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They may be small and inconspicuous, but some of the most important components of any hydraulic system are the O-rings used to seal valves, joints, and other gaps. If any hydraulic system's O-rings fail, the system will rapidly lose internal pressure and become useless, so choosing O-rings made from suitable materials is vital to the long-term usability of any piece of hydraulic apparatus.
O-rings made from natural and synthetic rubbers are excellent choices for most hydraulic systems, and having your hydraulic O-rings manufactured to order by a custom rubber parts producer will guarantee that your new O-rings are fit for purpose and constructed to the best possible standards.
However, custom rubber O-rings can be made from a variety of rubbers, and some are more suitable for use with hydraulic systems than others. if you need to order new O-rings for a hydraulic system, O-rings made from the following types of rubber are all excellent choices:
Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR)
Hydraulic seals made from EPR are very widely used in specialized manufacturing industries, such as aerospace construction. They are prized for their ability to withstand intense heat and compressive forces without losing strength or durability. They are also chemically inert compared to many other rubbers and do not perish or corrode when used with corrosive hydraulic fluids. They are similarly resistant to damage caused by silicone-based lubricants and cleaning fluids containing alcohol.
Unfortunately, ethylene propylene rubber O-rings are less durable when it comes to withstanding friction and other physical forces, and can wear out quickly if subjected to excessive shearing forces. Consequently, EPR rings may not be suitable for more heavy-duty applications where long-term wear resistance is essential.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber (EPDM Rubber)
Commonly known simply as EPDM, this synthetic rubber is closely related to EPR but has a number of important differences in terms of properties. It is generally much more resistant to physical wear than EPR and is also highly resistant to extremes of temperatures and UV exposure. An excellent general-use rubber, EPDM rubber O-rings are especially suitable for portable hydraulic systems that will operate in unsheltered locations for extended periods.
EPDM Rubber is also a relatively inexpensive material, and EPDM O-rings are generally very affordable. Unfortunately, EPDM rubber is notoriously vulnerable to petroleum-based fuels and oils, and should never be used with any hydraulic system that handles or utilizes these substances.
Neoprene
This highly versatile synthetic rubber is used in everything from automotive parts to wetsuits, primarily for its resistance to a wide variety of corrosive and damaging chemicals. Hydraulic O-rings made from neoprene are similarly resistant and can be used in a wide variety of industries safely. However, they can be expensive.
Neoprene is particularly well-known for resisting exposure to refrigerant liquids, which are almost always highly toxic and corrosive. Neoprene O-rings are also more resistant to very low temperatures than most other O-rings, and will not shatter or become brittle. This combination of properties makes them especially useful for hydraulic systems used in HVAC and refrigeration industries.
For further information, reach out to a custom rubber parts manufacturer.
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