Spliced O Rings
There are several types of spliced o rings available on the market. These include Cold splicing, Thermobonding, and Vulcanization. Each of these methods is beneficial in different applications. Here are a few details to consider before purchasing a spliced o ring:
Thermobonding
Vulcanized and spliced O rings solve common problems related to odd-sized or limited quantities. Both types of o-rings are available from leading seals distributors such as Rocket Seals. A proper inspection is necessary before use. Incorrect splicing can lead to an improper seal. Here are some tips to ensure proper performance. Make sure the o-rings are correctly spliced and vulcanized before use.
Spliced and vulcanized o-rings are manufactured using extruded cord stock and are then carefully bonded. In most cases, this process is not used for dynamic or moving applications. The process involves applying a bonding agent to the ends of the cord material and exposing them to high heat. After a set period, the o-rings are joined together in the splicing jig and then cleaned to remove any excess rubber.
Cold splicing
Cold splicing of o rings is a method for gluing two or more pieces of an o-ring together with a quick-setting adhesive. This process is often more durable, less expensive, and faster than hot splicing. However, the process is less aesthetic, and the seals may not be as durable as the sealed material. Cold splicing has few tooling costs and is often unsightly.
Compared to Thermobonding, cold bonding is not affected by heat. The adhesive is applied directly to the ends of the cord. While cold bonding is not as durable as Thermobonding, the results are generally acceptable. The process is not as accurate as Thermobonding and it will leave visible marks on the o-ring. However, the benefits of cold bonding over Thermobonding far outweigh these disadvantages.
Vulcanization
Vulcanized o rings are designed for dynamic applications. The process of vulcanizing the o-rings involves the use of a special adhesive that should be applied to the ends of the cord material. The ends are then placed into a mold or die, where a specific temperature is applied to the cord and the adhesive. This process is performed by exposing the ends of the cord material to high heat and pressure for a specified amount of time, forming a molecular bond. Spliced o rings are often large and more susceptible to damage than smaller ones.
Spliced o rings are a good choice for static sealing applications, but are not suited for dynamic or high-speed applications. However, vulcanized o-rings are more expensive than their molded counterparts, so they are not the best option for large-volume applications. Instead, consider custom-molded o-rings for these applications. When it comes to O-rings, you can choose the type of vulcanization that is best suited for your needs.
Cost
A cost-effective alternative to standard o-rings, spliced o rings are made from an extruded cord that has been hot vulcanized to reduce the force needed for closure. Spliced o-rings are available in a variety of sizes, materials, and tolerances. Ace Seal offers seamless spliced Metric and English O-Rings and splicing kits. Ace Seal also offers Parker O-Rings, Quad-Rings, and Back-Up Rings.
Spliced o-rings may be produced from a variety of materials. Most common materials include BUNA-N, EPDM, Neoprene, and styrene-butadiene rubber. These materials can be produced in standard and custom grades so that they meet regulatory and industry standards. However, if you need more than standard rubber, you may need to use a custom-made compound formulation.