X Rings (Quad Rings / Nu-LIP)
Available From UK Stock: X Rings (Quad Rings / Nu-LIP)
M Barnwell Services is one of the UK’s leading stockists and distributors of X Rings (Quad Rings / Nu-LIP) and other fluid sealing products. With over £5.1 million in stock, we serve over 5000 global customers with swift and dependable deliveries.
Our proficient team manages the entire production process, from prototyping and testing to final part manufacturing. Additionally, we offer specialised certification upon request.
If you would like more information about our range, download our catalogue, or contact a team member.
X Ring Overview
X Rings are versatile seals, fitting standard O Ring dimensions, serving both stationary and mobile sealing needs.
With a unique four-surface design, unlike the two surfaces of O Rings, X Rings create uniform contact pressure, reducing twisting, rolling, leaks, and early failures. Their distinctive four-lobed shape expands the sealing area, minimizing squeeze requirements for efficient seals and extending lifespan.
X Rings’ parting lines, set apart from the sealing surface, prevent leakage, surpassing issues tied to irregular O Ring parting lines.
Also known as Quad Rings or Nu-LIPs, X Rings excel in hydraulic systems, automotive engines, and industrial machinery, outperforming standard O Rings with their superior sealing capabilities.
Choosing X Ring Materials
Choosing a suitable X Ring material is crucial for performance and longevity. Consider fluid/gas compatibility, temperature range, pressure capacity, size, groove dimensions, and environmental conditions.
Common Materials:
- Nitrile Rubber (NBR): General-purpose, resists oil and fuel, suitable for automotive and industrial applications.
- Viton™: High-performance, excels in chemicals and high temperatures.
- Silicone: Non-toxic, high-temperature resistance, ideal for medical and food-grade use.
- EPDM: Weathering and UV resistance, suitable for outdoor applications.
Compatibility Check:
Ensure material compatibility with sealed fluid/gas to prevent swelling or degradation and is capable of withstanding operational temperatures.
Pressure Rating:
The material should endure pressure without failing or leaking.
Size and Groove Dimensions:
Proper fit and sealing depend on the correct dimensions.
Environmental Considerations:
Chemical exposure or abrasion requires materials with good resistance, while UV radiation or extreme temperatures demand weathering or high-temperature resistance.
Advantages of X Rings
- Superior sealing performance: X Rings have four sealing surfaces, ensuring a more uniform and effective seal compared to O Rings with two surfaces. This minimises the risk of leaks and premature failure.
- Enhanced resistance to twisting and rolling: X Rings remain stable during movement, which is crucial for high-pressure scenarios where movement-induced compromises can occur.
- Reduced extrusion risk: X Rings withstand extrusion caused by high-pressure situations, preventing seal material from being forced into component gaps.
- Lower friction and wear: X Rings generate less heat and experience reduced wear on mating surfaces. This leads to extended service life and lower maintenance costs.
- High-speed suitability: X Rings’ reduced friction and wear enable operation at higher rotational speeds, making them ideal for applications with such demands.
Applications by Industry
Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems:
- Common in high-pressure sealing.
Industrial Machinery:
- Employed in pumps, compressors, and gearboxes to prevent leaks and contamination.
- Ensures reliable seals in engines, transmissions, and steering systems.
- Reduces friction and wear in suspension systems.
- Critical roles in jet engines, hydraulic, and fuel systems.
- Valued for superior sealing and durability.
- Prevents contamination in equipment like pumps and valves.
- Ensures purity in medical devices such as insulin pumps and nebulisers.
For specialist Quad Rings, M Barnwell Services also offers a range of Detectomer® products.
You Are In Safe Hands
Being a reliable supplier to prominent global OEM manufacturing firms, M Barnwell Services is dedicated to delivering top-notch products and an exceptional, if not unparalleled, level of service.
Possessing a sealing inventory exceeding £5.1 million and backed by five strategically positioned branches across the UK, we are ideally positioned to cater to your needs and aspire to surpass your anticipations.
For further details about our offerings, access our catalogue, explore the Seal Maker Page or contact a member of the team.