O rings come in many different dimensions, thicknesses, and materials. And it is the various different materials that o rings can be manufactured from that make each o ring unique and suitable for specific applications.
In fact, there are hundreds of different types of o rings to choose from and customise, which means, for you, there is an o ring available from your O-ring supplier that is perfect for your application.
One such material is AFLAS, which we will look at in more detail, including the benefits and makeup of the AFLAS material, and more in this post.
What is an o ring?
An o ring is a gasket chosen to fit between two mating parts that form a tight seal when compressed together. The aim is to prevent any leaks or gas from escaping.
AFLAS O-rings (also known as TFE/P rubber) are great for those applications that require temperature, chemical, and/or steam resistance, with these types of o-rings typically used in the oil and drilling industries.
They comprise propylene and tetrafluoroethylene with a 54% fluorine content. The copolymer that the o ring contains allows it the ability to withstand extreme temperatures, which in some cases can equate to 250 degrees Celsius.
Of course, you can request a customised AFLAS o ring where material composition might change depending on your specifications and requirements. It is always worth speaking with a professional in the o-ring field to determine which material and o-ring type will be most suitable.
What makes AFLAS material a good choice for an o ring?
This type of material provides a high level of resistance to almost every environmental factor that it can come across.
For example, AFLAS O-ring material is resistant to:
- Steam
- Ozone
- Chemicals/acids/bases
- Solvents
- Amines
- Ammonia
- Gamma-ray radiation
- Brake fluids
- Skydrol fluids
- Acetone
- Vacuum
- Petroleum compounds
- And so much more.
Making these o rings suitable for:
- Oil seals
- Shaft seals
- V-rings
- Packings
- Gaskets
- Critical applications
- Wire and cable (insulation jacketing of cables)
- Food and pharmaceutical applications
- Automotive industry
- Chemical processing equipment
- Utilities and HVAC
However, please be aware that AFLAS O-rings are not resistant to chlorinated hydrocarbons, ketones, organic refrigerants, or carbon tetrachloride.
Benefits of an AFLAS O-ring
Reliable and durable. These o rings due to their resistivity can provide you with longevity, so you have peace of mind that performance is maintained for extended periods.
It can replace Viton o rings in specific applications as it can be exposed to a range of automotive fluids and still provide the same high-level performance.
Resistant to various solvents and a wide range of chemicals, it is an excellent choice for various industry sectors or if you’re working with aggressive chemicals.
It has low-temperature properties, so as well as being able to withstand high temperatures, managing the material makeup of the O-ring also allows you to create an AFLAS O-ring that can be used in low-temperature applications.
This particular type of o ring is suitable in the food and pharmaceutical sector where aroma is a concern. This is due to the o-ring material’s low aromatising properties.
AFLAS o rings have excellent thermal properties, providing exceptional heat stability properties and resistance. This makes them a particularly good choice for steam applications.
They are also flame resistant, with the o ring burning if it is directly exposed to fire and stopping when it is removed.
AFLAS O-rings can also be used as a general-purpose seal with a fair compression set, offering excellent permeation resistance and acting as a good electrical insulator.
Choosing the right o ring for you
Every o ring is designed to provide the same function, i.e., to create a seal within an application that provides a barrier to prevent leaks.
However, where each o ring differs is in its material composition, and choosing the right o ring for you will require you to understand what each material offers and how this will benefit the application and your unique specifications.
Once you have chosen the most suitable material, you can then begin to look at dimensions and quantities, specifying the o-ring groove, taking into account the potential swell of the rubber, possible expansion properties, and the mating of the two parts.
Working with a professional supplier is often the best way to have your questions answered honestly. Drawing on their experience and expertise to find the right solution for you.
At Specialist Sealing Products, we’re proud to have built our reputation to become one of the most trusted o ring suppliers in the UK. Supporting businesses worldwide with all o ring requirements.
All of our o rings meet industry standards and provide a dependable sealing performance.
To help you with your o ring questions and requirements, speak to a team member today at 01535 274 776 or email us at sales@specialistsealingproducts.co.uk; we’re happy to help.
