In-depth comparison: the advantages and disadvantages of metal O-rings and rubber O-rings

1. Material properties

Metal O-rings:

Material: Usually made of stainless steel, copper or alloy.

Features: High strength, high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance.

Rubber O-rings:

Material: Mainly made of various rubbers (such as NBR, Viton, EPDM, etc.).

Features: Soft, elastic, suitable for normal temperature and low pressure environment.

2. Performance comparison

Temperature resistance:

Metal O-rings: Able to withstand extremely high temperatures (up to 500°C or more).

Rubber O-rings: Usually the temperature resistance range is -40°C to 120°C, and some special rubbers can reach 200°C.

Pressure resistance:

Metal O-rings: Withstand higher pressure and are suitable for high pressure applications.

Rubber O-rings: Compression deformation may occur under high pressure conditions.

Corrosion resistance:

Metal O-rings: Have good corrosion resistance, especially after surface treatment.

Rubber O-rings: May not tolerate certain chemical media, and suitable materials need to be selected.

3. Application scenarios

Metal O-rings:

Commonly used in high temperature and high pressure environments such as aerospace, chemical, petroleum, and natural gas.

Rubber O-rings:

Widely used in low temperature and low pressure sealing occasions such as automobiles, home appliances, and water pumps.

4. Cost and life

Cost:

Metal O-rings: Usually costly.

Rubber O-rings: Relatively low cost and easy to purchase.

Life:

Metal O-rings: Long service life and low maintenance frequency.

Rubber O-rings: Short service life, easy to wear, and need to be replaced regularly.

5. Installation and maintenance

Metal O-rings:

High installation requirements, care should be taken to avoid damage, distortion and other problems.

Rubber O-rings:

Simple installation, good flexibility, and strong adaptability.

Conclusion

Metal O-rings and rubber O-rings each have their own advantages and applicable scenarios. The selection of suitable seals should be determined according to specific working conditions, temperature, pressure and medium properties. Understanding the differences between the two will help make more reasonable choices in design and application.

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