1. Common Reasons for O-Ring Failure

O-rings typically fail in their applications because of the combined adverse effects of several environmental factors. The combination of stresses on the O-ring can be complex and difficult to evaluate Learn More

2. Solutions for Compression Set Failure

Common to both static and dynamic seals, compression set failure produces flat surfaces on both sides of the O-ring's cross section. Suggested Solutions Learn More

3. Solutions for Extrusion & Nibbling

Typical of high-pressure systems, extrusion and nibbling can be identified by the many small bites (nibbles) taken from the O-ring on the low-pressure (downstream) side. Suggested Solutions Learn More

4. Solutions for Abrasion

Occurring primarily in dynamic seals involving reciprocating, oscillating, or rotary motion, abrasion can be identified by a flattened surface on one side of the O-ring's cross section. Suggested Solutions Learn More

5. Solutions for Heat Hardening & Oxidation

Seen in both static and dynamic seals, when heat hardening and oxidation occurs, the surface of the O-ring appears pitted and/or cracked, often accompanied by the flatness of high compression set. Suggested Solutions Learn More

6. Solutions for Installation Damage

Occurring in both static and dynamic seals, installation damage is marked by short cuts, notches, or a skinned or peripherally peeled surface. Suggested Solutions Learn More

7. Solutions for Plasticizer Extraction

Occurring in both static and dynamic seals, primarily in fuel system service, plasticizer extraction is marked by loss of physical volume. Suggested Solutions Learn More

8. Solutions for Excessive Swell

Excessive swell is easily identified by a marked increase in seal dimensions and occurs in both static and dynamic situations. Suggested Solutions Learn More

9. Solutions for Spiral Failure

Spiral failure is generally found on long stroke, hydraulic piston seals. The surface of the O-ring exhibits a series of deep, spiral 45-degree angle cuts. Suggested Solutions Learn More

10. Solutions for Weather or Ozone Cracking

Occurring in both static and dynamic seals exposed to atmospheres containing ozone and other air pollutants, weather and ozone cracking is marked by the appearance of many small surface cracks perpendicular to the direction of stress. Suggested Solutions Learn More

11. Solutions for Failure without Visible Evidence on Seal

Of the various types of seal failure, failure without visible evidence on the seal is among the hardest to diagnose because the result of the problem is not visible on the O-ring. Suggested Solutions Learn More

12. Solutions for Explosive Decompression

Explosive decompression is marked by random short splits or ruptures going deep into the O-ring's cross section. When the O-ring is first removed, the surface may also be covered with small blisters. Suggested Solutions Learn More