As a mechanical seal and/or seal, we can say that o-rings are among the most widely used rubber seals in industry. Here are a few examples.

We can state that the hardness 70 ShA offers the best combination of properties for most applications where this type of rubber seal is used.

With more than 5,000 moulds at our disposal, we produce o-rings with all types of elastomeric material, in different colours, with hardnesses from 20 ShA to 95 ShA and all standard cord sizes 1.78; 2.62; 3.53; 6.99; as well as the main cord sizes for use in fittings.

O-rings are essentially gaskets that are used as sealing devices in joining parts in hydraulic and pneumatic systems. They are designed, in mechanics, to be inserted into special housings and compressed when two or more parts are assembled. During assembly the o-rings are compressed, thus creating a sealing gasket: if the union is dynamic, the housing parts and the gasket move, whereas if the union is static, the o-rings remain still. The first case is the rarest and the o-rings need to move to fulfill their role and this movement serves to seal the moving parts. Static use tends to be preferred, i.e. an almost always axial assembly to hold two parts firmly in place, sealing them without any movement or dynamism.

Alternatively to using the calculator, here are some basic equations which allow you to calculate the missing information on your own.

The sealing of O-rings depends on both proper deformation and the elastic reaction exerted by the material against the walls. Two types of sealing can be distinguished:

In the automotive field (cars, motorbikes and trucks) o-rings can be used for: powertrain, filter systems, brake systems, airbag systems, chassis, suspension, power steering systems, air intake systems, exhaust systems, gearboxes, injection systems, lighting systems and specific sealing solutions.

How to choose the right o-ring? O-rings have varying dimensions and can also be made to measure, in full compliance with quality standards (e.g. according to UNI ISO 3601 series G, class N). It is therefore essential to choose the correct dimensions by referring mainly to the o-ring sizing table.

The hardness of O-ring seals and other rubber compounds is measured in Shore (Sh), a variable strength parameter according to the International Rubber Hardness Degrees (IRHD) scale, with a range from 0 to 100, corresponding to the elastic modulus of zero (0) and infinity (100).

Lopigom’s 40 years of experience has allowed us to refine the production process of o-rings, the main element in axial and radial seals, guaranteeing high performance products during stress and/or compression in cylinders, pistons and flanges.

The labels ‘AC’ and ‘DC’ are used to describe the types of current flow in a circuit. For direct current (DC) the electric current flows only in one direction. However, in alternating current (AC) the electric current changes direction at 50 times per second (50 Hz or hertz) in the UK supply.

You can calculate Amps using the relationship between Amps, Volts and Watts. To calculate Watts to Amps, simply fill in the values below and click ‘calculate’.

And to make sure you don’t make a mistake in choosing the best one for the application you need, we advise you to rely on professionals working in this field.

Amps multiplied by Volts equals Watts, which is the measurement used to determine the amount of energy. The higher the wattage is, the more power and output from the appliance. In terms of the hosepipe example, this would refer to the amount of water being released.

When you subscribe, you confirm you have read Electrical Safety First's privacy policy. You may opt out of receiving email updates at any time by using the unsubscribe link in the emails.

Volts are the measurement used to determine how much force is needed to cause the electric current to flow. In keeping with the earlier example, you could think of volts as the water pressure in the hosepipe, which makes the water flow.

Softer compounds stretch easily and are suitable for rough surfaces, while o-rings with harder compounds provide greater resistance to abrasion and extrusion. For example, in the case of soft materials, anti-extrusion o-rings are usually applied to allow the gasket to remain firmly in place.

Finding the correct sealing ring starts with identifying the end use and the materials that will be used, chosen according to the operating temperature to which the o-ring will be subjected. Temperature is a fundamental parameter to be taken into account in the choice: at high temperatures, the wrong o-ring could deform or harden or become sticky. Conversely, at too low temperatures it may take longer than expected to assume the correct position in the housing.

O-rings are elastomer rings (the common rubber) with a circular cross-section designed as a mechanical seal or seal for both static and dynamic uses. They have excellent resistance to frequent and extreme temperature changes and are long-lasting, in fact they can deform without being subject to material changes. Another characteristic of o-rings is their high flexibility.

In the world of industrial accessories, gaskets play an important role due to their adaptability to many different uses and sectors. There are many different types, but it can be said that o-rings are among the most widely used gaskets in various industrial contexts. The reason? Their high tightness, ease of use and low cost.

An example of direct current would be a battery powered torch. Alternating current (AC) is used to supply things like houses and buildings and mains connected appliances.

©2025 Electrical Safety First is the campaigning name of the Electrical Safety Council, a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 257376) and Scotland (No. SC039990) | Privacy Policy

In the chemical industry, FKM or FPM o-rings, also known as fluorinated elastomers that are highly resistant to ozone, synthetic liquids, mineral oils and many other chemical agents, are most commonly used. In contrast, o-rings made of silicone materials are resistant to high temperatures, while EPDM elastomers have good weather resistance.

The toroidal shape (O-shaped, from which the word o-ring derives) of this seal is no coincidence: it serves to give the o-ring more room for action, as it changes shape during the compression phase and adapts to the base of the structure.

Products are manufactured according to ISO3601.1-B, ISO3601.1-A, ISO3601.3-N and ISO3601.3-S standards and according to customer specific requirements (CSR).

Seat dimensions are defined in the sizing tables for each O-ring and finding the right one for you is easy: just look at the sizing table here.

Here’s our guide to the current ratings of commonly-used domestic appliances. The appliance power ratings suggested are indicative only.

In order to ensure maximum safety in plants and throughout the entire production chain, this type of rubber seal is used in the manufacturing industry and in the oil and gas sector.

Amps measure the flow of electricity as an electric current.  You should think of electric current as the flow of water through a hosepipe. The more water flowing through the hosepipe, the stronger the current is.