FFKM O-Rings At Work in Critical Applications Downtime is rapidly getting more expensive. In the automotive sector alone, the cost of an unplanned shutdown has reached $2.3 million per hour. Across industries, that number continues to rise. In heavy industry, the cost of downtime is now four times what it was just five years ago. […]

The Shore durometer scale measures material hardness. In other words, it measures how resistant a material is to indentation. It’s one of the most important specs to understand when choosing rubber components like o-rings or gaskets. The scale helps engineers compare soft and hard materials across a variety of applications. Shore hardness is measured by […]

O-rings are one of the smallest parts in an air conditioning system, but they are also one of the most important. A failed o-ring can lead to refrigerant leaks, compressor damage, and costly repairs. There are some key factors that will ensure that AC o-rings work well in applications like HVAC or refrigeration. These include […]

In many systems, o-ring failure is a lubrication issue. O-ring lubrication is central to seal performance, especially during installation and in dynamic systems. A compatible lubricant can prevent damage, reduce friction, and improve long-term sealing integrity. However, not all lubricants work with every elastomer. Choosing the wrong one can shorten seal life or lead to […]

Accurate o-ring sizing is essential for seal performance, longevity, and system reliability. Undersized or oversized o-rings can leak, wear out early, or fail under pressure. Knowing how to measure an o-ring accurately helps ensure better sealing, longer life, and fewer headaches. To properly size an o-ring, you need three critical measurements: inside diameter (ID), cross […]

How Tight Tolerances Solve Tough Sealing Problems “Close enough” doesn’t cut it in sealing applications where performance and reliability are critical. When seals fail, often the issue is not the material or the environment but the fit. That comes down to tolerances. O-ring tolerances control how much a part can vary in size while still […]

New Capabilities, Same Commitment: Marco Group Welcomes Colonial Seal Company We’re excited to announce that Marco Group has added oil seals to our growing product portfolio through the acquisition of Colonial Seal Company. Colonial is a specialty distributor of oil seals, o-rings, gaskets, and shaft seals, serving a diverse range of customers across pharmaceutical, industrial, […]

Avoid Downtime with Smarter O-Ring Inventory How fast do you notice when an o-ring fails? Odds are, you notice incredibly quickly. Your seal fails. Downtime ensues. Now, how long does it take to get the o-ring replaced? Or, if it is a new design, how long does it take to get o-rings in the first […]

Why Chemical Compatibility Matters in Seals Seals may be small, but they play a massive role in keeping industrial systems running smoothly. Seals must withstand exposure to various chemicals without degrading in chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, food production, and several other applications. If the wrong seal material is used, the results can range from minor […]

How To Achieve Low-Cost Tooling in Industrial Sealing When it comes to custom rubber- and plastic-sealing solutions, the right tooling approach can save time, money, and production headaches. Many manufacturers struggle with expensive molds, rigid processes, and long lead times that don’t align with their actual needs. At Marco Rubber & Plastics, we specialize in […]

Why Material Selection Can Make or Break Your Seal It’s easy to underestimate the importance of sealing material selection—until your seal fails, and you’re stuck with downtime and costly replacements. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Whether it’s avoiding pitfalls like choosing solely on price or understanding critical factors like chemical resistance, it’s […]

Why High-Temperature Matters When Choosing a Seal Material We often say, “Extreme temperatures are tough on seals,” but why does temperature so dramatically impact seal integrity? Some key physical factors influence how temperature interacts with the seal material. These interactions can ultimately lead to seal breakdown and failure and, of course, a large, expensive, and […]