQ / VMQ O-Rings

Silicone is a semi-organic elastomer with outstanding resistance to extremes of temperature with corresponding resistance to compression set and retention of flexibility. Silicone o-rings provide excellent resistance to ozone, oxygen, and moisture. Low physical strength and abrasion resistance combined with high friction properties limit silicone to static seal applications. The silicone o-ring is commonly referred to as a VMQ o-ring, or PVMQ o-rings.

 

EPDM Orings, Ethylene-Propylene O-rings & EP Orings

EPDM / Ethylene-propylene

Ethylene-propylene compounds are prepared from ethylene and propylene (EPM) and usually a third monomer (EPDM). These compounds are used frequently to seal in brake systems, and for sealing hot water and steam. Ethylene propylene compounds have good resistance to mild acids, detergents, alkalis, silicone oils and greases, ketones, and alcohols. They are not recommended for applications with petroleum oils, mineral oil, di-ester lubricants, or fuel exposure. Ethylene Propylene has gained wide seal industry acceptance for its excellent ozone and chemical resistance properties and is compatible with many polar fluids that adversely affect other elastomers. The ethylene-propylene o-ring is commonly referred to as an EPDM o-ring, or EP, EPT, EPR o-rings.

 

 

Fluorocarbon O-rings, Viton Orings and FKM Orings

Fluorocarbon / Viton / FKM O-Rings

Fluorocarbon exhibits resistance to a broader range of chemicals combined with very good high temperature properties more so than any of the other elastomers. It is the closest available approach to a universal elastomer for sealing in the use of o-rings and other custom seals over other types of elastomers. Fluorocarbons exhibit low gas permeability making them well suited for hard vacuum service and many formulations are self-extinguishing. FKM materials are not generally recommended for exposure to hot water, steam, polar solvents, low molecular weight esters and ethers, glycol based brake fluids, or hot hydrofluoric or chlorosulfonic acids.The Fluorocarbon o-ring is commonly referred to as a Viton o-ring, or Fluorel, FKM, FPM o-rings.

 

 

PTFE Orings

PTFE O-Rings

PTFE is a plastic polymer made of tetrafluorethylene. This compound is used across many industries due to its wide range of exceptional qualities. PTFE has one the lowest coefficient of friction of any substance either naturally occurring or man made. It is an excellent insulator, seeing use in electronic, radio, and the microwave industries. PTFE is also nearly inert which allows it to be used with a diverse array of fluids, chemicals, acids, fuels, greases and oils. Additionally, virgin PTFE is odor-less and tasteless which makes it a viable choice for applications in the medical, dairy, and the food and beverage industries.

PTFE o-rings are used in virtually every industry either as a primary o-ring or a back up o-ring. PTFE has good abrasion resistance and very low surface friction, this combined with its diverse chemical resistances allow it be used with about any lubricant, making it a very good o-ring for dynamic applications. The major limiting factor of PTFE is its low compression rate, which can require additional pressure or force to adequately seal some applications.