An O-ring is a torus-shaped seal made of an elastomeric material such as rubber or polymer. It is seated in a groove, or gland, and compressed between two mating surfaces to form a leak-proof barrier against fluids or gases.
These seals are used in both static applications, where there is no movement between parts, and dynamic applications, such as those involving pistons or rotating shafts.
Key characteristics include:
- A circular cross-section with simple geometry
- Sizing based on inner diameter (ID) and cross-sectional (CS) thickness
- Ease of manufacture and widespread industrial use
Due to their simplicity and reliability, O-rings are among the most common sealing solutions across various industries.
