An O-ring is a circular elastic loop used as a seal in both static and dynamic applications. Their primary function is to provide a seal between structures like pipes, tubes, pistons, and cylinders. Rubber rings manufacturers make O-rings extremely flexible and constructed of various materials depending on their intended function. They prevent liquid or gas leaks when put between two surfaces.
An O-ring that is employed as a static seal stays
motionless to control pressure or seal a vacuum. O-rings are a self-energizing
seal that creates a seal by applying pressure within a tube or pipe.
Choosing
a Mould:
The O-ring mold has two components. The content is crammed
between the two. The O-ring's diameter determines the mold. This is because the
material expands when squeezed. New mold tools are produced for customized
O-rings in any size. Steel O-ring blanks are turned on a lathe.
Choosing
Materials:
It's important to choose the proper material for your
O-ring application.
Rubber rings manufacturers always look for Chemical compatibility, temperature
resistance, and other factors influence material selection and use.
The most popular elastomers used in O-rings include PTFE,
Nitrile (Buna), Neoprene, EPDM Rubber, Fluorocarbon (Viton), and Silicone. The
chart below shows a list of O-ring materials and their properties. The
materials used to make elastomers determine their performance.
Extrusion:
The elastomer is processed into sheets. An extruder heats
and pushes the material through a die. Once the material arrangement is
determined, it is molded into cable lengths. The ultimate O-ring diameter
affects the extrusion die used.
O-rings are made through compression, transfer, and
injection molding.
Compression:
Compression molding is used to produce large quantities of
small non-standard O-rings. Compression molding involves putting extruded
material in a mold cavity and pressing it to take the shape of the mold.
Transfer:
Transfer molding is a hybrid of the compression and
injection molding. This allows for tighter dimensional tolerances and less
environmental impact. Consistent pressure is used to fill the mold. Soak the
molding material in the transfer pot before putting it in the hot mold.
Soak the molding material in the transfer pot before
putting it in the hot mold. Injection involves preheating the substance, which
is then pushed under pressure via an injection nozzle. Sprues allow material to
enter the mold. Allow the formed material to cool and solidify inside the mold
cavity.
Finishing
The O-rings will have additional material where the molds
connect. This material, known as flash, must be removed for the O-ring to be
properly shaped. Three ways exist to remove flash from an O-ring.
Three ways exist to remove flash from an O-ring by rubber rings manufacturersare:
Drumming: The
O-rings are placed into a stone-filled drum. The excess material is rubbed off
the stones while the drum revolves.
Buffing: A
buffer's abrasive action eliminates flash from larger O-rings that cannot be
drummed.
Cryogenic:
Cryogenic deflashing uses nitrogen gas to freeze O-rings, allowing the flash to
freeze and be removed with grit. It's a clean, safe way to remove flash from
the OD and ID (ID).
Curing:
After deflashing, the O-rings must be cured. Depending on
the elastomer, curing time might range from a few hours to a day. This
technique stabilizes the finished O-rings and removes any manufacturing
by-products.
Materials
of O ring:
As new applications for O-rings emerge, new materials have
been created. Materials include rubber, silicone, and polymers are often used
by rubber rings manufacturers because
O-rings are often utilized in harsh settings, all materials chosen for O-rings
must have flexibility and strength.
Silicone: It is
made from silicon, which is present in the quartz. It's created by combining
methyl, phenyl, and vinyl. These additional components determine the silicone's
properties. Silicone is unaffected by heat, ozone, corona, or solvents. It is
known for its flexibility at low temperatures. Silicone can withstand
temperatures from -60° to 225° C, with certain types able to withstand -100° to
300° C.
Viton®: It is a
synthetic fluoropolymer elastomer rubber used for O-rings in harsh conditions.
They are the ideal O-ring for applications that need resistance to oxygen,
mineral oil, various fuels, hydraulic fluids, chemicals, and solvents. Viton
O-rings perform very well in cold temperatures.
NBR:
(acrylonitrile butadiene) is a kind of nitrile butadiene rubber. It's a
butadiene/acrylonitrile copolymer. The number of various compounds used to
create NBR affects its mechanical and wear resistance properties. The more
nitrile, the more resistant to oil and gasoline. It comes in various colors and
is used with diluted acids, alkalis, and salt solutions.
Neoprene: It is
resistant to oxidation and weather. Therefore, it has several uses. One of its
primary benefits is its low cost. Sulfur curing makes neoprene less flammable.
O-Ring
design
An O-ring is a circle made of elastomer; thus, the phrase
design may not seem suitable. In actuality, several aspects must be considered
while manufacturing an O-ring, such as the inner and cross-sectional diameters,
hardness, durability, and shape. Each of these factors is considered while
choosing an O-ring by rubber rings
manufacturers
Steps by
Rubber Rings Manufacturers to Design an O-Ring
1.
Choose a
material that meets the job's requirements.
2. When
picking an O-ring, it is vital to consider its resistance to the environment.
The main concern is temperature, which can impair O-flexibility by increasing
cross-link density.
3. Some
O-ring materials are designed to withstand the effects of chemicals and oil,
whereas others are not. Throughout the design phase, it is important to
consider and test the O-exposure ring to various gases and liquids.
4. The
O-hardness ring must meet the application's needs. O-rings range in hardness
from a rubber band to the wheels of a shopping cart or conveyor.
5. Larger
grooves or glands allow for easier installation of O-rings. The O-cross ring's
sectional (CS) dimensions are indicated in the chart below.
Conclusion:
