The gasket is designed to have a small contact surface between the O-ring and the parts to be sealed: this allows a high specific pressure on this surface, capable of containing a high pressure, without damaging the body of the O-ring. The flexible nature of the elastomer allows it to adapt to slight imperfections in the flatness of the parts to be sealed (especially at low pressures), however, a high reduction in the roughness of the metal surface at the sealing site is prescribed. In the case of very high pressures, the flatness and roughness of the surfaces in contact with the O-ring are both absolutely essential, but it should be noted that the contact surface which must have these characteristics is of very limited extent.