Backup rings, also known as anti-extrusion rings, are essential for the safe operation of O-rings and seals. They are especially important for industries that operate in extremes, where the O-rings and seals will be subject to high pressures, pressure spikes, and high temperatures.
The job of backup rings is that they do exactly what it says on the tin. They provide direct reinforcement to the O-ring or primary seal in order to prevent extrusion which helps to prevent leakage, boost performance and extend the seal’s lifespan. When seals are exposed to high pressure or high temperatures, they can become distorted, resulting in extrusion gaps that lead to leaks and even system failure.
Backup rings are made of stiffer materials than the seals, such as Virgin VICTREX PEEK or PTFE. The backup rings reinforce the seals that are made of more flexible materials, providing a strong, anti-extrusion barrier to keep them in place and preserve their shape, helping them retain their integrity.
Why custom-made backup rings are vital for your operation
When seals are used in challenging conditions, high temperatures, or high pressure applications, their integrity is vital to enable them to keep working effectively. However, in many circumstances, seals are located where they are not easily accessible, making it important that every seal lasts for as long as possible. This means that if a seal fails, it is not a quick fix, and replacing it could end up costing your business a lot of money in terms of manpower and downtime.
Therefore your O-rings need strong backup! Having robust and effective backup seals is vital to protect not just the seal, but also your business. Which is why using custom-made backup rings is well worth the initial investment.
Precision engineering for a bespoke fit
Industries such as aerospace, construction, offshore, and automotive have to use high quality, reliable, precision-engineered backup rings to protect O-rings and seals made of soft and flexible materials. When a backup ring is made to exacting specifications, it will fit perfectly, enabling it to do a much better job of protecting the seal it was designed for.
Materials
The material your backup rings are made of are also important. You need materials such as PEEK which is extremely strong, has a high degree of stability, can withstand temperature extremes, and can even be used in cryogenic applications.
We use Virgin VICTREX PEEK because it is one of the world’s highest performing thermoplastics. It performs exceptionally well across all temperatures and in extreme conditions. It offers outstanding mechanical, thermal, radiation and chemical resistance properties, and excels in demanding applications where durability is key.
Why choose AFT Fluorotec?
- Precision engineering - Our custom backup rings are designed and manufactured on our CNC milling machines which ensure pin-point precision. We have the capacity to make as few or as many backup rings as you need - from prototypes to large batches - which will ensure that every seal is backed up with a strong backup ring that fits perfectly.
- Quality - We are committed to producing high quality products using the best quality materials and to high standards of workmanship.
- Compliance - We are ISO 14001:2015 and AS9100 certified for the processing of fluoropolymers, PTFE and other engineering plastics for the Aircraft, Space and Defence (AS&D) industry. We operate an integrated management set out by ISO 9001:2015 & 14001:2015.
- Sustainability - If you are looking for sustainable suppliers, rest assured that corporate responsibility is one of our key drivers. We are constantly looking for new ways to reduce our carbon footprint, including the installation of solar energy at our headquarters and the use of water-based coatings, as well as a number of smaller initiatives such as the use of rechargeable batteries and finding more efficient ways of recycling packaging.
Call us on +44 (0) 1992 515880 to discuss your requirements for bespoke backup rings.
