The O-Ring Example

Throughout this guide, the O-ring is used as an example in our discussion of seal design principles. We have made this choice for these reasons:

• It is the most common and most widely known type of seal in use today.
• It is used in all types of applications and by a broad range of industries.
• In most new designs, the O-ring is the FIRST type of seal to be considered.

Also, as a practical matter, a discussion of the many types of seals would overwhelm our primary purpose, which is to illustrate the general principles of seal design.