You have probably encountered O-rings at some point in your life. This simple-looking gadget is easily forgotten but is extremely underrated. It has been a part of various repairs, from cars to cameras, and has been a revolutionary tool in mechanical engineering.
Although the O-ring is usually just a small donut-shaped component, it has allowed people to develop new devices and machines relevant to our lives. Examples include scuba diving gear, dive lights, dental implants, motorcycles, and paintball guns.
If you are thinking of using an O-ring, it is essential to understand how to maintain it properly. This article tackles the dos and don’ts of O-ring maintenance.
1. Do use compressed air or a soft brush
Frequently cleaning the rings is a vital part of maintenance. This is especially important for O-rings that provide a seal to machines. If you find any debris, grit, or contamination, you should clean it using a soft brush to avoid abrasions.
Additionally, if there are any signs of corrosion or cracks on the ring, you must look for a replacement as using a broken O-ring can lead to major defects.
2. Do lubricate regularly
O-rings need substantial lubrication to function correctly. If not, cracks can occur and ultimately cause severe damage. This is especially significant for machines that require seals to be opened and closed. For this instance, you can use any silicone-based O-ring lubricant like WEICON Silicone Grease and apply the necessary amount.
3. Do be familiar with other maintenance products
Remember, there are various kinds of O-rings made for different purposes. They can be Neoprene, Viton, or NBR-based rings. What you need will determine the type of O-ring you should buy. Simplex offers O-rings made from various materials such as silicone, Viton, and nitrile rubber.
Additionally, you may need products like adhesives and sealants while maintaining your O‑rings. Sealants block fluids between spaces, while adhesives bind two parts together.
Simplex offers these products with brands such as Weicon, Permatex, and Loctite. These are perfect for products that require either binding or separating.
4. Do store it properly
Knowing how to store O-rings is just as important as applying them. You should keep them in an airtight bag, away from sunlight. Using old O-rings can lead to severe consequences, so it is always better to be safe.
Additionally, the rings could get brittle over time. If that happens, it is best to check out suppliers like Simplex for new ones.
5. Don’t stretch out the O‑ring
It is crucial to apply O-rings carefully, as improper care can result in significant damage. Stretching the O-ring can cause detrimental effects such as abrasions, degradation, and flattening. These O-ring failures can lead to costly repairs, as they can also damage other components that you may need to replace.
You must understand the application of your O-ring, as well. We likewise recommend that you do some evaluation before buying a specific product to save you from wasted purchases and ensure that you are correctly applying the O-ring.
6. Don’t use tools with sharp edges
You should avoid using tools with pointy tips or sharp edges while working with O-rings. Sharp tools can easily damage the O-ring and affect its sealing capability. These tools must be handled with care and, depending on the application, can cause severe issues.
If you need to remove and install O-rings, remember to slide, not roll. Use your fingers to slowly squeeze it sideways until you can push one edge out from its recess. Continue doing so carefully until you have removed the O-ring. Once you are done, clean the O-ring and the area around it. Discard any debris or grease and check for cracks or corrosion.
7. Don’t expose the O‑ring to extremely high or low-temperature environments
Exposing O-rings to extreme temperatures outside their ideal temperature range can cause major issues. The heat can degrade materials like rubber physically and chemically. Other reactions include hardening, swelling, and change in volume.
For low-temperature environments, effects such as shrinkages, brittleness, and loss of flexibility are common issues that can decrease an O-ring’s performance.
8. Don’t expose the O‑ring to chemicals
Chemical attacks and swells can occur if O-rings are exposed for a long time. Choosing the right O-ring material can help prevent these from happening while protecting it from degrading. Specific O-rings are compatible with certain chemicals, so researching this aspect is necessary.
Read: O-rings 101: Everything Cars & Motorcycle Owners Should Know
Additionally, chemical reactions can cause O-rings to look bigger. It is best to check the chemicals you will be handling to ensure you choose the appropriate O-ring material.
Remember, the O-ring you choose must be resistant to the chemicals that your specific application will be exposed to.
Do your research to ensure safety with O‑rings
O-rings play a crucial part in numerous applications across the world. This simple-looking tool has developed and maintained various machines and products that people use daily.
Indeed, O-ring maintenance is vital. Before applying O-rings, check for any damage that may be present, which you can then check with a reliable supplier. Additionally, having the necessary products to maintain and clean them is essential.
Simplex is a premier O-ring supplier and offers various products ranging from sealants, adhesives, and pumps. Visit our shop to browse our wide selection of products for delivery.
