Which O-ring material is right for my application?

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O-rings and seals are used in a wide range of industries to help you tightly seal the connections in pipes, tubes, and other elements of complex hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Due to many applications, there is also a wide variety of O-ring material choices available. Nitrile (Buna), Neoprene, Ethylene Propylene (EPDM Rubber), Silicone, Fluorocarbon (Viton), and PTFE (Teflon) are among the most commonly used compounds for O-rings and seals.

To answer many of your questions about O-rings, The Hope Group has created an advanced O-ring material selection guide, where we will look at the properties and compatibility as well as the temperature range and hardness of each O-ring material.

Factors to Consider When Picking O-rings

When picking the right O-ring for your specific application, there are many factors to consider. They include but are not limited to operating conditions, chemical compatibility, sealing pressure, temperature, durometer, size, and cost. Depending on the specific situation, you may also look at abrasion, tear, ozone, electrical resistance properties. Additionally, you can perform appropriate field tests to ensure the fluid, temperature, pressure, and environmental conditions are compatible with the O-ring of your choice.

O-ring Material Selection Guide

In order to accommodate a large variety of applications, manufacturers make O-rings and seals using various elastomers with different physical and chemical properties. Let&#;s look at some of them below:

Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR)

Resistant to: Water, Petroleum Oils & Fluids, and Hydraulic Fluids

Not recommended for: Phosphate ester base hydraulic fluids, automotive brake fluids, ketones, strong acids, ozone, freons, halogenated hydrocarbons, and methanol

Temperature Range: -40° to +250°F, although that&#;s an average for the lower and upper tolerances for the various nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) compounds manufactured by Parker. Parker&#;s Buna-N compound, which ranges from 70 to 90 durometer hardness nitrile, withstands temperatures from -30°F up to 250°F which includes compounds N

Hardness: 40 to 90 durometers Shore A

• Buna Nitrile

Most popular elastomer O-ring material. Parker Hannifin uses 70 durometer hard nitrile (Buna-N) for most of its standard O-rings supplied, with 90 durometer available for tube fittings and adapters. Seal professionals value Buna-Nitrile elastomer for competitive price and excellent resistance properties to petroleum-based oils and fuels, silicone greases, hydraulic fluids, water, and alcohols.

Ethylene-Propylene (EPDM)

EPDM has a spotless reputation in the sealing world because of its excellent resistance to heat, water and steam, alkali, mild acidic and oxygenated solvents, ozone, and sunlight (UV). Nevertheless, experts do not recommend EPDM compounds for gasoline, petroleum oil and grease, and hydrocarbon environments.

Resistant to: Extreme cold, steam, hot water, sunlight and UV, dilute acids, ketones, alkalis

Not recommended for: Petroleum base oils and di-ester base lubricants

Temperature Range: -65° to +450°F

Hardness Range: 40 to 90 durometers Shore A

Neoprene (CR)

Neoprene is a general-purpose elastomer with moderate resistance properties to petroleum oils and weather (ozone, sunlight, UV, and oxygen). Neoprene O-rings have a relatively low compression set, good resilience, abrasion, and are flex cracking resistant.

Resistant to: Refrigerants (freons, ammonia), high aniline point petroleum oils, mild acids, and silicate ester lubricants

Not recommended for: Phosphate ester fluids and ketones

Temperature Range: -45° to +250°F

Hardness: 50 to 80 durometers Shore A

Fluorocarbon (Viton)

When we talk about fluorocarbon O-rings, Viton is a popular trade name that may come into your mind. Fluorocarbon (FKM) compounds combine high-temperature resistance with excellent chemical resistance. These properties make them a popular choice for many applications, including aircraft and automotive industries.

Resistant to: Petroleum base oils and fluids, some phosphate ester base fluids, silicone and silicate ester base lubricants, acids and halogenated hydrocarbons

Temperature Range: Standards -15°F to +400°F, but some Parker FKM Viton compounds can tolerate temperatures down to &#;65F and up to +450F.

Hardness: 50-95 Durometers Shore A

Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM) (Parfluor)

Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM) are an extension of the Fluorocarbon FKM elastomers extending the compatibilities of the FKM while at the same time extending the upper temperature limits of the materials while compromising the lower temp limits. FFKMs are the cleanest/purest compounds available on the market. They are the first choice for clean applications and are particularly popular in the semiconductor industry.

Silicone

Silicone O-rings have many outstanding properties, including excellent flexibility and fatigue life, strong ozone, and UV radiation resistance. Despite the abovementioned characteristics, experts do not recommend silicone O-rings for dynamic applications. The low strength and poor abrasion resistance as well as high gas permeability, make them not compatible with the most petroleum fluids, ketones, water, and steam.

Resistant to: Dry heat (air to 400°F) and high aniline point oils

Not recommended for: Most petroleum fluids, ketones, water and steam

Temperature Range: -175F to +450°F

Hardness: 40-80 Durometers Shore A

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Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) O-rings are designed to be used in harsh environments with temperatures ranging from -450°F to 600°F. PTFE O-rings are compatible with the widest range of chemicals, such as acetone, isopropyl, methyl, etc. Furthermore, they have low gas permeability and low absorption. Unfortunately, due to polytetrafluoroethylene material properties, pure PTFE O-rings are very rigid and hard to apply. Therefore, manufacturers, including Parker, solve this problem by mixing PTFE material with various fillers to provide users with more flexibility. PTFE seals are often used in food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries.

Resistant to: Most chemicals, excluding alkali metals, fluorine, a few fluoro-chemicals such as chlorine tri-fluoride and oxygen difluoride

Not recommended for: Applications requiring O-Ring stretch and compression

Temperature Range: -260°F to 300°F

Hardness: 55 to 60 durometer Shore D

All Elastomer Families:

All of the above elastomer families as well as those specials not listed are available in many specialty formulations. There are FDA, USP Class VI, Nuclear Grades and compounds that meet AMS, Mil standards as well as other specifications. There are colored and translucent materials as well as internally lubricated materials to meet special needs. There should be a material fit for your application.

Standard vs. Custom O-ring Materials

As an authorized Parker distributor in addition to standard O-ring materials mentioned above, The Hope Group also offers custom seals that are designed exclusively for your specific application. We take care of any functional requirements, gland limitations, installation improvements, etc. Contact us to learn more or speak to our seal specialists.

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O-rings are mechanical gaskets with a round cross-section. They are used to prevent gas and fluid leaks in static and dynamic applications and are manufactured from various types of elastomers. Some of our common types of O-ring materials include PTFE, Nitrile (Buna) , Neoprene , EPDM Rubber and Fluorocarbon (Viton) . Silicone and Kalrez® O-ring materials are also widely used, especially in high-temperature applications.

O-rings are mechanical gaskets with a round cross-section. They are used to prevent gas and fluid leaks in static and dynamic applications and are manufactured from various types of elastomers. Some of our common types of O-ring materials include PTFE, Nitrile (Buna), Neoprene, EPDM Rubber and Fluorocarbon (Viton).  Silicone and Kalrez® O-ring materials are also widely used, especially in high-temperature applications.

Contact us for more information about our O-ring materials or request a quote on your custom application today.

We Offer O-ring Materials in Custom and Industry Standard Sizes   

Ace Seal provides O-rings in standard and metric sizes and different material options to meet your application requirements. Our industry standard O-ring material sizes vary depending on the type of O-ring product  selected. Custom sizes, profiles, materials and durometers are also available upon request.

O-ring Materials for Static and Dynamic Sealing Applications

Ace Seal offers a broad range of O-ring materials in different colors and sizes to meet your sealing application requirements. We provide O-rings for industries ranging from oil and gas to aerospace and offer both standard and custom options. Learn more about our various types of O-ring material below or contact us to discuss customization options.

Buna-Nitrile 

A synthetic rubber with excellent oil resistance and fair to good chemical resistance. Has an operational temperature range of -40°F to 250°F (-40°C to 121°C) and a hardness range of 40-90 durometer. Standard durometer is 70. Common applications include fuel tanks, automotive and aerospace applications. Available in standard back or custom colors.

EPDM

A synthetic rubber providing excellent chemical resistance and heat resistance. Has an operating temperature range of -60° to 300°F (-51° to 150°C) and a hardness range of 40-90 durometer. This highly versatile O-ring material is used in various applications including medical devices, automotive, household appliances, and more. Available in standard black. 70 durometer.

FFKM 

A family of perfluoroelastomer compounds that provides excellent chemical, heat, oil and abrasion resistance. Offered in three resin options with temperature resistance up to 392-572°F/200-300°C. This material is used in applications that involve repeated or prolonged contact with hydrocarbons and/or highly corrosive fluids, or those that encounter a wide range of temperatures.

Fluorosilicone

A type of saturated rubber material that offers good stability in extreme temperatures and resists fuels, oils, solvents, chemicals, and more. It has an operating temperature of -75° to 400°F (-59° to 204°C) and a hardness range of 50-80 durometer. This material is ideal for static sealing applications and is widely used by the aerospace industry. Available in standard blue 70 durometer or custom colors.

Neoprene/Chloroprene

A synthetic rubber with excellent weather resistance and good heat and abrasion resistance. Has an operating temperature of -45° to 225°F (-43° to 107°C) and a durometer of 40-90 durometer. The properties of neoprene make it well suited for a variety of sealing applications, including air conditioning and refrigeration.  Available in standard black 70 durometer or custom colors.

Polyurethane

An elastomer with excellent abrasion resistance and weather resistance, and good oil resistance. Has an operating temperature range of -60° to 225°F (-51° to 107°C) and a hardness range of 70-90 durometer. Common applications include hydraulic fittings, valves, cylinders and pneumatic tools. Available in standard translucent or black 70 or 90 durometer, with custom colors available.

Silicone

A synthetic rubber material that is non-reactive, stable, and provides excellent resistance to heat, cold, UV and ozone exposure, and fungal growth. Has an operating temperature range of -75° to 450°F (-60°C to 232°C) with a harness range of 30-80 durometer. Silicone is best for static applications and including automotive, medical devices, food storage, electronics, and more. Available in standard rust/orange 70 durometer, with custom colors available.

Viton®/Flurocarbon

A synthetic rubber/elastomer providing excellent heat, oil, acid, weather and flame resistance. Has an operating temperature of -20°F to 400°F (-29°C to 204°C) and a hardness range of 50-95 durometer. The durable material is frequently used in chemical processing and automotive applications. Available in standard black or brown 75 durometer, with custom colors available.

Additional O-Ring Materials

Other material options include Aflas®, Kalrez®, Chemraz®, vegetable fiber, PTFE, and much more. If you don&#;t see the material you need listed, let us know!

What is the O-ring Material Selection Process?

There are numerous types of O-ring materials available and each offers different features and benefits. Some materials perform well in chemical or high heat applications where others may deteriorate under harsh operating conditions. Even the specific type of oils or chemicals being used in your application determine O-ring material compatibility.  Abrasion and tear resistance may also be of importance, especially in dynamic applications or when abrasive substances are involved.

Primary considerations for O-ring material selection include chemical compatibility, application temperature compatibility, sealing pressure, durometer, size and cost.  Depending on the application, factors such as electrical properties, dynamic resistance, tear resistance and ozone resistance should also be considered. Taking all these parameters into consideration will help you determine which O-ring material choice is best suited for your application. 

View the Common O-Ring Materials PDF for an overview of material specifications. Our Material Properties Comparison Chart also provides useful information on chemical resistance, heat resistance and other factors that aid in the O-ring material selection process.

Contact Us to Discuss Your O-Ring Material and Size Requirements

Ace Seal provides various O-ring material sizes and types to meet the needs of any sealing application. Request a quote for the O-ring material that meets your operating requirements or contact us for assistance.

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