Scorex Industrial Products
O Rings & Cords
O-ring cord is a versatile sealing material used in various industrial applications to create custom-sized O-rings and other sealing solutions. It provides a flexible, cost-effective option for industries that require seals with specific dimensions, ensuring that even non-standard applications can be effectively sealed. In this guide, we will cover the essential aspects of O-ring cord, including its uses, materials, and how to cut and join the cord to form functional O-rings.
What is O-Ring Cord?
O-ring cord is essentially a long, extruded length of elastomeric material with a circular cross-section, typically made from rubber or similar polymers. Unlike pre-made O-rings, O-ring cord allows manufacturers and engineers to cut and create seals of any size. This flexibility makes O-ring cord particularly useful in situations where off-the-shelf O-rings do not meet the required specifications.
Common Uses of O-Ring Cord
The primary application of O-ring cord is to fabricate custom O-rings for static or dynamic sealing in machines, hydraulic systems, and industrial equipment. It is especially beneficial when you need an O-ring with a specific internal diameter that is not commercially available.
O-ring cord is frequently used in industries such as:
- Automotive: Ensuring a tight seal for fluid systems in vehicles.
- Aerospace: Sealing components in aircraft, often in pressurised environments.
- Pharmaceutical: In machinery where seals must withstand high pressure and chemical exposure.
- Food and Beverage: Where seals must meet hygiene standards and tolerate food-grade environments.
Materials of O-Ring Cord
O-ring cords come in a variety of materials, each suited to different environments, temperatures, and chemicals. Below are some commonly available materials and their key features:
- Nitrile (NBR): This is one of the most commonly used materials, known for its resistance to oils, fuels, and other hydrocarbons. It is suitable for a broad range of industrial applications.
- Silicone (VMQ): Ideal for applications that require resistance to extreme temperatures, silicone O-ring cord is often used in food, beverage, and medical industries because of its non-toxic and high-temperature properties.
- Viton (FKM): Viton is a fluorocarbon-based material known for its excellent resistance to chemicals, high temperatures, and oils, making it perfect for demanding environments such as automotive and chemical processing industries.
- EPDM: Known for its outstanding resistance to heat, water, and steam, EPDM is often used in HVAC systems, automotive cooling systems, and industrial sealing applications.
Cutting and Joining O-Ring Cord
To create a custom-sized O-ring from O-ring cord, the cord is typically cut to the desired length and then joined together to form a circular seal. This can be done using an O-ring bonding kit, which usually includes a specialised adhesive. The cut ends of the cord are bonded together, ensuring that the joint is durable and can withstand the pressures and environments it will encounter.
Why Choose O-Ring Cord?
O-ring cord provides a flexible solution for engineers and industries that need non-standard or hard-to-find O-ring sizes. With the ability to make O-rings on demand, you reduce the lead time and avoid potential production delays. The ease of use also allows for quick fixes and repairs in the field without the need for a vast inventory of different-sized O-rings.
