Metric O-Rings (ISO 3601) manufactured in FKM (Viton®-type) (fluoroelastomer, typically 75 Shore A) are dimensioned to ISO 3601-1 (fluid power — O-rings, inside diameters and cross-sections). The sections below give the mechanical and physical properties of the grade, its behavior in corrosive and elevated-temperature service, and the full size table.
Why Choose FKM (Viton®-type) for Metric O-Rings (ISO 3601)
Specified where temperature or chemical exposure exceeds nitrile. For metric o-rings (iso 3601), this matters when excellent resistance to heat, fuels, and most chemicals; poor with ketones and hot water/steam is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | fluoroelastomer, typically 75 Shore A |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Non-magnetic |
| Service temperature | approx. -20 °C to +200 °C |
| Corrosion characteristic | Excellent resistance to heat, fuels, and most chemicals; poor with ketones and hot water/steam |
Corrosion Behavior in Service
Carbon and alloy steel metric o-rings (iso 3601) require a coating for corrosion protection. Zinc plating (with or without passivation) is the most common; hot-dip galvanizing is used for outdoor structural service; black-oxide is mainly a tarnish-prevention finish for tool-room use.
Comparable Grades
For metric o-rings (iso 3601), consider NBR where the service is ordinary mineral oil and the cost matters, or EPDM for hot water and steam, which attacks FKM. Elastomer selection is decided by the medium, the temperature range and whether the seal is static or dynamic — not by strength.
Sizes of Metric O-Rings (ISO 3601) Available in FKM (Viton®-type)
| Cross-section (mm) | Typical inside-diameter range (mm) | Common compounds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 1.0 u2013 20 | NBR, FKM, EPDM, silicone | miniature and pneumatic |
| 1.5 | 2.0 u2013 40 | NBR, FKM, EPDM, silicone | small pneumatic and instrument |
| 1.78 | 1.78 u2013 50 | NBR, FKM, EPDM | nearest metric equivalent to the 1/16 in section |
| 2.0 | 3.0 u2013 100 | NBR, FKM, EPDM, silicone | general hydraulic and pneumatic |
| 2.5 | 5.0 u2013 150 | NBR, FKM, EPDM | general hydraulic |
| 3.0 | 6.0 u2013 200 | NBR, FKM, EPDM | general hydraulic |
| 3.5 | 10 u2013 250 | NBR, FKM | hydraulic |
| 4.0 | 12 u2013 300 | NBR, FKM | hydraulic and larger flanges |
| 5.0 | 20 u2013 400 | NBR, FKM | large flanges and covers |
| 5.33 | 20 u2013 400 | NBR, FKM | nearest metric equivalent to the 3/16 in section |
| 6.0 | 25 u2013 500 | NBR, FKM | large covers and housings |

