Nitrile O-Rings
Verified by Mel Sykes, Industrial Supply Chain Specialist - April 2026
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | NBR (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber) |
| Temperature | -40C to +120C |
| Hardness | 70 Shore A (standard), 60-90 range |
| Resistance | Excellent: petroleum oils, fuels, hydraulic fluid. Poor: ketones, ozone, UV |
| Standards | BS ISO 3601 |
What are Nitrile O-Rings?
Nitrile O-Rings, also known as NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) O-Rings, are elastomeric seals commonly used in hydraulic and pneumatic systems due to their durability and chemical resistance.
Types and Variants
Several types of Nitrile O-Rings exist with varying hardness levels and dimensions. Common grades include:
- Standard Grade: Shore A hardness 70 (ISO 3601).
- Harder Grades: Shore A hardness up to 90, suitable for high-pressure applications.
- Softer Grades: Shore A hardness down to 60, ideal for low-pressure sealing.
These O-Rings come in diameters ranging from 1.2 mm to over 500 mm and cross-sectional thicknesses from 0.5 mm up to 25 mm, catering to diverse engineering requirements.
Materials and Specifications
Nitrile O-Rings are made of NBR (acrylonitrile butadiene rubber), known for its resistance to oil and fuel. The material adheres to BS ISO 3601 standards, ensuring consistency in size and performance across different applications.
The standard hardness is Shore A 70, although options range from 60 to 90 Shore A. NBR offers excellent resistance to petroleum oils, fuels, and hydraulic fluids but performs poorly with ketones, ozone, and UV light exposure.
Selection Criteria
Selecting the right Nitrile O-Ring involves considering the operating temperature (-40°C to +120°C), chemical environment, pressure levels (up to 35 MPa in some cases), and dynamic requirements. Hardness is important: harder rings provide better sealing at higher pressures but may wear more quickly.
UK Suppliers
MLC lists verified suppliers from Companies House that meet strict quality standards for Nitrile O-Rings. These include companies like Aries Seals, Sealco, and Bardon Engineering Ltd, known for their reliable supply of high-quality components in the UK market.
Common Applications
Nitrile O-Rings find extensive use across various sectors:
- Automotive Industry: Sealing fuel lines, brake systems, and engine compartments.
- Pneumatic Systems: Ensuring proper sealing in pneumatic cylinders and valves.
- Hydraulic Equipment: Maintaining integrity in hydraulic pumps and actuators.
These applications benefit from the rubber's robustness against oils and fuels while resisting wear under dynamic conditions. Proper selection ensures longevity and reliability, critical for reducing maintenance costs and downtime.
References
Verified UK Suppliers
| Company | Company No. | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Hill'S Rubber Company (2018) Limited | 11304190 | Kemp House, 160 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX |
| Jjpudelko Limited | 12081542 | 138 Trelawney Avenue, Slough, SL3 8RU |
| Rubber Transformer Ltd | 11568085 | 52a Boscombe Grove Road 52a, Boscombe Grove Road, |
| Destination Karma Ltd | 11911804 | Manhay Farm, Manhay, Helston, TR13 0NJ |
| Hawkesden Limited | 11925762 | 1 Hawkesden Road, St. Neots, Cambs., PE19 1QS |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nitrile O-Rings?
Nitrile O-Rings are engineering components used in industrial applications. Browse verified UK suppliers on MLC.
Where can I buy Nitrile O-Rings in the UK?
MLC lists verified UK nitrile o-rings suppliers with Companies House data. Browse by product category or search by location.
What are Nitrile O-Rings and what are their standard hardness levels?
Nitrile O-Rings, made from NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber), come in various hardness levels. The standard grade has a Shore A hardness of 70, while other grades range between 60 and 90, catering to different pressure requirements.
How do I choose the right type of Nitrile O-Ring for my application?
To select the appropriate Nitrile O-Ring, consider your specific temperature range (-40°C to +120°C) and chemical resistance needs. Standard grades are suitable for most applications, while harder or softer variants cater to high-pressure or low-pressure sealing requirements respectively.
What standards do Nitrile O-Rings comply with in the UK?
In the UK, Nitrile O-Rings adhere to BS ISO 3601 standards, ensuring consistent quality and performance across various industrial applications.
Where can I find reliable suppliers for Nitrile O-Rings in the UK?
You can find reputable UK suppliers of Nitrile O-Rings by visiting mlc.org.uk or similar industrial supply chain websites. These sites provide a range of sizes, hardness levels, and types to meet diverse engineering needs.
What are Nitrile O-Rings and what makes them suitable for hydraulic systems?
Nitrile O-Rings are elastomeric seals made from NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) that excel in hydraulic applications due to their resistance to petroleum oils, fuels, and hydraulic fluids. They operate effectively within a temperature range of -40°C to +120°C.
What are the different hardness levels available for Nitrile O-Rings and where can they be used?
Standard Nitrile O-Rings have a Shore A hardness of 70, but softer grades (down to 60) and harder grades (up to 90) are also available. Softer grades suit low-pressure sealing applications, while harder ones handle high-pressure scenarios.
How do engineers choose the correct Nitrile O-Ring for their specific application?
Engineers should consider the hardness range of Nitrile O-Rings from 60 to 90 Shore A and select based on the required pressure and temperature conditions. The standard grade with a hardness of 70 is typically used in most applications, adhering to BS ISO 3601 standards.
What are some UK suppliers for Nitrile O-Rings and how can I ensure quality control?
UK engineers can purchase Nitrile O-Rings from reputable suppliers like MLC Ltd, which ensures materials comply with BS ISO 3601 standards. Quality control involves verifying the hardness and ensuring compliance with these established industry standards.