An O-ring gland must compress the seal enough to close the leakage path without overfilling or damaging the elastomer. The table below is a selected manufacturer reference for static radial glands, organized by O-ring cross-section. It gives radial groove depth, width, and corner-radius ranges. It does not cover every metric size series, dynamic rod or piston seals, or all compound and pressure conditions.

Metric O-ring gland dimensions

Reading the dimensions

The cross-section d2 identifies the O-ring thickness used to select the row. Groove depth t is measured in the radial direction shown in the Parker gland diagrams. The listed width is b+0.20 mm. Corner radii r1 and r2 are given as ranges; keep the entry radius rounded and flash-free as specified in the handbook. All dimensions in this selected table are millimeters.

The data are for static radial deformation. Parker distinguishes a gland cut into the inside element from one cut into the outside element; the mating geometry and pressure direction determine which diameters and tolerances apply. The groove dimensions alone do not identify the O-ring inner diameter or confirm that a particular cross-section is available in the required standard series.

For example, the handbook lists a 3.00 mm cross-section with a radial groove depth of 2.30 mm and a width of 3.90 mm. The depth is not the O-ring’s outside diameter, and the width is not the gland diameter. Use the drawing’s inside or outside element definition to locate the groove, then calculate the finished diameters from the specified nominal dimensions and tolerances. Do not combine the inside-gland and outside-gland tolerances from the drawings into one generic set.

Check squeeze and tolerance stack

For a radial gland, estimate nominal squeeze from the free O-ring cross-section and the installed gland height, then check the worst-case stack at minimum and maximum part dimensions. The installed cross-section can be affected by stretch, compound, temperature, fluid exposure, and manufacturing tolerances. A calculation using nominal dimensions only can hide too much squeeze at one limit or inadequate contact at the other.

As a practical workflow, identify the seal profile and series first, select the correct cross-section, confirm whether the seal is static or moving, then use a manufacturer chart for that exact application. Check pressure and extrusion gap, temperature, fluid compatibility, surface finish, lead-in chamfer, and assembly method. Parker notes that O-ring installation limits include circumference stretch and compression; these values depend on application and are not a substitute for the detailed gland design.

Pressure also changes how the seal contacts the gland, and high pulsating pressure can increase wear when components move relative to one another. Surface quality matters at the contact surface, groove base, and installation chamfer. Parker provides separate surface-finish guidance for these regions. Keep those requirements with the gland drawing so machining and inspection use the same datum and condition assumptions as the seal selection.

Limits and common mistakes

Do not apply a static radial groove chart to a reciprocating rod seal, rotary seal, axial face seal, or another seal profile. Do not assume that two O-rings with the same cross-section have the same inner diameter, compound, or operating limits. The table is a dimension reference, not a pressure rating or guarantee against extrusion and leakage. Verify the current standard series, the manufacturer’s drawing, and the actual tolerance stack before releasing a design.

Where the dimensions must meet a named ISO series, select the size from that standard and confirm the applicable revision and manufacturing tolerances. This handbook table is a manufacturer’s design reference; it does not grant permission to treat every row as a mandatory standard dimension. For fluid-power equipment, also confirm pressure reference, temperature, media compatibility, and whether the seal is static or dynamic.

Source

Dimensions and installation diagrams are from Parker’s O-Ring Handbook PTD5705-EN, Table 2.1, “Gland dimensions – radial deformation.” Parker notes that DIN ISO 3601 sizes are preferable where applicable. Confirm the exact standard series and application with the current handbook and supplier.