The use of rubber o-rings is found today in virtually every industry. From construction machinery to scientific equipment and devices, to food and pharmaceuticals and more, the mechanism of sealing is made possible by the use of the rubber o-rings.

The manner of installation of the o-ring within the mechanical mounting partly determines its design and selection. Under compression, a measured amount of pressure is placed on the o-ring as it seats against the surface of contact within the mounting. As long as the fluid that is contained does not exert a stress that is greater than the stress at the position of contact of the o-ring, fluid leakage will be prevented.