Tömítk

tömítk is a Hungarian term that refers to a compact sealing device commonly used in mechanical and automotive engineering to prevent leaks or to secure fluid passageways. The word is a shortened form of tömítőkeret, which translates to “sealing frame,” and it has become a generic label for small rubber or composite seals that fit into threaded connections or valve seats.

The typical tömítk is manufactured from synthetic elastomers such as silicone, EPDM, or nitrile rubber. It is designed to provide a tight, flexible barrier that resists pressure, temperature, and chemical exposure. Because of its miniature size, a tömítk can be inserted into narrow boreholes or threaded ports in heavy machinery while remaining lightweight. Its small footprint also makes it suitable for retrofitting older equipment that uses ¼ or ⅜-inch through grooves.

Despite its size, a tömítk offers a number of advantages. It can be assembled without specialised tooling, and it offers a run‑time of up to 10,000 hours in engineered systems. In automotive applications the seal is often used to inhibit oil migration between the crankcase and the fuel reservoir, while in industrial machinery it plugs the vent of a pressure vessel. Some manufacturers produce reinforced versions that can withstand temperatures up to 300 °C, making them suitable for exhaust manifolds.

The first mass‑produced tömítk appeared in the 1990s in the Slovakian reinforced‐rubber industry. Since then it has been adopted by dozens of Hungarian OEMs, particularly in the automotive, construction and mining sectors. Standardised parts are listed under the ISO 5211 classification for “sealing rings.” The design of the tömítk is governed primarily by the balancing of radial and eccentric pressures, and typical design criteria include operating temperature, pressure, chemical compatibility and the type of fluid being sealed.