An o-ring is a simple and versatile ring-shaped packing or sealing device with a circular cross section (from which the “O” in its name is derived).

O-rings function as compact reliable sealing devices by absorbing the tolerance stack-up between closely mated surfaces in both dynamic and static applications. Although o-rings can be made from a variety of materials, they are commonly molded in one piece from an elastomeric material.

The basic o-ring design has been in use for many years. By the early 1940's, basic size and design information developed for military applications. The decade following WW II saw wider o-ring use in industrial, automotive and medical applications.

Today, billions of o-rings are used for almost every conceivable application. They are used to seal pumps, valves, cylinders, and fittings in passenger cars, trucks, aircraft, farm equipment, industrial hydraulic equipment, home appliances and plumbing. O-rings can also be used in a variety of non-sealing applications, such as bumpers, drive belts, tension bands, conveyors, spacers, and friction drives.

A gasket is a seal which fills the space between two or more mating surfaces, generally to prevent leakage from or into the joined objects while under compression.

Commonly produced by cutting from sheet materials, gaskets have the ability to fill and seal irregular or imperfect mating surfaces.

Typically gaskets are made from malleable materials in order to deform and fill the specified gland space (and account for surface irregularities). Some gaskets require an application of sealant applied directly to the gasket surface to function properly. Gaskets may also have a sealant applied to the material, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive backing. The user then simply peels away the liner and sticks the gasket into place.

Gaskets are normally cut from a flat sheet material but can also be compression molded. Commonly used materials include: paper; metal; cork; felt; plastic; neoprene, nitrile, silicone and fluorocarbon elastomers; and polytetrafluoroethylene - often referred to as PTFE or Teflon (Dupont).

RF Carlson is a supplier of high precision, tight tolerance custom molded parts. Compression molding provides for a wide variety of custom shapes and sizes. Other advantages include a wide range of compound choices, relatively low tooling costs and little material waste.

Compression molding consists of a top and bottom plate mold that is machined to a custom configuration. An elastomer preform is added between the plates and the plates are compressed under heat and pressure for a specific amount of time. After parts are released from the mold, additional post-curing is sometimes utilized (depending on the material).

The compression molding process is computer controlled and monitored to maintain consistent molding conditions thereby assuring duplication of product shape and material properties throughout the molding cycle.

In addition to custom shapes, color enhanced compounds can provide methods to distinguish similar components, improve consumer appeal and highlight safety aspects.

With practically unlimited shapes, sizes and colors, our custom molded rubber parts will meet your exact specifications.

Also called tie wraps or zip ties, a cable tie is a simple fastening device usually made of nylon. They are a cost-effective way of securing many types of goods including signage, wiring, tents and tarps, and even packaged consumer goods. Cable ties can be wrapped around nearly any item as they are flexible and can wrap in a circle or in different directions.

Depending on additives, material or style, ties are adaptable for a variety of applications:

• Black UV resistant – typical outdoor applications
• Stainless steel – ultra outdoor environments – high temperature
• Stainless steel coated epoxy – ultra outdoor environments and high humidity, corrosion
• Low profile – reduced /flattened head style – used on playground equipment
• Releasable ties – for temporary or re-fastening applications
• Heavy duty – up to 250 lb tensile strength – for bundling heavy objects

The RF Carlson Co. stocks many popular size ties and also has an on-line site for purchasing: cabletiesnow.com (For an item not in stock, we can also adjust our inventory to your exact stocking need.)

Also known as radial lip or rotary shaft seals, oil seals are used to retain or separate lubricants or fluids. Primarily used for rotary applications, these seals have a flexible lip that rubs against a shaft or housing. Oil seals perform two main functions: a) to maintain lubrication oils in place and; b) prevent the intrusion of dirt and other outside contaminants. Common configurations include single lip, double lip, with or without a spring, and metal or rubber covered.

RF Carlson offers quick turnaround on oil seals in standard sizes and all major brands. Just-in-time stocking programs are provided by both our warehouse locations as well.

Fluid power is the generation, control and transmission of power using fluid or gases under pressure. Hydraulic fluid power systems use oil or water, whereas pneumatic systems use air or other gases. These systems require the correct seals to lock-in compressed air or liquids insuring the designed motion and force is achieved, while at the same time keeping contaminants out.

R.F.Carlson supplies a wide variety of seals used in these applications, from piston or rod seals to wipers and wear guides. We offer all of the sealing products to keep your fluid power system smooth-running.

RF Carlson is also a stocking supplier of:

Interactive Fluid Guide