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Piston seals for hydraulic cylinders

The design of a piston seal is crucial for the function of the entire assembly. There is a wide range of profiles on the market – we help our customers and interested clients to make the optimal selection.

Standard profiles

By the standard profiles shown, we mean seals that represent the state of the art. We manufacture these standard seals ourselves or supply them as moulded parts from tested partners for all required groove dimensions from a variety of materials. Inch and intermediate sizes, but also largest diameters up to 3000 mm can be realized.

Depending on the quantity, the material and your requirements, we can offer you seals from the appropriate manufacturing process – all from a single source!

You can also find a general overview and further information in the following categories:

  • U-Cups and chevron sets
  • Compact piston seals
  • Piston seals with leader elements made of elastomer
Choosing the correct profile

The more information is known, the better the sealing system can be adapted to the application.

To choose the right profile and the optimal material, the following criteria are important:

  • installation space
  • double-acting or single-acting
  • pressure range
  • temperature range
  • medium
  • stroke speed
  • counterface
  • mounting possibility
  • friction behavior
  • stick-slip behavior
  • tightness
  • service life expectancy
  • price
  • availability

Piston seals – U-Cups and chevron sets

Piston seals – U-Cups and chevron sets
Application U-Cups
  • high tightness
  • for all hydraulic and pneumatic applications
  • one-sided, symmetrical sealing profile
  • assembly in closed grooves possible
  • many dimensions available as molded parts
  • inch and intermediate sizes as well as largest diameters can be realized
Application chevron sets
  • high tightness
  • single acting sealing element
  • available in slotted design
  • fields of application: mining, presses, special machine construction
  • adjustable if required
Pressure range:

up to 400 bar*

Sliding speeds:

up to 0,5 m/s

Temperature range:

-55 to +220 °C (depending on material)

* Special solutions for U-Cups for higher pressures up to 700 bar can be realized!

Compact piston seals

Compact Piston seals
Application

The compact piston seal is a double-acting sealing and guiding element. It is available in various designs and is ideally suited to a wide range of applications. In principle:

  • universal use with standard cylinders
  • cost-effective with standard dimensions
  • compact installation space
Pressure range:

up to 400 bar

Sliding speeds:

up to 0,5 m/s

Temperature range:

-55 to +220 °C (depending on material)

Piston seals elastomer preload elements

Piston seals with leader elements made of elastomer
Application
  • single-acting and double-acting sealing elements
  • universal application
  • wide range of materials
  • low friction
  • high sliding speeds
  • no stick-slip effect
  • small installation space
  • long service life
  • inch and intermediate sizes up to a diameter of 3000 mm can be realized
Pressure range:

up to 600 bar

Sliding speeds:

up to 15 m/s

Temperature range:

-55 to +280 °C (depending on material)

Frequently asked questions about piston seals

What are the functions of a piston seal?

The primary function of a piston seal is to seal the piston against the cylinder bore in a dynamic manner, thereby clearly separating the pressure chambers and enabling pressure to build up on one side of the piston.

Where are piston seals used?

Piston seals are used in applications where a piston moves in a bore and two pressure chambers must be reliably separated. Typical applications include mobile hydraulics, industrial hydraulics and pneumatic cylinders in factory automation. In addition, piston seals are found in piston accumulators (sealing between the gas and liquid sides) and in chassis/damper systems such as motorcycle forks and shock absorbers.

What types of piston seals are there?
  • Operating principle:
    • Single-acting (seals in one direction)
    • Double-acting (seals in both directions)
  • Common designs:
    • Groove ring (U-profile, single-acting)
    • Mechanical seal (double-acting)
    • Compact piston seal (double-acting)
    • T-profile seal (double-acting)
    • V-packings / roof sleeve set
    • Pot sleeve (single-acting)
  • Materials: PU, PTFE, NBR/FKM; support/guide rings often POM/PEEK.
Where can I buy piston seals?

Piston seals can be requested from Hänssler Kunststoff- und Dichtungstechnik via the contact form, by phone, or by email. In addition to standard profiles, Hänssler specializes in manufacturing custom profiles and can use high-performance plastics for demanding applications.

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