Silicone O-rings

O-RINGS

Silicone, commonly abbreviated as VMQ, is a versatile and high-performance elastomer widely used in sealing applications across various industries. Known for its exceptional thermal stability and flexibility, silicone is ideal for environments requiring reliable performance under extreme temperatures, UV exposure, and challenging conditions.

With a chemically stable and inert structure, silicone resists degradation from exposure to environmental factors such as ozone, oxygen, and moisture. It maintains flexibility and elasticity across a broad temperature range, making it suitable for demanding applications where other materials may become brittle or fail.

Silicone is commonly used in industries such as automotive, food processing, and medical manufacturing, where its biocompatibility and durability make it an excellent choice for sealing solutions. For optimal performance, silicone O-rings and seals can be paired with compatible lubricants when needed to enhance sealing efficiency and reduce friction in specific applications.

Features and Specifications

Temperature Range

Standard silicone O-ring temperature ranges typically extend from -75°F to 450°F, with some specialized formulations capable of withstanding even higher temperatures. These temperature limits are based on dry air, but actual performance may vary depending on the specific application and environmental conditions.

DUrometer

Standard durometer (hardness) for silicone O-rings typically ranges from 40 Shore A to 80 Shore A, with 70 Shore A being the most common. This range offers versatility, enabling silicone to be tailored for specific sealing applications by balancing softness for flexibility with hardness for durability.

Color

Silicone O-rings are often red but can also be manufactured in various colors to meet specific application requirements.

Benefits of Silicone O-rings

Silicone O-rings offer exceptional resistance to extreme temperatures, environmental exposure, and UV degradation, making them ideal for demanding sealing applications in industries such as automotive, food processing, and medical manufacturing. Renowned for their flexibility and reliability, they deliver consistent sealing performance even under challenging conditions. Silicone O-rings are highly versatile, providing an excellent balance of thermal stability, weather resistance, and mechanical flexibility, making them a preferred choice for a wide range of applications. They provide several beneficial mechanical properties, including:

  • Chemical resistance
  • Flexibility
  • Low compression set
  • Low electrical conductivity
  • Nonstick
  • Non-toxic / sterile
  • Resistance to aging and sunlight
  • Resistance to water
  • Temperature resistance
  • Tensile strength and tear resistance
  • Weather and ozone resistance

Additionally, silicone O-rings are resistant to:

  • Brake fluids 
  • Corrosion
  • Diluted alkalis
  • Electrical
  • Flames  
  • Mold
  • Oxidation
  • Silicone oils
  • Sunlight 
  • Water
  • Weather

Common Uses and Applications of Silicone O-rings

Silicone O-rings are suitable for a wide range of static and dynamic applications. They are easy to manufacture, even for specialized designs, and deliver reliable performance in challenging environments. Silicone O-rings are widely utilized in industries such as automotive, food processing, and healthcare, particularly in systems requiring durability under extreme temperatures and environmental exposure. These O-rings are often used in sealing systems for pumps, valves, and medical devices. Additional industries that rely on silicone O-rings include:

The wyatt seal advantage

We're here to help in selecting the right sealing solution. Tell us your specifications, and we'll partner with you to find the ideal O-rings for your next project. Contact Wyatt Seal to find out more about our O-ring selection and custom solutions.