News

Feb20, 2025

Hydraulic Cylinder Seals: Types, Materials, Functions

Hydraulic cylinder seals play a crucial role in any hydraulic system by controlling and maintaining fluid pressure and movement. Without them, the system cannot function properly.

 

Choosing the right hydraulic cylinder seals ensures the integrity of the machinery and extends its operational lifespan. Our hydraulic cylinder resealing services help keep equipment running at peak performance.

 

In this blog, we explore how hydraulic cylinder seals prevent leakage, the different types available, and the materials used to withstand high-pressure conditions.

 

What Are Hydraulic Cylinder Seals?

 

Hydraulic cylinder seals create a barrier between various components within a hydraulic cylinder. Made from specialized materials, they adapt to clearance gaps and endure the shear stress generated by system pressure.

 

When selecting hydraulic cylinder seals, it's essential to consider the application surface. Static seals are ideal for surfaces with no relative movement, while dynamic seals are necessary when surfaces move—whether reciprocating or oscillating.

 

Piston Seal


Main Functions of Hydraulic Cylinder Seals

 

Hydraulic cylinder seals are essential for maintaining system efficiency by protecting hydraulic fluid and preventing external contamination. They play a key role in ensuring smooth operation, reliability, and longevity.

 

- Pressure Adaptability & Contamination Prevention

Engineered to function under both low and high pressure, hydraulic seals act as a protective barrier, preventing dirt and contaminants from entering the system.

 

- Leak Control & Blowout Prevention

These seals create a pressure-tight fit around the piston rod, minimizing friction and preventing leaks or blowouts. Made from durable materials, they resist wear from hydraulic fluid and feature a specialized lip design for a secure seal.

 

- Cost-Effective & Easy Maintenance

Designed for longevity and minimal upkeep, hydraulic seals help reduce repair costs and labor. Their easy installation and replacement make them a cost-efficient solution for hydraulic systems.

 

- High Durability & Adaptability

Manufactured using premium materials, modern hydraulic seal kits offer superior durability, allowing machinery to perform reliably even in demanding conditions.

 

- Safety & Water Resistance

Resistant to water, chemicals, and wear, hydraulic seals are widely used in industries like mining, pharmaceuticals, and chemical production, where safety and efficiency are paramount.

 

Main Types of Hydraulic Seals  

 

Hydraulic seals come in various forms, from simple O-rings to complex rotary seals, hydraulic ram seals, and hydraulic oil seals. The type of seal needed depends on the application, but all serve the same fundamental purpose—creating a secure, fluid-tight barrier.  

 

Piston Seals  

Also known as piston rings, piston seals minimize leakage between components in reciprocating motion. Their primary function is to create a tight seal between the cylinder tube and piston, preventing fluid or gas leakage while maintaining internal pressure.  

 

Piston seals ensure smooth piston movement, improving the efficiency of hydraulic systems. They are widely used in applications such as air compressors, hydraulic pumps, and internal combustion engines, where maintaining a sealed, pressurized system is critical.  

 

Wiper Seals  

Wiper seals prevent dirt, debris, and contaminants from entering hydraulic cylinders, pumps, and valves. Made from materials such as rubber, polyurethane, and thermoplastic elastomers, they are designed with a lip that scrapes the surface of moving components, eliminating accumulated particles.  

 

In addition to keeping contaminants out, wiper seals provide an extra barrier against moisture and gases. They are often used alongside O-rings and rod seals to enhance system sealing and longevity.  

 

Rod & Buffer Seals  

Rod seals create a tight seal around the piston rod, preventing hydraulic fluid from escaping while blocking external contaminants from entering. They are crucial for maintaining internal pressure and ensuring efficient system operation.  

 

Buffer seals complement rod seals by absorbing shocks and vibrations, extending the lifespan of hydraulic cylinders. These seals are commonly used in mobile and industrial applications, such as agricultural and construction machinery, where exposure to dust, dirt, and moisture is frequent.  

 

Rod Seals vs. Piston Seals:  

- Rod seals are flexible and primarily prevent leaks and contamination.  

- Piston seals are rigid, designed to retain pressure and aid lubrication.  

 

Guide Rings & Lubrication  

Guide rings are mounted on pistons and piston rods to absorb side loads and prevent metal-to-metal contact between sliding components. Positioned inside the rod and buffer seals, they help maintain system stability and extend component life.  

 

Available in both metallic and non-metallic options, guide rings should be lubricated during assembly using the same hydraulic fluid as the system. When selecting guide rings, factors such as rod and piston diameter, stroke length, operating pressure, and lubrication type must be considered.  

 

What Materials Are Used in Hydraulic Seals?  

 

Selecting the right seal material is essential for ensuring durability and optimal performance in hydraulic systems. Manufacturers can recommend suitable materials based on specific application needs—whether for hydraulic seal rings, O-rings, or other types of seals. Below are some of the most commonly used materials in hydraulic seals:  

 

Rubber  

Rubber seals offer excellent flexibility and compressibility, making them ideal for applications requiring a secure, adaptable seal. Common rubber materials used in hydraulic seals include:  

- Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR): Resistant to grease, mineral oils, and hydraulic fluids.  

- Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR): Offers enhanced durability and resistance to heat and chemicals.  

- Fluoroelastomer (FKM): Known for its high-temperature resistance and chemical stability.  

 

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)  

PTFE seals provide exceptional durability, even in extreme temperatures, high-pressure environments, and corrosive conditions. With a low coefficient of friction, PTFE seals require minimal lubrication and can perform effectively in dry conditions.  

 

Rigid Plastics  

Plastic hydraulic seals are highly resistant to temperature fluctuations, pressure, and chemical exposure. Engineered plastics enhance seal strength, making them a superior alternative to standard plastic materials. These seals offer greater rigidity than rubber or PTFE, providing additional structural support within hydraulic cylinders.  

 

Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs)  

TPEs combine the best properties of plastic and rubber, offering excellent strength, flexibility, and resistance to abrasion. They maintain consistent pressure over long periods, making them a reliable choice for high-performance hydraulic seals.  

 

Why Material Selection Matters  

Choosing the correct seal material is key to ensuring cost-effective hydraulic cylinder maintenance and maximizing service life. The wrong seal can lead to premature wear, leaks, and system failure, resulting in costly repairs and downtime. Selecting high-quality seals tailored to the application helps improve performance and extend the lifespan of hydraulic components.  

Hot Products

Non-metallic Rollers

Non-metal rollers refer to rollers made of non-metallic materials . Compared with traditional metal rollers, non-metal rollers have the advantages of flame retardancy, light weight, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and low noise, so they have been widely used in modern industrial production.

Non-metallic Rollers

Cable Cleats

The cable clamp for coal mining machine is made of stamped steel plate as the skeleton and high-density polyethylene through injection molding.

Cable Cleats

Cable Hook

There are a large number of flammable and explosive components such as gas dust in coal mines, and there are many metal equipment and instruments. When the equipment is moved and used, it is very likely to collide with the cable hook, which will produce sparks and lead to explosions.

Cable Hook

Dustproof Seal

The dustproof seal is a single-acting seal that is installed by extruding the outer diameter. It can effectively prevent dust and dirt from entering, and allow the residual oil to flow back.

Dustproof Seal

Cylinder Static Seal

The Y-ring is designed as a static seal for the cylinder, which can replace the traditional O-ring/retaining ring combination. Through its unique design and material, the allowable extrusion gap can reach 0.4mm at a pressure of 500bar.

Cylinder Static Seal

Piston Rod Seal

Piston rod seal, double-lip design has better sealing effect, and polyacetal back-up ring is better under pressure.

Piston Rod Seal

Piston Seal

The piston seal is a two-way seal, used in conjunction with two piston guide rings, and has a two-way sealing effect.

Piston Seal
wechat
wechat