O-Ring History Timeline
A Small Seal with a Big Legacy
Discover how a small ring sparked a sealing revolution — transforming machinery, medicine, and modern industry forever.
O-Ring History Timeline: Invention to Innovation
Small but mighty, O-rings have an incredible story to tell. From humble beginnings to global impact, discover how this simple yet powerful seal became a timeless symbol of ingenuity and innovation.
A Journey Through Time
Early History & Patent
1896 — The First Ring-Shaped Seal Patent
J.O. Lundberg’s early idea quietly set the stage for a sealing revolution
J.O. Lundberg’s early design in Sweden laid the groundwork for the modern O-ring.
← 1896 — The First Ring-Shaped Seal Patent
1933 — A Brilliant Idea Takes Shape →
1933 — A Brilliant Idea Takes Shape
Danish machinist Niels Christensen begins experimenting with rubber rings
Niels Christensen starts experimenting with rubber rings for hydraulic systems — sparking the birth of the O-ring.
1939 — A Breakthrough in Sealing Technology
Christensen’s design set a new standard in sealing
Christensen patented a simple, reliable O-ring geometry that became the foundation of modern sealing technology.
← 1939 — A Breakthrough in Sealing Technology
WWII — The O-Ring Takes Flight →
WWII — The O-Ring Takes Flight
A simple invention became a vital part of the war effort.
WWII — O-Ring Goes to War: The U.S. government acquired Christensen’s patent, making it royalty-free for military use and accelerating its adoption in aircraft and defense.
Expansion and standardization
Post–World War II — A Seal Goes Global
From the battlefield to the factory floor, the O-ring became an everyday hero.
After proving itself in military use, the O-ring spread across industries worldwide — saving millions in maintenance and repair.
← Post–World War II — A Seal Goes Global
1950s — A Global Standard Emerges →
1950s — A Global Standard Emerges
AS568 brings O-ring compatibility worldwide
In the 1950s, the AS568 standard created a universal system for O-ring dimensions, ensuring parts fit and function seamlessly across manufacturers.
Global Expansion
O-rings adapt to a connected world
Metric sizing and custom cord stock made O-rings easier to use worldwide, simplifying cross-border manufacturing and collaboration.
← Global Expansion
Modern era and advanced technology
O-Rings in Space →
O-Rings in Space
Trusted to perform in the most extreme environments
O-rings have journeyed far beyond Earth, trusted in critical aerospace missions — from the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station.
Material Innovation
Advancing O-ring performance
Engineers continue to advance O-ring technology by developing new materials such as FFKM and encapsulated designs. These innovations allow seals to withstand increasingly harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and demanding environments—ensuring reliable performance where it matters most.
← Material Innovation
AS9100 Certification →
AS9100 Certification
Meeting the highest standards in aerospace quality and safety
Engineers develop advanced materials like FFKM and encapsulated O-rings to handle harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures with greater reliability.
Ongoing Innovation
Pushing the boundaries of sealing technology
The sealing industry continues to advance O-ring technology with new materials and designs to meet modern engineering demands.
← Ongoing Innovation
From humble beginnings with leather and sulfur to the game-changing O-ring, the story of sealing is one of constant innovation. What started as simple problem-solving evolved into precision engineering—driven by curiosity, creativity, and the quest for reliability. Today’s seals and O-rings carry that same spirit forward, quietly powering everything from engines to space missions—proof that even the smallest innovations can make the biggest difference.