O-ring gaskets come in many sizes for standard and customizable applications. Manufacturers work with you to design specific types of o-rings and distributors and suppliers carry complete lines of products from major manufacturers. Commercial, retail and industrial markets provide many business opportunities. These markets include automobile, aerospace, electronics, military, appliances, turbines, medical equipment, machines and a host of others.

Material used to make o-rings vary according to function. Buna-N for oil resistance, ethylene-propylene finds uses in water appliances and weather resistant environments, silicone for extreme temperatures, cast polyurethane for hydraulic pressure situations, neoprene for applications involving Freon and ammonia and fluorocarbon for engines and fuel systems. Determining the right choice of o-ring gasket depends on many factors including pressure, operating temperature, type of contacting fluid, pressure and stress load. Each gasket manufacturer or gasket company offers technical assistance and quotes for small or large orders. When selecting o-ring gasket supplies consider the following:

1. Determine the function of the o-ring gasket, either static or dynamic.

2. Obtain the correct size and shape.

3. Know the contact material to find the correct composition of o-rings for compatibility.

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

Locate o-ring gasket distributors

These distributors carry many standard and specialty o-ring gaskets with quick delivery.

I recommend: Go to Sterling Seal & Supply, Inc., for wholesale prices on o-rings and kit boxes. Click from the selection of o-ring gaskets at AOP Technologies, Inc., bulk pricing available. This specialty o-ring gasket distributor specializes in wristwatch o-ring gaskets through a variety of sizes by the kit at Cas-Ker Company.

Find o-ring gasket manufacturers

Choose custom designs or solutions available in all sizes.

I recommend: Go to Royal Seals, Inc., and click “Precision Spliced O-Rings & Extrusions” or “O-Rings & Cord Stock” for a variety of compounds and shapes; contact or fill out “Place Online Order.” Click inch, metric, material or groove dimensions for same day shipping on many sizes at EPM, Inc. Select a specific material or fill out the contact form for custom o-rings quotes at Atlantic Rubber Co., Inc. Register at Apple Rubber Products, a major manufacturer of o-ring seals for quick delivery in any size or quantity.

See the large selection from these o-ring gasket suppliers

These companies carry standard and specialty sizes and materials from brand name manufacturers.

I recommend: Need a spiral wound gasket or lathe cut o-ring gasket? Go to Akron Gasket and Packing Ent.; click the category for choice pertaining to configuration and material. Find o-rings by name, image, profile or materials at Martin Fluid Power. For business-to-business sales see the products at O-Rings West, Inc.

Obtain helpful information about o-ring gaskets

Get o-ring information with condensed reading material and easily understandable charts.

I recommend: See the chart on “The physics of Rubber” regarding the types of material used in manufacturing o-rings at ERIKS group. Go to Ace Seal, LLC to view their 4 standard size o-ring charts listing number, I.D., actual size and O.D. See photos with descriptions of common seal failures at Marco Rubber & Plastic Products, Inc.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When placing an order, the minimum physical properties to know include material class, color, hardness (durometer) with tolerance, tensile strength and elongation.
• •  Know shipping coasts in advance and return policies.