Common Reasons for O-Ring Failure

O-rings typically fail in their applications because of the combined adverse effects of several environmental factors.

Most Common Causes of O-Ring Failure

• Improper gland design, allowing for too much or too little compression, not enough room for seal expansion, and tolerance stack-up
• Incorrect O-ring size
• Incompatibility of O-ring elastomer and environmental elements
• Improper O-ring installation
• Inadequate O-ring lubrication

The combination of stresses on the O-ring can be complex and difficult to evaluate. Therefore, it is very important that both the O-ring compound and size be tested in the real environment of its service.

O-RING RULE OF THUMB #16

Resistance of elastomers to chemical attack is greatly reduced at elevated temperatures. » Learn More