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Viton® is a synthetic, high-performance fluoropolymer elastomer (rubber) commonly used in o-rings for rigorous applications. Categorized under the ASTM D1418 and ISO 1629 designation of FKM (hence, why they’re also referred to as “FKM o-rings“), Viton O-Rings are preferred because of their high resistance to extreme heat and brutal atmospheric conditions, as well as to oxygen, mineral oil, fuels, hydraulic fluids, aromatics and many organic solvents and chemicals.
As a trusted Viton O-Ring supplier, in addition to the standard compounds, we can supply:
O-rings are used in seals that have to maintain consistent performance in the face of a wide range of temperature extremes. Industries from aerospace to oil refining have systems in place that reach high temperatures, which can destroy or degrade seals quickly.
For this reason, it’s essential to have O-ring temperature rating systems in place that tell facility managers the correct O-rings to use with different conditions and equipment. Doing so will prevent facilities and equipment from being either insufficiently resistant to temperature damage or a poor price fit for a given system.
Viton and nitrile are the two elastomers most used for building O-rings, but Viton works especially well in high-temperature applications. They can provide consistent seals for indefinite systems that reach up to 400°F. Viton O-rings can also provide consistent sealing for up to two days in systems that reach up to 527°F.
Viton O-ring seals are the preferred material for systems that regularly reach these temperature extremes. Not only do these parts need to withstand high temperatures, but they also must hold up against corrosive chemicals and minerals. Their most common applications are in the following industries:
Within these and other industries, O-rings are frequently used for:
For general FKM O-Ring types, the hardness is from 50 to 90 Shore A. For others type 60 to 90 Shore A are appropriate.
Nitrile is another material that is commonly used to fabricate O-rings. This material is also called Buna or NBR. Just like Viton, this elastomer has good compression set resistance. However, although nitrile does not function as well as Viton at extremely high temperatures, it performs better at temperatures as low as −65°F.
Nitrile O-rings are best suited for general applications that maintain low temperatures as well as systems that are sealed or protected from the elements and UV radiation. This material is also highly resistant to physical abrasion damage.
However, Viton offers a number of advantages over nitrile in many scenarios. Viton can resist a wide range of corrosive threats that nitrile can’t handle. It holds up very well against acidic and petroleum-based compounds ranging from polymers to auto fuel. Viton also resists oxidation, ozone, and mold, as well as ultraviolet rays and adverse weather conditions.
Many industries use a combination of Viton and nitrile O-rings to seal systems. Many manufacturers default to nitrile O-rings because this material is more affordable, but in doing so, they miss out on the unique advantages Viton brings to the floor.
Facility managers and maintenance crews use Viton O-rings to seal specialty valves and gaskets as needed. Knowing which O-ring is the best choice in different scenarios can help facilities keep costs down without sacrificing safety or quality assurance.
Allied Metrics specializes in providing high-quality sealing solutions for those in need. We’ve manufactured and distributed pneumatic and metric hydraulic seal components and systems for over 26 years.
Contact our team today to find the right sealants and O-rings for all the systems and tools in your facility.
Black, brown, green, white, rust, yellow and blue are available, in addition to any customer-assigned color.
Because Viton O-Rings have a high resistance to extreme heat (even flames), chemicals, oils, solvents, and weathering, they’re often used in the automotive, chemical processing, and aerospace industries — in addition to many others. Viton GLT has a more broad usable thermal range of -45° C to 275° C and outstanding in aggressive HTS-type oils, applied in aerospace applications. Viton ETP is usually applied in the chemical industrial field.
Over the last years fluorcarbon Viton® O-rings have grown major importance in the seal industry and are even considered the most significant single elastomer developed in recent history.
The terms Viton® O-rings and FKM often lead to confusion and incorrect interpretations. FPM is the ISO designation, FKM is the ASTM disgnation. Vito®, Dai-El and Technoflon are brands for FMP polymers. All of the designations stand for one single base material, which is fluoro rubber.
The Viton® O-rings assortment of grades has an extremely wide temperature range and are highly resistant to chemical attacks, which makes usage in aircraft, automobiles and other mechanical devices possible.
For more information about Viton® O-rings (FPM/FKM) or one of our other o-ring materials please visit our contact page or fill out the “Ask ERIKS” form on the upper-right corner.