A sealing solution that some may say provides a better seal than the standard o-ring. Square rings have a round top (in the form of a torus), and their side view is a square-shaped cross-section.
These seals can also be known as washer rings, lathe cut rings, and Kantseals, and in this post, we look at square cut rings in more detail and some of the benefits they can bring to your applications.
O rings
O rings in the traditional sense are a Toric joint in the shape of a torus, designed to sit in a groove between two mating parts.
O rings are reliable, versatile, and the bonus of this type of seal is that it can be used in various applications, both static and dynamic.
Relatively inexpensive, O-rings are one of the most common seals used, as you will find a range available for chemical compatibility, temperature fluctuations, and varying pressures.
However, if the o ring isn’t quite cutting it and you no longer want to use a backup ring to support it, maybe now is the time to consider a square ring seal.
What is a square ring?
The most notable difference between a traditional circular o ring and a square ring seal is that the cross-section of the square ring is, as its name suggests, square, which decreases the chances of rolling during the installation and operation stages.
Square seals have flat edges on all four sides, covering more surface area than round o rings making them suitable for static applications, thin sealing areas, and where a high sealing load force is required.
If required, these seals can also be a direct replacement for an o ring, functioning the same, if not better, in certain applications.
Similar to o-rings, we use square ring seals, placing them carefully between two compatible parts (we say compatible as it is essential that you choose the right sealing compound that sits well within the application in which it will be used), and then squeezed to fill the gap, i.e. the ring will be compressed between the two parts to provide the seal. No longer will leaks occur, gases escape, or contaminants get inside.
Suitable for static applications, square ring seals or Kantseals offer another solution to o rings, using their shape to provide exceptional stability and a high sealing capacity.
Resistant to high pressure, and vibrations, square seals also have minimal extrusion, have no joints and accurately formed edges, providing a smooth surface.
In addition, the good news is that square rings do not require the use of a backup ring – they can provide you with the perfect sealing solution on their own sitting in the groove compressed to secure the clearance gap.
However, it must be noted that square seals are not suitable for any form of dynamic application or indeed applications that exhibit a low closing force.
Square rings are suitable for high pressure applications, helping in machinery to provide a safer work environment.
Other benefits of square rings include:
- They are available in a variety of sizes
- They use the same groove as o-rings (so there is no need to change groove design)
- They can be used for radial seals
- Offer close tolerances
- Provide good elasticity, toxicity, and texture
- Square seals are stable under pressure; they have a high extrusion resistance, offer stable sealing, and have a high resistance to rolling.
Features of square rings
- Square profile o-rings provide a larger sealing surface area
- These seals can fit into already established o ring grooves
- A square o-ring is interchangeable, size for size
- They are available in a range of compounds, both rubber and plastic, including:
- NBR – resistant to minerals, grease, and water up to 100 degrees Celsius. However, NBR is not suitable when matched with solvents and strong acids, as well as some ozone elements.
- Viton/FKM – chemically resistant to certain mineral oils, greases, fuels, and ozone elements, however, avoid if the application uses organic acids.
- FFKM – offers chemical resistance, suitable for wide temperature ranges, harsh environments, and oil and gas.
- EPDM – resistant to hot water, hydraulic fluids, silicone greases, and oils, but it is not compatible with mineral oils, certain lubricants, or hydrocarbons.
- Teflon is resistant to a range of chemicals and temperature fluctuations. Teflon is also resistant to abrasion and is unaffected by UV light.
- The square ring offers a hardness range of 70+/-5 shore (90 shore for high-pressure applications)
- They have a pressure range of <500 bar
- Suitable for hose, pipe, or faucet connections
O ring suppliers UK
Providing superior seals for some of the most demanding industries, we are the specialist o ring suppliers Leeds.
What we offer our customers:
- Precision gaskets and joints
- Laser precision, high-quality seals
- Zero tolerance error
- Exceptional customer service.
To see how we can help you and to find a seal that suits your requirements, check out our pages online.
