A backing ring (also called back-up ring or antiextrusion ring) is a metal or rubber ring, which you can use in various industrial applications such as welding, static sealing and dynamic sealing. Metal backing rings are strips of metal that you can attach at the pipe joint or at the root of the weld to prevent spatter and to ensure the integrity of the weld. You can use a rubber backing ring along with an o-ring to prevent the extrusion of the o-ring and early failure of the seal at high operating pressures.

Backing rings come in a number of types such as gasket backing rings, plain backing rings, machined weld rings, short spacers, long spacers and hard rubber backing rings. The industries that use backing rings include automotive, aerospace, construction, semiconductors and metalworking.

Some important parameters you must consider before buying a backing ring are:

1. The application for which you want to use a backing ring
2. Dimensions of the backing ring: well radius, thickness and width
3. The material of the ring
4. The grade of the backing ring

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy backing rings from manufacturers

Once you know your requirements regarding the backing rings, you can check out the product line of reputable manufacturers.

I recommend: Robvon Backing Ring is a leading manufacturer that provides a variety of backing rings including backing rings for pipe alignment, tube alignment and fittings. Johnson Bros. is one of the major backing ring manufacturers. You can also buy backing rings from Associated Pile & Fitting, another supplier of industrial fittings.

Find distributors of industrial backing rings

You can buy backing rings from reputable distributors after checking out the variety of backing rings they offer.

I recommend: You can buy a backing ring at Zatkoff Seals & Packings or Energy & Process Corporation, another industrial distributor that offers a variety of backing rings including welding rings, chill rings and consumable inserts. In addition, you can also buy backing rings at EPM.

Buy backing rings from custom manufacturers

If you have some specific requirements regarding the backing rings and standard products do not fulfill them, you can buy customized backing rings from reputable manufacturers.

I recommend: You can buy customized hard rubber back-up rings at Precision Associates, a leading custom manufacturer. If you want to buy a pipe gasket backing ring, you can check out the product line of Imperial Weld Ring Corp., a custom manufacturer of backing rings including machined weld rings. In addition, Columbia Engineered Rubber is a reputable custom manufacturer of backing rings.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Buy standard backing rings to ensure smooth running of your industrial processes.