O-rings

Silicone, frequently abbreviated as VMQ, is a rubber compound used in applications like waterproof housings, automobiles, and medical devices. 

Silicone O-rings can be used for a wide temperature range, are weather resistant, have a good compression set, and have good electrical properties. Silicone O-rings are an excellent choice for many applications.

Are you looking to find the right O-ring for your application? The experts at Wyatt Seal will help you find the perfect sealing solution for any application — guaranteed. Let’s talk.

Common Uses and Applications

Silicone O-rings are used in a variety of applications. Some of the most common uses are:

Silicone O-rings can be the correct sealing option for many applications due to their mechanical properties and low cost compared to other materials like fluorosilicone. 

These properties include:

  • Low compression set
  • Great temperature resistance
  • Excellent flexibility
  • Resistance to aging and sunlight
  • Good weather and ozone resistance 

Silicone O-rings resist animal and vegetable oil, grease, ozone, and oxidative environments. This means silicone O-rings can be used with several lubricants and outdoors..

Silicone O-rings are a widely used seal, especially in the food and beverage and electrical industries. These O-rings have many benefits, with a high-temperature range, excellent resistance to outside environments, low electrical conductivity, and low cost compared to similar materials. 

General applications include:

  • Automotive engines
  • The prevention of cross-contamination in food and beverage
  • Pumps
  • Semiconductors
  • Dust and waterproofing 

Due to the mechanical properties of this seal, VMQ 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, waterproofing, or dust proofing is required, VMQ O-rings are the right fit.

Choose a partner you can trust to find the perfect sealing solution for any situation – contact Wyatt Seal.

Durometer

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

Temperature Range

Silicone or VMQ O-ring temperature ranges are standard from - 175ºF to 450ºF. 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 Silicone 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.

Silicone O-Ring Colors

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

Silicone O-ring Material Information

Silicone is a rubber polymer made from silicon, oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. However, other elements can be used in place of carbon and hydrogen. By having a chain of alternating silicon and oxygen with the additives, low toxicity, high-temperature resistance, and good electrical insulation can be achieved.

There can also be specially formulated VMQ O-rings for certain applications. For instance, the food and beverage industry will require an FDA-Approved food grade Silicone O-ring. This means the materials used must meet strict standards established by the Food and Drug Administration. 

Silicone 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.

Silicone O-rings can be produced by injection molding, compression molding, or extrusion. 

Although a round O-ring is standard, Silicone O-rings can be made into other cross-sections. These cross-sections are dependent on application. Contact us for more details.

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