Performance advantages of the X-Rings versus the O-Rings
X-Rings or Quad-Rings, the seals with the most support
The O-Ring, the simplest, most versatile and economical option on the market, is a circular seal that can be used in almost any application in any industry that requires a water-tightness guarantee. The X-Ring (also known as a Trefoil or Quadruple Gasket/Seal), with its four points of support exceeds the O-Ring in many technical areas. In fact, it has four main sealing advantages over an O-Ring:
1. On an O-Ring, the hidden parting lines are always at the largest outside diameter, with this being a sealing surface. In a quad-ring, that hidden parting line (also known as flash line) is inside the two outer lobes; therefore, it does not affect the sealing lips.
2. It is more stable in dynamic applications. It is also more resistant to rolling because it has a wider base and better occupies the corners of the application groove. Extrusion is common in dynamic applications that are assembled with O-Rings, where the ring can be extruded or over-recessed. This does not happen with X-Rings.
3. They have a large lubrication retention. The grooves in the internal and external diameter of the ring retain the lubricant, which reduces friction and prolongs the life of the seal.
4. Quad-Rings require less compressive force to seal, since their four-point support design provides a larger sealing surface than an O-Ring.
These multiple seal points require less compression to provide a more effective seal than that required for an O-Ring in the same application. In addition, we must not forget that the less friction and wear, the longer the service life.
X-Rings can be used for any application that an O-Ring can, since they follow the same standard sizing and they are also available in a wide variety of materials (NBR, FPM, EPDM…). Check our stock in real time, with more than 500,000 x-rings at your disposal. Simple, easy and reachable in a few clicks.
Check if the X-Rings you are looking for is in stock
| X-Ring | Material | Hardness SH A | Temperature [ºC] | Check stock |
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NBR | 70Sh | -20 to +100 | |
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FPM | 75Sh | -20 to +200 | |
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EPDM | 70Sh | -50 to +130 |
The X-Ring or the clover seal
The difference from the O-ring with its four lips or support points making its performance improve slightly.
The queen of static seals is the O-ring, undoubtedly the most universal seal, used in virtually all industrial sectors and even in others as surprising as jewellery (here as an ornamental element). However, we are going to dedicate this post to its “sister”, the quad-ring, also known as the X-ring or clover seal, a four-leaf clover.
It is these four sheets, these four flexible support points, the major difference from the O-ring and also its main advantage as thanks to them the quad-ring improves its performance slightly. For example, it affords greater pressure resistance and a reduction in friction and less wear and tear. It doesn’t matter what the direction of the force is, radial or axial, its sealing is guaranteed.
This all makes X-rings ideal in any application – alternative, rotary or static – in which there is a fluid with pressure, both for single and dual effect. In other words, almost all hydraulic or pneumatic applications. In our catalogue you will find all the technical information you require. And if you have any queries or need any explanation or advice, please feel free to get in touch with us.
As regards one of its names, clover seal, and as a curious fact: did you know that it is estimated that in nature there are around 10,000 three-leaf clovers for each four-leaf one? If you find a four-leaf clover, you should know that you have a little gem: legend has it that whoever wears one will be accompanied by good luck. The other three leaves represent the other components of happiness: health, lover and prosperity. Here at JIOrings we think that if you’ve no four-leaf clovers, quad-rings or x-rings are just as good.
If you wish to place an order, we guarantee 24-hour delivery if you are in the Iberian peninsula. We are the quickest way to find a seal. And if this seal is a quad-ring, we hope to bring you lots of luck.