ORID O-Ring Material Identifier

Why You Need It

When it comes to seals and O‑rings, one of the most frequent and avoidable errors is selecting the wrong elastomer. Labels wear off. Documentation gets lost. And putting in an O‑ring with the wrong compound can lead to leaks, premature failure and expensive downtime. The ORID tool helps you verify the material quickly and non‑destructively, giving you confidence that the O‑ring you’re installing is the right one.

How It Works

The ORID is a precision mechanical tester built for field or workshop use. Inside a rugged stainless steel tube there is a controlled weight. Here’s how the process works:

1. Place the O‑ring to be tested on a rigid, flat surface.
2. Hold the ORID vertically so the sliding weight is suspended at the top of the tube.
3. Position the tube so the bottom end rests on the O‑ring’s cross‑section (the “gland” side).
4. Release the weight, it drops, hits the O‑ring and bounces.
5. Observe the height of the first bounce. That height corresponds to one of the calibrated markings on the tube, enabling you to determine the elastomer: EPDM, Nitrile (Buna‑N), Kalrez® (or other perfluoroelastomer) or Viton® (FKM).

Because it’s non‑destructive, you can still use the O‑ring after testing, ideal when checking stock or verifying materials before assembly.

Applications & Use Cases

• Incoming inspection: Verify that your O‑ring delivery is the correct compound.
• Maintenance / repairs: On‑site, when the original material isn’t labelled, you can check on the spot.
• Sorting inventory: Quickly divide mixed batches of O‑rings into material families.
• Pre‑installation check: Just before fitting, ensure you have the right compound for the service environment.

Important Considerations

To get the best results, observe the following:

• The O‑ring should be unused, undamaged and within its shelf life.
• The tool is calibrated for series 100/200/300/400 cross‑sections (approx. 2.62 mm to 6.99 mm) and durometers around 60‑80.
• The test surface must be stable and rigid (e.g., a steel table or concrete floor). Soft or wobbly surfaces can alter rebound height and skew the reading.
• Do not use the ORID for failed or degraded O‑rings, for flat gaskets, for compounds outside the calibration range or where exact chemical composition must be certified.

Benefits Summary

• Speed: Instantly verifies material type on site.
• Simplicity: No chemicals, no lab equipment – just place, drop, read.
• Non‑destructive: The O‑ring remains intact and usable.
• Cost‑effective: Prevents mishaps from wrong material selection, reducing waste and downtime.

Why Buy from Eastern Seals

At Eastern Seals (UK) Ltd we don’t just stock O‑rings, we support sealing integrity at every level. Our ORID tool is ready for next‑day dispatch for most UK orders, enabling rapid material checks on your site or in your workshop. You’ll also benefit from our technical support: whether you’re inspecting hydraulic seals, automotive sealing kits, oil & gas service rings or aerospace‑grade elastomers, we’ve got you covered.