Industrial & Manufacturing Blog
If you use O-rings on your machines, then you might see some performance benefits if you switch to using Quad-rings instead. These rings have a slightly different design from standard O-rings. Instead of having a regular circular shape, they have an X-shaped ridged design. What are the advantages of using Quad-rings?
Better Sealing
While O-rings create a seal, they don't always give you the tight coverage you need. They fit the space; however, their circular shape has a limited sealing surface. If the ring doesn't fit exactly, or if it wears or slips over time, then you might lose some of the original seal it gave you.
If you switch to using Quad-rings, then you usually boost sealing performance. The ridged shape of these rings gives you more sealing surfaces. So, they have better grip coverage. Even if a ring were to wear or move, the rest of the ring might be able to maintain a tight and effective seal.
Longer Working Life
O-rings won't last forever. They can wear down or break over time. Their materials might degrade and lose their shape or flexibility. Rings can also be damaged by friction and mechanical stress. For example, if rings have to move in their grooves, then they might wear down or break under rolling stress movements.
Quad-rings typically last longer than regular O-rings. The fact that they have multiple sealing surfaces makes them stronger and more flexible. Plus, these rings don't use as much squeeze pressure to stay in place. They are better able to cope with friction and wear. They are also less likely to be affected by rolling movements. So, they have a longer working life.
Better Lubrication
If you have to lubricate your seals, then Quad-rings are a good option. The smooth surfaces of O-rings make it hard for them to hold lubricants for long. You might have spent more time lubricating your seals to prevent early failure or machine damage. You usually don't need to lubricate Quad-rings as often as O-rings. Their X-shaped surface can retain more lubricant; it sticks to the surface for longer.
You could reduce the amount of time you need to spend lubricating your seals. Your rings will stay protected for longer. They'll also protect your machines as they are less likely to dry out. You'll cut the amount of time you need to spend on seal maintenance. If you reduce lubricant wastage, then you also save some money.
For more information about why you should make this switch, talk to quad ring supply companies, like Rothkopf.
Share23 May 2022
Hi, my name is David Dotson and the purpose of this blog is to educate others about the manufacturing process. For as long as I can remember, I've always been amazed by how different things are made. It fascinates me to think about the process of taking raw materials and turning them into something useful during fabrication. When I have spare time, I can be found reading about various types of manufacturing and industrial plants to learn how they operate. I wanted to write a blog about my findings so that others could also learn how raw goods are transformed every day into useable products.