Special Elastomer Applications

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Optimum sealing performance has proven troublesome in certain sealing environments. Therefore, for the following O-ring applications, specific elastomers and actions are recommended.

In some cases, a variety of elastomers may be "acceptable" in a given application. The final material choice may be guided by the secondary operating conditions of the systems; or in the case of "equal" performance, by considerations of cost and availability. We are using the O-ring as an example, but much of this information applies to other seal types.

Friction

Standard methods employed for minimizing the effects of O-ring friction include reducing seal squeeze; increasing compound hardness; specifying a low friction compound, such as Teflon^®; surface treatment with a low friction coating; and reducing the O-ring's cross section to reduce the amount of contact area (being conscious of avoiding spiral failure).

Apple Rubber Products, Inc. • 310 Erie Street • Lancaster, NY 14086 • 1.800.828.7745

1. Introduction

2. Products & Services

3. O-Ring Basics

4. Seal Types & Gland Design

5. Critical Operating Environmental Factors

6. Material Selection Guide

7. Special Elastomer Applications

8. Troubleshooting

9. Sizes & How to Order

10. Glossary of Terms

11. Rules of Thumb

12. Formulas

13. Seal Glossary

14. Bibliography / Trademarks