By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor How long is a piece of string? So what? Did you think you'd get a straight answer on a subject like "what is the best cylinder piston seal?" There is no best piston seal, just like there is no best car (it's the Mazda Miata, by the way). If you're in the snow belt with five kids, your best car is a … [Read more...] about What is the best cylinder piston seal?
Blogs
What to consider when using TPU for fluid power seals
Contributed by Chuck White, Director of Sales & Marketing, Hallite Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is widely used in fluid power seal applications and is a family of polymers formed using a combination of isocyanate and polyol crosslinked to create a homogeneous compound polymer. There are many different combinations of these chemicals that … [Read more...] about What to consider when using TPU for fluid power seals
When are EPDM seals appropriate in hydraulic systems?
EPDM rubber is a synthetic polymer used in fluid power applications to seal static applications, such as pump housing seals or cylinder barrel end seals. Although rarely used as a dynamic seal for hydraulic applications, EPDM has benefits making it perfect for various applications. EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer and offers a … [Read more...] about When are EPDM seals appropriate in hydraulic systems?
Four tips to manage a sealing product shortage
By Corey Holloway • Sales Manager, anyseals North America The painful reality is that supply chain challenges are the new normal. Unfortunately, current world conditions have resulted in unavoidable shortages and unforeseen delays in the global availability of all manner of supplies, and there is no clear solution in view. Nevertheless, … [Read more...] about Four tips to manage a sealing product shortage
When are vacuum dehydrators necessary?
You might be surprised to hear that oil and water do mix. Of course, they won't mix when poured together in a glass and stirred with a spoon. But forces at play to destroy your hydraulic system find ways to allow much more water to saturate and emulsify with your innocent hydraulic oil. Heat, oxidation and chemical contamination increase the … [Read more...] about When are vacuum dehydrators necessary?
When should you use NBR for fluid power seals?
NBR is an acronym for nitrile butadiene rubber but goes by many other names, such as nitrile or buna. NBR is a synthetic rubber compound made from acrylonitrile and butadiene. Buna is renowned for its natural resistance to oils, fuels, water and many other chemicals. You may use NBR for most hydraulic applications, especially those within the … [Read more...] about When should you use NBR for fluid power seals?
What are environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) in hydraulics?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants, as far as the hydraulics industry is concerned, are fluids offering a reduced impact on the environment. EAL fluids are especially a concern for machinery operating on or around waterways, where the disastrous impact of potentially hazardous and toxic oil is most severe. … [Read more...] about What are environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) in hydraulics?
How does aeration affect hydraulic systems?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Aeration is the introduction of air bubbles within a liquid by passing through or across open air. Aeration most often occurs in hydraulic systems when oil returns to the tank above the oil level in the reservoir, entraining bubbles as it splashes into the tank. The primary worry with aeration is the … [Read more...] about How does aeration affect hydraulic systems?
A review of common hydraulic fluid types and their benefits
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor All hydraulic fluid is designed to transmit fluid power energy through a system, and for the most part, they do the job the same way. But that doesn't mean all oil is the same. In fact, there are five common types of hydraulic fluid, each with its benefits and downsides whose use depends on the application … [Read more...] about A review of common hydraulic fluid types and their benefits
What are seal extrusion gaps?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor For any seal to function well in a fluid power application, it must resist the extreme forces attempting to squeeze the material through even the smallest gap like so much Playdoh. The gaps available to a seal to squeeze through are called extrusion gaps. To understand the extrusion gap, you must first … [Read more...] about What are seal extrusion gaps?
