A Comprehensive Guide to O-Ring Cord

September 10, 2024 – by Eastern Seals

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Eastern Seals: Your O-Ring Cord Supplier

If you’re looking for high-quality O-ring cord, Eastern Seals offers an extensive range of materials, sizes, and lengths to meet your sealing needs. Eastern Seals stocks O-ring cord in nitrile, silicone, Viton, and other materials, ensuring that you find the perfect solution for your application. Their O-ring cord can be purchased in bulk or in custom lengths, allowing for full flexibility in manufacturing custom O-rings. For more information, visit the website at Eastern Seals O-Ring Cord or check out the online store at Eastern Seals Store.

With a wide range of products and decades of experience, Eastern Seals ensures that you have the sealing solutions you need for any application.