Parker
O-Ring Division
Parker O-Ring Division’s primary business focus
is the manufacture of preformed toroidal compressive sealing elements, also
known as O-Rings. In layman’s terms, this is a rubber seal with a round
cross-section and round profile. Because of the symmetry of an O-Ring, there are
only two primary dimensions: the Inside Diameter and the cross-section
thickness. At
the O-Ring Division, we are not limited to simply O-Rings. We also design and
manufacture custom molded rubber parts, which are called molded shapes.
Typically, these molded shapes are used as compression seals, but have an odd
cross-section or non-round profile (e.g., rectangular instead of round.) Our
Berea Business Unit specializes in these types of molded shapes. One of our
common molded shapes is a rectangular seal used to seal the top and bottom of an
automotive radiator.
In addition to O-Rings, Parker sells common accessories used
with O-Rings. We have O-Ring lubricants, measuring equipment, and installation /
extraction equipment.
Measuring Cones and Tapes
Parker has designed a plastic sizing cone that can determine the 2-xxx size
number of an O-Ring. O-Rings up to approximately 6 inches ID can be measured. A
"Pi tape" is used to measure the inside circumference.
Installation and Extraction Tools
We at Parker know how hard it can be to install or remove an O-Ring without
damaging it or the gland area. To help in this, we supply soft brass extraction
tools to easily lift out an installed O-Ring. Two separate tools come in a
package.
In many applications, lubrication is required to
guarantee the safe and successful installation of an O-ring. To satisfy this
requirement, Parker O-Ring Division supplies a barium soap-gelled petroleum
grease (Parker O-Lube) and a high viscosity silicone oil (Parker Super-O-Lube).
Please note that neither of
these materials is considered an "age sensitive" material. For both
fluids, optimum performance is obtained within one year of opening. This limit
is primarily designed to reduce the potential for contamination of the lubricant
and, in the case of O-Lube, to prevent evaporation.
If the container is resealed after use, practical storage life is infinite.
In some applications, use of these lubricants may be restricted. In food
applications, vegetable shortening may be used to lubricate the O-rings during
assembly. In cases where silicone is forbidden, PFPE greases are an excellent
choice. Chemical companies like Akzo Lubricants, DuPont Chemicals, and Nye
Lubricants may be able to supply products for your application. Please note that
we do not endorse or "approve" any outside lubricants with the use of
our seals. Ensuring the compatibility of these products with any elastomer is
the responsibility of the lubricant supplier.
We also supply internally lubricated rubber compounds
– compounds that continually lubricate themselves.
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