Engineering sealing precision components really do make THE difference in whether your core systems run – or not. When you’re searching for quality solutions from a true partner (not just a provider), you have important questions. Today, we’ve got answers to top FAQs related to the performance, manufacturing, and value of sealing solutions. Let’s dive in:
Which qualities do you look for in your precision components? After decades of providing sealing solutions for aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, industrial and other industries, we’ve discovered that there are some engineering commonalities among them. Here’s an overview:
Engineering Seals: 3 Top FAQs
1. Performance: How does your seal compare to others on the market?
This is always a top question in our initial design meetings. Our OmniSeal® spring-energized and rotary lip seals, Rulon® fluoropolymer materials and Meldin® thermoplastic/thermoset materials are designed to outlast the parts where they are installed, giving you lifetime confidence. They offer a wide range of temperature tolerances (from cryogenic to 600°F) with very-low emissions leakage and long durability for superior service. Find specific product performance information here.
We not only advise that you find a partner with a range of good products but one with good problem-solving skills. Engineers are crucial pieces as they need to meet specific application requirements as well as solve immediate performance challenges. Performance can relate to a number of diverse factors from pressure, temperature and leakage to manufacturing, durability, and many others.
2. Manufacturing: What does your process look like?
Manufacturing precision components begins with a lot of questions before we ever reach the drawing stage. Our recommendation is that you find a partner with a highly-skilled technical sales force. In this way, they ask critical questions at the initial design meeting to get the part “first-time right.” With this approach, you save time and money on a redesign or retrofit of precision components later down the line.
In the automotive industry for instance, we realize that you need to lower total weight to maximize fuel efficiency. But you might also wonder if automotive components can tolerate the oil you’re using – is the viscosity compatible with the seal? What is the PPM (or the rate of failure in parts per million) on this seal? A technical sales person is prepared to answer these questions and provide recommendations.
Many OEMs also ask about the assembly and traceability of a sealing product as it relates to manufacturing. You need reliable assembly with a low risk of part damage. This can be achieved by paying attention to the packaging of a seal. Best practice is to look for materials that are packaged for both protection and production. As an example, “clean seals” have low-dust packaging to reduce the contamination of parts. Packaging also extends to the traceability of a product, which should be clearly marked via a bar code to help isolate components in the event of a product recall.
The versatility of a manufacturing facility is also important to consider. We take pride in offering precision components that can reach 8-9’ in diameter for use in a liquid oxygen tank to propel rockets into space, yet we also have equal expertise in manufacturing seals in millimeter sizes to power medical instruments. Read about our large-diameter OmniSeal® facility.
3. Value: How does your value proposition compare?
Whether designing a new prototype or a simple replacement seal, value proposition is critical to the total assessment of any engineered seal. We propose looking at the total lifetime performance cost in terms of longevity and precision over initial pricing.
For instance, in the aerospace industry, a jet engine that burns at a higher temperature delivers better fuel efficiency, which saves an airline on the total amount of fuel consumed. Similarly, seals that are specially designed for longevity will need less maintenance, which can reduce time in the service bay and more time in the air.
In the case of a rocket launch where millions of dollars are at stake, well-designed sealing components can mean the difference between a successful launch or a scrubbed launch. The difference between the two can be as small as a measurement off by as little as a couple of thousandths of an inch; accurate design is imperative. We believe that the total lifetime value of a product is critical to determining the value proposition.
Does the information above answer some of your questions on precision components?
Let’s connect for a custom sealing consultation - we’re always here to answer your questions!
