Silicone O-rings are one of the most common sealing components used today. Silicone is an industry standard for a wide range of applications, and it is prized for its simplicity, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. Silicone rubber O-rings have numerous desirable features that make them popular for a wide range of products. At Allied Metrics, our state-of-the-art machining services enable us to create silicone O-rings that exhibit many beneficial characteristics such as:
- Secure sealing in static settings at elevated temperatures
- Robust UV and ozone radiation resistance
- Optimal flex and fatigue life
- Good insulating properties
- Flexible performance
Choose Allied Metrics for Your Silicone O-Rings
Allied Metrics is a full-service manufacturer and distributor of superior sealing solutions, specializing in providing high-quality, cost-effective pneumatic, oil, and metric hydraulic seals to our clients. Our products are thoroughly inspected to ensure the highest level of functionality, performance, and quality.
Allied is the trusted name in O-ring manufacturing, and we offer a wide range of materials and sizes to suit the needs of almost any application across various industries. To learn more about how our silicone rubber O-rings can help ensure the success of your next project, please contact us today or request a quote for more information.
Silicone O-Ring Advantages
Silicone rubber makes the ideal material for O-rings, as it is flexible, stable, non-reactive, and capable of withstanding high temperatures and extreme environmental conditions. Heat-resistant silicone O-rings are resistant to a temperature range of up to 310° C or 590° F and as low as -100° C or -148° F. In limited circumstances, they may also exceed those tolerances for short durations.
Silicone O-rings also exhibit a low compression set, meaning they are ideal for compression force sealing and applications where high pressures or temperatures exist. These highly resilient components are also resistant to chemicals, acids, alkali, and ozone. In industries where aesthetics is a factor, silicone O-rings can be matched to any RAL or Pantone number for a highly customized look.
Additional advantages include:
- Odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic
- Easy to manufacture
- Outstanding oil resistance at high temperatures
- Superior dielectric properties and high thermal resistance
- Suitable alternative to more expensive materials like fluorocarbon, nitrile, and PTFE
- Can be reinforced with inert fillers to increase certain mechanical properties without negatively impacting performance
- Resistant to ketones, weathering, fungal growth, dry heat, and sunlight
While the list of advantages of high-temperature O-rings is extensive, they are subject to some limitations. Silicone does not have the tensile strength of some alternative materials, nor does it have high resistance to tears and abrasions. This means that silicone O-rings are not well-suited for dynamic applications. Silicone is also more permeable than other materials, so it is not suitable for direct exposure to steam, fuel, or gear lubricants.
Applications of Silicone Rings
With numerous beneficial characteristics, silicone rubber O-rings are the ideal sealing components for a wide variety of applications across many diverse industries. They perform well in environments where other materials may suffer, such as in dry heat. The superior electrical insulating properties of high-temperature O-rings make them highly desirable for applications subject to strict performance standards. Silicone rubber O-rings are also used in FDA-approved food handling equipment and appliances.
Industries and applications that regularly use silicone O-rings include, but aren’t limited to:
- Aerospace
- Automotive manufacturing
- Cooling systems
- Dairy
- Electronics
- Fluid power & motion control
- Food processing and production
- Industrial hydraulics & pneumatics
- Marine
- Medical
- Off-highway
- OEM custom parts
- Oil & gas
- Optical
- Pharmaceutical
- Pressure cleaners
- Semiconductors
- Water processing equipment
Silicone O-Rings From Allied Metrics
Silicone O-rings are the superior choice for static applications where resistance to temperature extremes or harsh environmental conditions are required. Though they serve a vast array of applications, silicone O-rings are not suitable for dynamic applications due to their poor tear and abrasion resistance. In these cases, our team can offer other alternative rubber O-ring materials that can provide additional benefits more suitable for your needs.
Allied Metrics is an expert O-ring manufacturer. Our extensive knowledge and experience help us in designing and developing seal solutions for a variety of unique needs. The Allied team is here to guide you as you navigate the different O-ring materials available, as well as helping you understand why you should choose an O-ring instead of a rubber gasket. Contact us today at 973-383-2487 to discuss your requirements or email sales@alliedmetrics.com to get started.
