Sealing solutions are incredibly important for industrial machinery. Seals keep machinery running smoothly and extend their lifespan. When not taken care of properly, industrial machinery can lose years off of its functional life, costing your business money in the long run.
Finding the right gaskets and sealing solutions for your machinery is a major part of that process. Two of the more common seals used are lathe cut seals and O-Rings. Today, Coating Systems will compare the two and give some pros and cons for each one.
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What Are The Differences?
In many ways, O-Rings and lathe cut gaskets serve the same purpose. They are both sealing devices that can absorb pressure while preventing leaks. However, a common misconception about these two devices that often leads to misapplication is that they are the same. While they do share similarities, they also have significant differences.
The shape of an O-Ring will be different than that of a lathe cut gasket, and they will be made of different materials. There are specific instances when these devices should be used, and they shouldn’t be thought of as one and the same.
Advantages of O-Rings
O-Rings are beneficial because they are affordable and versatile. This makes them better suited for dynamic applications. This is why O-Rings are often used in vehicles, specifically with pistons. In these situations, the O-Ring would work in between the two moving parts, helping to keep them lubricated and prevent leakage and excessive wear and tear.
Advantages of Lathe Cut Gaskets
In many cases, lathe cut gaskets are seen as an alternative to O-Rings. They are built in such a way that they can function in many of the same applications as O-Rings. However, they also have specific applications where O-Rings are not effective. Lathe cut seals are a great option for static applications. The shape of lathe cut gasket is often what makes it better suited for static applications.
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Contact Coating Systems For More Information
If you need a sealing or gasket decision, don’t make the mistake of thinking that O-Rings and lathe cut gaskets are the same or, worse, interchangeable. Picking the right gasket can keep your machinery healthy, so you want to make sure you put in the effort in your search. For more information on gaskets, give Coating Systems a call at 1 (800) 593-7754 or contact us online today.
