Design
O-Ring Face Seal Groove Calculator
Design and verify an axial face-seal groove using squeeze, gland fill, pressure direction and tolerance-limit calculations.
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Calculator guidance and result interpretation
What this calculator solves
Use the face-seal model for flanges, covers and plates where assembly compresses the O-ring axially between two faces.
When to use it
- •Bolted flanges and covers
- •End caps and manifolds
- •Vacuum or pressure face seals
Input parameters
- O-ring and groove
- Ring ID, cross-section, groove diameter, width and depth with tolerances.
- Pressure direction
- Internal or external pressure determines which groove wall supports the O-ring.
- Environment
- Pressure, temperature, material and swell assumptions used for verification.
How to read the results
- Axial squeeze is governed by cord diameter and assembled groove depth.
- Gland fill includes ring and groove volume, so thermal expansion and media swell matter.
- Check that pressure seats the ring against the intended supporting wall.
Engineering considerations
- Flange deflection and fastener spacing can reduce squeeze between bolts.
- Surface waviness and scratches crossing the seal path can leak even when calculations pass.
- Use the rounded-rectangle tool for non-circular face-seal paths.
Related tools and engineering resources
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a face seal and a radial seal?
A face seal compresses the O-ring axially between mating faces; a radial seal compresses it between concentric diameters.
Does pressure direction matter in a face-seal groove?
Yes. The groove should allow pressure to move the ring toward a supporting wall rather than away from the sealing interface.