O-rings

Fluorosilicone, frequently abbreviated as FVMQ, is a rubber compound used mainly in aerospace. 

With good temperature performance and excellent chemical resistance, fluorosilicone O-rings are a great choice for many applications.

Finding the right sealing solution should be fast, easy, and stress-free. Let’s talk.

Benefits of Fluorosilicone O-rings

Fluorosilicone O-rings are the right sealing option for many applications due to their resistance to jet fuel and mineral oils and their mechanical properties. 

These properties include: 

  • Low compression set
  • Excellent flexibility
  • Resistance to aging and sunlight
  • An overall wide range of basic chemical resistance. 

In addition to jet fuel and mineral oils, fluorosilicone O-rings are resistant to: 

  • Oxidizing chemicals
  • Aromatic and chlorinated solvents
  • Diluted alkalies
  • Silicone oil
  • Aliphatic and aromatic fluorocarbons
  • Ozone, and oxidative environments. 

This means fluorosilicone O-rings can be used outdoors and with a wide range of lubricants..

Durometer

The standard durometer range is from 50 Shore A to 80 Shore A. However, most fluorosilicone O-rings have a 60 Shore A or 70 Shore A hardness. 

Temperature Range

FVMQ O-ring temperature ranges are standard from - 100ºF to 350ºF. These temperatures are based on dry air; the actual temperature range depends on end-use application and will vary. Contact us for more details.

Dimensions & Sizes

Dimensions of fluorosilicone O-rings can vary significantly based on application. Whether metric or imperial sizes are required, many sizes can be produced. See our O-ring size chart for some of the most common sizes we offer, or contact us to discuss a size not shown or custom O-rings.

Common Uses and Applications

Fluorosilicone O-rings are used in a variety of applications. Some of the most common uses are in aerospace, commercial and military, automotive, and oil and gas industries. 

General applications include:

  • Engines
  • Electrical housing
  • Aerospace fuel systems
  • Automotive fuel emissions
  • Fuel pumps and tanks 
  • Low-outgassing applications. 

Fluorosilicone O-rings are a widely used seal, especially in the aerospace industry. These O-rings have many benefits, with a high-temperature range and high resistance to jet fuels, ozone, and other mineral oils. 

Due to the mechanical properties of this seal, FVMQ O-rings are not recommended for dynamic sealing operations and should only be used for static applications.

In a static application, if resistance to a wide temperature range or harsh chemicals is required, FVMQ O-rings may be the right fit.

Are fluorosilicone O-rings suitable for your application? Then, partner with Wyatt Seal, an industry expert, to avoid mistakes and make it easy to find the perfect sealing solution – let’s talk.

Fluorosilicone O-ring Material Information

Fluorosilicone is a hybrid of silicone and fluoroelastomers. More specifically, it combines trifluoropropyl, methyl, vinyl, and silicone. 

Fluorosilicone O-rings are similar in regards to their mechanical properties to silicone O-rings. However, they have a higher resistance to jet fuel and mineral oils. Conversely, fluorosilicone has equivalent chemical resistance to fluorocarbons but performs better with lower temperatures. 

There can be specially formulated FVMQ O-rings for particular applications. For instance, the food and beverage industry has specific requirements and will usually need to use an FDA-approved food grade fluorosilicone O-ring. This means that the materials used must meet strict standards. Fluorosilicone is an excellent material to meet these standards as it does not produce a smell or taste. 

Other unique formulations could also be used for medical and pharmaceutical applications.

Fluorosilicone O-rings can be produced by injection molding, compression molding, or extrusion. Although a round O-ring is standard, fluorosilicone O-rings can be made into other cross-sections. These cross-sections are dependent on application. Contact us for more details.

All FVMQ O-rings must be lubricated to work correctly. The lubrication depends on the application but is generally a form of oil, fuel, or grease.

Fluorosilicone O-Ring Colors

For many applications, the standard blue fluorosilicone O-ring will suffice. However, the O-rings can be made in different colors in other applications. These can include high-visibility colors. For more information on what colors are available, contact us.

Are fluorosilicone O-rings suitable for your application? Get it right with Wyatt Seal – let’s talk.