Material Selection Guide for O-Rings & Gaskets
O-rings and gaskets are small components that play a vital role in many industry-diverse applications. At Arizona Sealing Devices, Inc., we offer quality, reliable sealing products made from an extensive range of materials. Whether you’re looking for a resilient and flexible material that can withstand wide temperature fluctuations or something with outstanding chemical resistance, we can source the right product for your operational needs.
In this guide, we will explore the most common o-ring and gasket materials we work with, including silicone rubber, nitrile, fluorocarbon, high-performance polymers, and much more. By learning about the properties of each material, you’ll be able to better identify the right option for your application.
O-Ring & Gasket Material Types
O-rings and gaskets are small, flexible components with a circular cross-section that play an important role in creating a leak-proof seal between two mechanisms. Since each application involves unique challenges, these products are made from many materials, including fibers, elastomers, metals, and high-performance polymers.
Elastomers
Elastomers are a type of polymer that is elastic in nature - known for flexibility and resilience. After being stretched or deformed, elastomers easily return back to their original shape. At Arizona Sealing Devices, we offer O-rings and gaskets in an extensive range of elastomer materials, including:
- Aflas. Aflas is a copolymer of propylene and tetrafluoroethylene. It is highly heat- and chemical-resistant and offers excellent electrical properties.
- Buna/Nitrile. Also known as Nitrile Butadiene, this synthetic rubber is created by combining acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene monomers. Gaskets and seals made from this material are often used in the automotive and aeronautical industries.
- Butyl. Butyl rubber is a synthetic copolymer of isoprene and isobutylene. It offers excellent impermeability to gas diffusion as well as good flex properties.
- Ethylene Propylene. This type of rubber features a stable, saturated polymer backbone structure that allows it to resist aging from weather. Ethylene propylene is also valued for its resistance to heat, oxidation, and ozone.
- Fluorocarbon (Viton). Also known as FKM or fluorine rubber, Viton is a fluorocarbon-based fluoroelastomer that contains monomer vinylidene fluoride. It offers superior performance under extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and exposure to aggressive chemicals.
- Fluorosilicone. A hybrid of silicone and FKM, fluorosilicone offers excellent resistance to weathering, ozone, solvents, petroleum oils, and hydrocarbon fuels.
- Hydrogenated Nitrile. Also referred to as HBNR, this synthetic polymer is created by hydrogenating nitrile rubber (NBR). This material offers superior mechanical properties, such as high strength.
- Silicone Rubber. A high-performance synthetic elastomer, silicone rubber is known for its unique combination of chemical and physical properties. Its high chemical and temperature resistance makes it a good choice for harsh industrial environments.
- Neoprene. Also known as polychloroprene, neoprene is one of the first synthetic rubber materials ever made. It is stronger and harder than natural rubber and offers better resistance to water, solvents, and oils.
- Polyurethane. Polyurethane is available in both cast and millable options. Cast polyurethane is a high-performance material that offers high tensile strength, hardness, and excellent elongation. It is often used to replace traditional rubber or plastic parts that have failed. Millable polyurethane can be extruded or compression molded, offering excellent load-bearing capacity and abrasion resistance.
- Urethane. More malleable than polyurethane, urethane offers better abrasion and tear resistance, as well as a higher load-bearing capacity. It is used throughout numerous industries due to its exceptional chemical and physical properties.
High Performance Polymers: Kalrez®, PTFE (Teflon®)
High-performance materials are designed to withstand the most extreme environmental conditions. Materials like Kalrez® and Teflon®, which are registered trademarks of DuPont, can withstand exposure to aggressive chemicals and high temperatures. Kalrez® is a type of perfluoroelastomer that has been developed to ensure excellent thermal stability and chemical resistance. Teflon®, also referred to as PTFE, is a high-performance plastic known for its non-stick properties.
Composites and Fibers: Felt, Fish Paper, Non-Asbestos, Plastic Polymer
Fibers and composites are used in gaskets due to their excellent compressibility. Since they easily conform to various surface types, they are a great option for applications where sealing irregular surfaces is required.
Metals: Graphite, Stainless Steel, Aluminum
Graphite
Stainless Steel
Aluminum
When an application involves high pressures, high temperatures, or exposure to aggressive chemicals, metal O-rings can serve as a reliable solution. Graphite is a form of carbon that offers excellent sealing capabilities and is particularly well-suited for use within high-temperature environments. Other materials, like aluminum and stainless steel, also offer durability and resistance to deformation.
Products and Applications
In addition to O-rings and gaskets, we offer products such as cable ties, oil seals, sheeting, and more. You can learn more about our product selection below or browse our online catalog for specific product information.
O-Rings and O-Ring Kits
We offer both standard pre-packaged and custom O-ring kits, using a variety of materials. These kits include O-rings in numerous sizes to meet all of your sealing needs. We offer many material options, including:
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Aflas 80
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Nitrile (Buna) 70 and 90
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Neoprene 70
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Ethylene Propylene 70 (EPDM Rubber)
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Silicone 70
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Fluorocarbon 75 (Viton)
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PTFE (Teflon)
Caps, Plugs, Cable Ties, Clamps, and Grommets
Products like cable ties, clamps, grommets, caps, and plugs provide additional fastening, sealing, and protective qualities for many demanding applications:
Oil Seals and U-Cups
Oil seals and U-cups are components that keep oil-based lubricant inside of an engine, axle, and or device. Their versatile U-shaped profile makes them suitable for many sealing applications, including hydraulic and pneumatic rods and pistons. These products are made from many types of rubber and plastic materials to match the performance requirements of diverse applications.
Sheeting
Sheeting material is used for applications such as seals, gaskets, washers, and other insulating components. We offer sheet metal materials in standard thicknesses. You can perform structural simulations and calculations to determine the right thickness for your needs or reach out to our team for advice. The best sheet thickness for a given application depends on the material properties, weight constraints, product size, and other factors.
Standard and Custom Gaskets
In addition to our large selection of standard gaskets, we offer custom products that can be tailored according to your shape, size, and performance needs. Select a material from our extensive range of options and we'll provide you with a quality product that will reliably prevent leaks.
Enhance Your Project's Integrity with Arizona Sealing Devices' Material Selection Guide for O-Rings & Gaskets
Arizona Sealing Devices, Inc. has over 35 years of experience delivering high-quality, reliable sealing solutions. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified distributor, we can find the ideal product for even the most demanding environments.
To get started on your next project, review our online catalog or reach out to our team for advice. Our experts are always happy to help you find the right material for your needs.
An ISO9001: 2015/AS9120B Certified Distributor
Our mission is to provide high quality components and a progressive approach to customer service that has led to a tremendous expansion in product offerings. Our qualified professionals at Arizona Sealing Devices, Inc. take the time to research the components we provide, as well as the applications we provide them for.