Three Technologies Changing The Course Of Sealing Industry

Abhrasnata Das

For a wide range of applications across a broad spectrum of industries, the use of sealing technologies is essential. From hydraulic systems in aviation to medical seals in the healthcare sector to engine seals in automobiles, sealants are essential to numerous industrial operations

With novel innovations hitting the market at a rapid pace, advanced sealing technologies are shooting up efficiency and productivity. Today, the sealants are constantly being improved via research and development to meet the demands of many sectors. Here are three of the most recent innovations in sealing technology that are set to create a lasting difference in the market.

3-D Printing to increase production efficiency

The process of making sealants is one of the most important recent advancements in sealing technology. O-ring sealants, for example, have been created via compression molding or injection molding, both of which entail the application of heat and pressure to the material after it has been placed in a mold. Both of these processes are regarded as subtractive manufacturing, which means that items are created by removing raw material, leading to considerable waste and expenditure.

In contrast, three-dimensional printing is a process that adds material in layers until the desired result is achieved. This quickens the prototype and production processes while lowering costs and reducing waste. Virtually any material may be used as printer ink when using 3-D printing because it works from a digital blueprint with a printer, and items can be manufactured

For instance, Apple Rubber, an o-ring manufacturer, has over 8,000 sizes of o-rings in stock that are made from a variety of specially formulated rubbers like Viton, nitrile, and fluorosilicone and can be used in specialized applications like medical seals, engines for cars and airplanes, and other specialized uses. The use of 3-D printing in o-ring manufacture is assisting in the global gaskets and seals market's acceleration to a compound annual growth rate of about 5%, putting it on course to increase by $11.29 billion between 2017 and 2022.

FFKM Sealants for enhanced stability

The creation of FFKM sealants has also benefited the sealing sector. Compared to other fluoroelastomers, FFKM has a higher fluorine content and a lower hydrogen content. By combining Teflon's chemical stability and strength with elastomers' strength, this increases the material's capacity to withstand changes in temperature and chemical conditions. FFKM is resistant to corrosive chemical effects that would harm most elastomers and temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, it outperforms Teflon at resisting deformation from ongoing load strains.

Due to these characteristics, FFKM can be utilized in aerospace applications where the environmental conditions would be too harsh for other materials. For instance, jet makers have started using FFKM as a sealer for gearboxes and bearing chambers.

Two examples of how cutting-edge materials are enabling a growing range of sealant applications like – PTFE radial shaft seals and FFKM sealants. The production of sealing devices manufactured from these and other high-tech materials is becoming simpler for manufacturers thanks to three-dimensional printing. This and other sealing advancements are enabling manufacturers to explore previously unattainable applications, setting the groundwork for future developments.

Advanced PTFE Radial Shaft Seals

The development of radial shaft seals (rotary lip seals) composed of Teflon-like polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is another significant advancement in sealing technology. PTFE, which is made of fluorocarbon, has a low coefficient of friction, which gives it a distinctive nonstick quality. Additionally, it is immune to temperature fluctuations, electrical impacts, and corrosive reactions.

When sealing rotating items like shafts and bores, these qualities come in handy. In this kind of seal, the seal features an inner lip to attach to the shaft and an exterior metal shell that presses into the bore to create an interference fit. To stop leaks, a gasket is positioned in between the can and the numerous sealing lips. This allows the seal to operate at faster surface speeds than would otherwise be possible thanks to the low-friction PTFE used for it.

Looking Forward

The global sealant market was valued at USD 11.78 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 12.11 billion in 2022 to USD 17.86 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.7 percent.

In the upcoming years, India is anticipated to dominate the industrial seals industry. Due to its prominence in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and oil & gas industries, India is predicted to be the top market in the Asia Pacific area. In the coming times, these segments' expansion will lead to a demand for a variety of seals.

The novel sealing technologies like – 3D printing, PTFE radial shaft seals and more will play a pivotal role in meeting the evolving demands of the customers while enhancing the factors like speed to market, productivity and consistency.