White Silicone Sealing Rings & Cord

What are white silicone sealing rings and cord?

White silicone sealing rings and cord are O-rings and cord made from silicone rubber in a clean white finish. They are chosen where a seal needs to look clean and hygienic, and where any dirt, residue, or wear on the seal should be easy to see. Underneath the colour, they offer the same wide temperature range and weather resistance as other silicone.

White silicone sealing rings and cord feature:

• A solid, round cross section, in white silicone rubber (VMQ)
• A working temperature range of around -55°C up to +225°C
• A hardness of 70 on the Shore A scale
• A clean, light colour that blends with stainless steel and white equipment.

White is chosen for cleanliness and visibility of dirt.

• Any residue, discolouration, or build-up shows clearly on a white seal, so cleaning staff and inspectors can see when it needs attention.
• White seals suit light-coloured products and equipment, where a dark seal might look out of place or leave visible marks.

White silicone cord is sold by the metre in a range of section sizes, from fine sections such as 1mm up to larger sections such as 8mm, for making custom rings and seals.

Why are white silicone sealing rings and cord essential?

In food, dairy, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic production, cleanliness has to be visible as well as real. A white seal makes it obvious when residue, mould, or wear is building up, so problems are found and dealt with during routine cleaning rather than going unnoticed. This supports good hygiene practice and helps keep production lines running cleanly.

White silicone also keeps silicone’s practical strengths. It stays flexible in hot ovens and cold stores, resists ozone and ageing, and works well in static seals on doors, lids, and covers, where the seal is on show.

Typical applications include:

• Dairy and milk processing equipment
• Food preparation and catering equipment
• Pharmaceutical and cosmetic production lines
• Bottling and filling machines
• Laboratory and clean-room equipment
• Hot cupboards, ovens, and warming equipment
• Seals on light-coloured or stainless steel equipment
• Doors, lids, and inspection hatches where the seal is visible

The main types of white silicone sealing rings and cord

• White silicone O-ring cord - Supplied as a continuous length and sold by the metre, in sections from around 1mm upwards, for making custom-sized white rings and seals.
• White silicone O-rings - Ready-made white rings in set sizes, for standard grooves.
• 70 Shore white silicone - The most common hardness, which suits most static sealing jobs.

How to choose the right white silicone sealing ring or cord?

• Hygiene and appearance - Choose white silicone where seals need to look clean, show any dirt clearly, or match light-coloured equipment.
• Food and pharmaceutical use - For contact with food, drink, or medicines, make sure the white silicone is supplied with the correct certification for your industry.
• Temperature - White silicone suits temperatures from around -55°C up to +225°C, so it works in both hot and cold equipment.
• Static or moving - White silicone is best for static seals, such as doors and lids. For seals on moving parts, consider a more wear-resistant material.
• Cleaning chemicals - Check the seal is compatible with the cleaning and sanitising chemicals used, as well as the product being sealed. Silicone is not suited to fuels and some oils.
• Size - Choose the cord section to suit the groove, and work out the length needed for the ring.

Essential references and specialised ranges

How the numbering works:

White silicone cord is referenced by its section diameter and colour:

1mm white silicone cord = 1mm section

8mm white silicone cord = 8mm section

White silicone O-rings are referenced by section diameter and bore, in mm. For example, a 3x50 ring has a 3mm section and a 50mm bore, and an outside diameter of 56mm.

To work out how much cord you need for a ring, add the bore to the section diameter, then multiply by 3.14. For example, for a 250mm bore door seal in 8mm cord: (250 + 8) x 3.14 = about 810mm of cord.

Suffixes:

WHITE or WS = white silicone

VMQ = silicone rubber

70 = hardness on the Shore A scale

Suffix codes vary between manufacturers, so check the supplier’s catalogue for the exact meaning.

FAQ - All you need to know about white silicone sealing rings and cord

Why choose white silicone instead of red or black?

White shows dirt, residue, and wear clearly, so it suits hygienic environments where seals must be kept visibly clean. It also blends in with white and stainless steel equipment. The colour does not change how the seal performs.

Is white silicone food grade?

White silicone is popular in food and pharmaceutical equipment, but only certified material should be used for food or medicine contact. Ask for the correct certification for your application.

Will white silicone discolour?

Over time, white silicone can pick up stains from foods, oils, or cleaning chemicals. Discolouration is a useful sign that the seal should be cleaned or checked, and replaced if it has started to harden or crack.

Can white silicone be used with oil or fuel?

It is not recommended. Fuels and some oils can make silicone swell and lose strength. Choose nitrile or FKM for oil and fuel.

How do I fit white silicone cord as a door or lid seal?

Measure the groove length, cut the cord slightly over length with a sharp blade, and join the ends with a suitable adhesive if a continuous ring is needed. Press the cord evenly into the groove without stretching it, so it seals all the way round.

How do I identify the size I need?

Measure the section diameter of the old seal with callipers, and measure the bore or groove length. Make sure you match the section size closely, as too thin a cord will not seal and too thick a cord will not fit the groove.

How can I tell if a white silicone seal needs replacing?

Warning signs include:

• Leaks or gaps around doors, lids, or covers
• Staining or discolouration that will not clean off
• A flattened seal that no longer springs back
• Tears, nicks, or splits in the rubber
• Hardened or swollen rubber