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All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Machine Shop Talk & AG Parts Machining => Topic started by: Ronno6 on January 04, 2025, 10:09:10 PM

Title: O-ring Design Considerations
Post by: Ronno6 on January 04, 2025, 10:09:10 PM
Not sure exactly where to post this.....

Is there a difference with regard to pressure holding capabilities of O-rings of different cross sections?

For a given OD, will fatter CS O-rings handle more or less pressure than thinner CS O-rings??
Title: Re: O-ring Design Considerations
Post by: JPSAXNC on January 05, 2025, 09:35:17 AM
 You can buy a roll of any cross section o-ring material to make an o-ring of any diameter. The variations in cross sections might be for fitment rather than pressure?
Title: Re: O-ring Design Considerations
Post by: mikeyb on January 05, 2025, 10:10:00 AM
It's a package design question.

Gap dimensions, crush, and durometer (ShoreA Hardness, 70A, 90A, etc.) are all important factors.
A thicker o-ring "might" seal better with sloppy fit tolerances OR a thicker o-ring "might" leak sooner because sealing force is spread over a larger area.
A softer o-ring might seal better under low pressure applications but it might extrude like putty under higher pressures.
If the application is not static (a sliding piston-ring application) a thinner+harder o-ring might have less friction loss.

Many factors to consider. Not one simple answer like "thicker is always better" :-)
Title: Re: O-ring Design Considerations
Post by: WobblyHand on January 05, 2025, 10:52:08 AM
I'm sure there are more compact sources, but I've used this guide to help.  https://www.parker.com/literature/O-Ring%20Division%20Literature/ORD%205700%20Parker_O-Ring_Handbook.pdf  Lots of data there - probably more than you ever wanted to know.