Hydraulic cylinders are widely used in industrial equipment—hydraulic and pneumatic seals are made up of an actuator that generates force by using hydrostatic energy. Hydraulic cylinders utilize fluid to provide a pull or push force. They do, however, need the usage of seals since they contain fluid. Most hydraulic cylinders include hydraulic seals. What precisely are hydraulic seals?       

Manufacturing process

A Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) lathe machine is utilized to produce the Hydraulic cylinder piston seals during the production process. Standard and bespoke seal profiles may be programmed into them. Using the profile’s digitalized data, the CNC lathe works to cut the seal’s forms from the chosen material.

Hydraulic seals are gasket-like rings that are used to fill gaps between hydraulic cylinder components. Hydraulic cylinders include many components, some of which are exposed to fluid. Hydraulic cylinder piston seals are used to prevent fluid from seeping around these components. Hydraulic seals are intended to fit the components of a hydraulic cylinder while forming a leak-proof seal around them.

Hydraulic seals are, in essence, o-rings. They do, however, include a groove inside the lip that enables them to fit the components that they are utilized with. The groove will be able to glide over the component to provide a leak-proof seal. Even if the hydraulic cylinder’s piston moves and the fluid inside becomes pressurized, the component will not leak. The hydraulic seal will keep the fluid contained inside the proper container, preventing it from leaking around the component.

Static vs. Dynamic Hydraulic Seals

Depending on their intended use, hydraulic seals may be classified as static or dynamic. Static hydraulic seals are utilized in situations where the component being sealed does not move. Although they are still subjected to pressure, static hydraulic seals are not subjected to movement.

Dynamic hydraulic seals, on the other hand, are in constant motion. Rod seals are a kind of dynamic hydraulic seal that is widely used. A Wiper seal for the hydraulic cylinder moves during operation. Rod seals are used to keep these piston rods sealed. Because the piston rods move, they are classified as a kind of dynamic seal. In hydraulic cylinders, both static and dynamic hydraulic seals are used. The distinction is that static seals stay stationary, whereas dynamic seals are subjected to motion. Most hydraulic seals are polymeric materials, most notably polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), elastomers, and rubber. Other materials, however, may be used for sealing that is more specialized.

It is essential to choose material appropriate for the ultimate purpose of a seal the help of. For example, while deciding which material to use, consider the seal’s operating circumstances such as pressure, fluid compatibility, high temperatures, working environment, and legislative regulations.

Hydraulic Seal Materials

Hydraulic seals are available in a variety of materials. Rubber is a popular material for hydraulic seals. Rubber hydraulic seals are pliable, durable, and resistant to cracking. There are also hydraulic seals made of polyurethane. Polyurethane hydraulic seals have many of the same properties as rubber seals, although they are generally more robust and resistant to wear. While not as popular as rubber or polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene is used in specific hydraulic seals (PTFE). PTFE is a synthetic polymer that is flexible, robust, and temperature resistant.

Hydraulic and pneumatic seals for engineered equipment are available in various materials, forms, and sizes.