The O-ring seal is the simplest in design, most widely used, and most cost-effective standard sealing element. Its core function is to utilize elastic deformation to create a static or dynamic seal against fluids (liquids or gases).

To seal a clearance by creating an initial contact stress through pre-compression in a given gland, which is then enhanced by system pressure, thereby preventing media leakage.

The key to its operation is the “Self-Energizing Effect”: System pressure forces the O-ring to deform further, pushing it more tightly against the gland walls. Higher pressure typically leads to better sealing (within material and design limits).