Popular in the refrigeration industry, neoprene o rings are also growing in popularity across a wide range of other sectors due to their incredible resistance to hazardous materials.
Also known as chloroquine o rings, these o rings provide excellent resistance to oxidation UV light, and they’re both water and weather-resistant.
As experienced and professional o ring suppliers, Leeds, our team can help you choose the best o ring material and type for your requirements and application.
Order today or speak to a member of our team for further information.
What is Neoprene?
Created in the 1930s, neoprene is a type of polymer available in either solid rubber or latex form.
Neoprene is a synthetic elastomer that combines various properties that allow it to perform well when it comes into contact with fats, oils, and any petroleum-based products and chemicals.
Coming from the polymerisation of the organic material chloroprene, neoprene is a highly robust elastomer that is also fire-resistant and offers excellent resistance to ozone, sun, and ageing.
What’s more, neoprene o rings can be used in a broad and fluctuating temperature range with a neoprene o-ring temperature range from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Many new materials have been developed. However, neoprene is the one material that offers that balance of properties that, for some applications, is essential.
Sectors Neoprene is suitable for
- Automotive
- Construction
- Wire
- Cable
- Medical and healthcare sector
- HVAC
- Refrigeration
- Mobile equipment
Neoprene and essentially neoprene o ring cords and neoprene o ring kits are very cost-effective, making them a much more affordable and practical solution for many applications.
Providing the perfect seal, neoprene o rings prevent liquids and gases from escaping and penetrating the application.
Applications where you will find neoprene o ring cords and o rings in general include:
- Shock absorber seals
- Vibration mounts
- Hose covers
- Power transmission belts
- Seals for tail lights
- Seals for windows
- Expansion joints
- Noise insulators
- Cushioning for medical instrument cases
It’s important to note that certain approvals and materials certifications are required for some industrial sectors. This is to ensure high standards are maintained and the materials used are safe for the intended application.
Your professional o ring supplier will be able to talk you through the various types and grades of o rings and which one is suitable for industry and application.
Benefits of Neoprene
Neoprene o-ring kits are perfect for sealing, and insulation as these o rings are:
- Resistant to oil and grease
- Robust
- Resistant to damage from flexing and twisting
- Resistant to weather, fluctuating temperatures, ozone, water
- Supportive to custom compounds
- Used in weather stripping for fire doors due to its flame resistance
- Resistant to abrasion
They also offer low flammability, which means when they are exposed to fire and flames, they will burn, but the o ring itself will extinguish when removed.
Providing chemical stability, neoprene rubber o rings also support the use of adhesives by providing a cushioning platform, providing the right level of protection against vibrations.
Neoprene is a very flexible and versatile material that does not degrade as quickly as natural rubber. Neoprene is a stretchy material that boasts high elasticity and durability that also provides a great deal of insulation.
Note: O ring neoprene rubber should not be used in applications where brake fluids, gasoline, or ketones are apparent.
Storage and shelf-life
Neoprene o rings have a shelf-life of between five and ten years, but this is also dependent on storage conditions.
All o rings must be stored correctly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
In the case of neoprene o rings and sheet materials, storage should be a cool, dry place, avoiding direct sunlight, moisture, oxygen, heat, and other chemicals.
As an alternative to o ring neoprene, some sectors use buna o rings, also known as nitrile rubber o rings.
These o rings have a similar makeup; however, buna o rings have the advantage of being more environmentally friendly.
Neoprene seals, gaskets, and insulation can be fabricated to your requirements and manufactured in any thickness required to suit specific applications. Using water jet cutting, joining, taping, and lamination, a wide range of neoprene gaskets are available on the market.
O ring suppliers UK
At Specialist Sealing Products, we have a wide range of high-quality neoprene o rings to suit a variety of applications.
We specialise in o rings, gaskets, and seals, with various types and ranges available. Our level of experience and product availability is why people return to us time and time again.
If you’re looking for an o ring supplier in Leeds, call 01535 274 776 or email your requirements to sales@specialistsealingproducts.co.uk and let us help you today.
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