Why Buy Nitrile O-Rings?
Choosing the right o-ring isn't just a question of finding the right size of seal. O-rings are made from various materials, all of which have their own pros and cons. You have to find the best material for your needs.
If you don't have specialist sealing needs, then nitrile o-rings are often a solid solution. Nitrile is one of the most common elastomers used in o-rings. These seals are economical to buy and easy to source. Plus, they have some useful characteristics. What are they?
Get a Seal That Lasts
O-rings can wear down or break after they've been in place for a while. Movement, pressure, abrasion, heat and exposure to substances in the connections they seal can all affect their materials over time.
For example, silicon o-rings abrade and tear quite easily; polyurethane rings can't cope with higher temperatures. While you can't ever completely avoid damage to your seals, you can reduce the chances of short-term wear and breakage by buying more robust o-rings.
Nitrile is a good option here. For example, nitrile o-rings won't suffer from abrasion problems. They don't tear and they keep their elasticity for longer. They're also better able to deal with heat.
So, nitrile seals should last longer. They do a consistent job. Your o-ring replacement costs will also be lower.
Get a More Compatible Solution
Some o-rings don't work that well in certain situations. For example, they might not be able to deal with carrying some substances. Oils can be a particular problem here.
Some materials will absorb oil when they come into contact with it. If this happens, then the o-ring will expand. The o-ring won't break; however, it won't necessarily give you a tight seal any longer, and you'll need to replace it.
Nitrile o-rings are compatible with a lot of general substances. They have an overall oil resistance. They also won't develop problems if they come into contact with water, hydraulic fluids or hydrocarbons.
Plus, you can boost the sealing properties of nitrile o-rings by compounding them. Here, you change the properties of the nitrile to make it more effective.
For example, one of the downsides of nitrile is the fact that it loses some effectiveness in outdoor environments. If you use a compound material, then the o-ring becomes more resistant to weather fluctuations.
To find out more about nitrile seals, talk to your o-rings supplier. They can help you check if this material is the best option for your needs.
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