Tip: Viton® O-Rings

Genuine Viton® O-rings from DuPont Dow Elastomers are Superior

Problem Solving Products, Inc. is certified by Dupont Dow Elastomers to sell Viton® o-rings. Be careful when buying Viton® o-rings from an unknown distributor because the quality may not be up to par. Whether you are buying from us or someone else, we recommend you always make sure you are dealing with a certified distributor.

Viton® is a fluorocarbon rubber. The fluorocarbon rubbers were first developed in the 1950s and have become very important to the seal industry. Viton® has a low compression set, is effective over a wide range of temperatures and is resistive to many chemicals. The working temperature range for Viton® is -15 degrees F to 400 degrees F, but it can sustain temperatures up to 600 degrees F for a short period of time. In a static application it will sometimes seal at temperatures down to -65 degrees F but it should be carefully tested before going into production.

Effect of Temperature on Hardness in Viton® O-rings

The hardness of elastomer vulcanizates decreases with increasing temperature. The amount of the decrease depends upon the nature of the elastomer, the degree of cure, and the amount of plasticizer which is included in the compound.

Here is a convenient rule of thumb: At any temperature between 250° and 500°F (121° and 260° C) vulcanizates of Viton® are 15 to 16 durometer points softer than they are at room temperature. Accordingly, if 75 durometer A is required at 300°F (149° C) formulate for a room temperature hardness of about 90 A.

Three major general use grades of Viton®

There are three major general use grades of Viton® for o-rings and seals: A, B and F. Please click here for extensive information on Viton® grades.