O-Ring Gaskets

An O-ring, also known as a packing, or a toric joint, is a mechanicalgasket in the shape of a torus; it is a loop of elastomer with adisc-shaped cross-section, designed to be seated in a groove andcompressed during assembly between two or more parts, creating a sealat the interface.

The joint may be static, or (in somedesigns) have relative motion between the parts and the O-ring;rotating pump shafts and hydraulic cylinders, for example. Joints withmotion usually require lubrication of the O-ring to reduce wear. Thisis typically accomplished with the fluid being sealed.

O-ringsare one of the most common seals used in machine design because theyare inexpensive and easy to make, reliable, and have simple mountingrequirements. They can seal tens of megapascals (thousands of psi)pressure.

O-rings are one of the most common seals used in machine design because they are inexpensive and easy to make.They can seal tens