Category Archive: aerospace grade o-rings

What’s New with NASA’s Orion Project?

Posted by Andrea Bass on | Leave a Comment

By now, most people are aware that efforts are underway to bring humans out of low Earth orbit, past the Moon, and on to Mars. But few people are aware of the extensive research and testing that goes on behind the scenes to ensure the safety of astronauts on those future missions. In order to make the trip a reality, new technologies must be designed to cope with the harsh environment of outer space.

One of the most important components of a space mission is the spacecraft itself – and a trip to Mars requires a very special craft. As such, NASA has been working with Lockheed Martin and other vendors to develop this spacecraft, called Orion.

The Orion crew capsule resembles early crew modules from NASA’s history, taking on a conical shape. It will be mounted on a rocket called the Space Launch System (SLS), which will propel it into space.

One of the biggest hurdles of space flight is getting through Earth’s atmosphere and being exposed to high heat and radiation during the journey. For this reason, it’s critical to conduct extensive research and testing to determine the right material combinations for this type of mission.

Not only is it important for the craft itself and its occupants to be adequately protected, but the electronic systems must also be taken into consideration. It’s therefore necessary to select electromagnetic (EM) shielding to guard against disruptive electromagnetic frequencies. And, similarly, it’s important to consider the possibility of electrostatic discharge (ESD) impacting the circuitry, and to find reliable ESD protection.

As a supplier of EM and ESD shielding materials, Vanguard Products is proud to have a role in ensuring a safe mission for the Orion team. We look forward to watching the project’s progress and eventually sending humans on long-distance flights through space, knowing that we had a hand in that success.

American Made O-Rings Make the Difference

Posted by vanguard on | Leave a Comment
American Made O-Rings

Not all O-Ring products are created equal. While O-Rings may seem like an afterthought, they’re actually essential components you can’t skimp on.  A lot rides on each O-Ring you purchase and put into place. If one O-Ring fails, you could be looking at damage that can shut down an entire operation or application, and even put your workers in danger.  In short, you need to choose your O-Rings carefully.

Whether you realize it or not, the vast majority of standard O-Ring products purchased here in the US, even those purchased from US based “manufacturers,” are actually manufactured and sourced outside of the United States.  While overseas manufacturing has certainly improved over the past decades, you still too often hear of unauthorized material substitutions or poor quality from these anonymously sourced products.
At Vanguard, we don’t do low quality O-Ring products, and we don’t do outsourcing or offshoring.  Our philosophy always has been and continues to be to offer cost competitive alternatives to these outsourced products while maintaining and advancing the quality reputation we have earned over the past 45 years.  All of our O-Rings products, whether standard or custom, are made right here in the USA.  You know what you’re getting when you buy from us. All of Vanguard’s O-Ring products are made in our ISO 9001:2008 certified facility and can be custom formulated to meet your exacting mechanical properties, color needs, and resistance demands. Whether you need food grade, MIL Spec/Aerospace Grade, or ASTM D2000 certified O-Ring products, skip the overseas manufacturers and rely on Vanguard. Unlike so many factories abroad, we don’t thrive on anonymity: we have nothing to hide! We stand behind everything we make. It is simply not worth risking your money and time to take any chances with your O-Ring requirements.