FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
SCUBAGASKETS o-rings have been developed in close cooperation with the manufacturer, in order to guarantee the usage of the best possible material and type of seal for specific applications in SCUBA equipment.
The average diver might be aware of two main categories of o-rings commonly used in SCUBA equipment, that come in different hardness ranging from 70 to 90 in shore A scale. These are normal industrial grades of either Nitrile o-rings (NBR) or Fluorocarbon (FKM) o-rings. The latest are being used with oxygen enriched mixtures. A number of other materials are also being used occasionally. However there is a great variety of materials in the industry and each material has its recommended field of use. Even within the same category, and the same hardness, there are many subtypes; with each having its own applications. By selecting SCUBAGASKETS you eliminate luck and you ensure the use of correct seals.
Our O rings are selected / developed only for our Industry.
This was a touch decision we had to make. We chose black because of its superior properties over brown or green material. The tests showed that Black Viton compared to Green or Brown Viton, with all parameters constant except for the colour, is favourable. It has higher strength, better stability and better elastic properties originally (brand new), and also after exposure to extreme situations that cause material fatigue. It also possesses higher resistance to surface damage.
The production of any colour material is feasible but requires the addition of pigments and other chemicals which by definition change the elastomer’s physical characteristics. As divers we are all highly sensitive to quality issues. We would be very reluctant to compromise any amount of quality for the sake of being able to identify Viton by colour. Furthermore we should be aware that nitrile-type and other materials may indeed be produced in green or brown or blue or any other colour we can imagine. If we judge only by colour then there is a great risk of falling into errors. We have chosen to sacrifice the easy identification by colour for getting the benefit of the best possible quality.
18 Years of O-ring Technical Expertise in the industry: (including general industry, heavy chemical industry (offshore) Automotive, Water and Heating and others. Also we are very much involved in the Aerospace industry, working closely with all leading European Aerospace companies like Rolls Royce, Snecma, Europcopter and Airbus. This assures you that you have the best selection for SCUBA gear with regards to technical characteristics.
The o-rings are packed in shockedproved containers, protected from damage by mechanical pressure that may cause material deterioration and hence alteration of the o-ring sealing characteristics.
The o-rings are packed in opaque containers, protected from UV-light that may cause material deterioration and hence alteration of the o-ring sealing characteristics.
The o-rings are packed in straight-sided jars, which have been specifically designed so you can place them on top of each other and save storage space. The containers are closed with safety seal, which allows you to ensure quality before you buy by checking that the seal is in place.The jars have wide mouth either 5cm or 7,5cm which makes them ideal to work from in the work bench. You don’t need to find a bulky o-ring kit box to store all different types of o-rings that you are using. Just use the o-rings containers. No more mixing up, and no more mess inside the big boxes. Have you ever drop an open big box with 30 different oring sizes?
