Though the O-ring is a small part, they are an incredibly important component in many jobs and industries. Orings may not be the most glamorous part of a machine, but without them, machines may not even function properly. Today I am going to teach you some more about o rings, what they do, and some cool things about them.
One reason o-rings are commonly used is to assist in sealing where multiple components of a machine connect. They keep appurtenances from falling off — which is very important. “Orings can be used for, for example, preventing leaks in pipes or tubes that carry water, gas or other liquids. If a pipe carrying water had a hole in it, it would cause a massive mess! Orings also assist pumps or motors in functioning properly. If they don't have oring in these machines then their would be happen even stopped working, or problems which are expensive or more dangerous.
Selecting the appropriate material for your needs is a critical aspect when you are choosing oring kit. The right oring material will depend on its application and the environment it will be in. Some materials perform better in higher temperatures, while others are designed during colder weather, for example. Some materials are resistant to chemicals or oils.
The correct installation of an oring is crucial to assure its proper function. All the cleaned material off the surface before you plug in the oring. If there's dirt, it can cause the oring to damage or not fitting properly. Putting the oring in place, ensure it is tight in the groove. That way it can seal as intended.
You can use some lubricant if the oring is hard to insert. It is important to note that the oring needs some lubricant to slide into the correct position without tearing or cutting. Without proper installation, the oring will not be able to properly seal, and thus the parts will not work efficiently.
A frequent cause for oring failure is damage during the installation. An oring can get damaged if it is not seated properly, or if it is dirty, or the seat you are trying to install it is dirt. One more reason orings may fail is wear and tear as time goes by. This will happen if the oring is exposed to high heat, strong chemicals, or extreme weather.
Orings are improving just like every other technology. Their are however new materials and designs being created to allow for orings to last longer and benefit lower friction. Some of the latest orings, for instance, are self-healing. Meaning that if they have a little cut or damages, they can fix themselves! Isn’t that cool?