Exploring Seal Tube Materials

Understanding Their Benefits & Applications

 

Semi-finished tubes are cylindrical tubes cut into seal profiles to enhance machines’ performances. The end products of semi-finished tubes, such as O-Rings, Lip Seals, Quad-Rings, U-Cups, and others, are used in systems to prevent leakage and improve productivity. Their unique properties add to the inclusion of them in many industries. 

 

However, the material types are the prominent factors that enable them to align with the systems’ operations.

 

The following is an overview of all the materials used to make semi-finished tubes.

 

Polyurethane (PU)

Polyurethane is preferred for its high wear and corrosion resistance. It is predominantly used for its durability and density in aerospace, automotive, and other industries. 

 

Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR)

NBR is chosen for its temperature resistance properties. It is used in industries such as electrical and electronics, textiles, oil, and more. Since NBR is an amalgamation of the copolymers acrylonitrile and butadiene, it exhibits excellent mechanical properties.

 

Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR)

HNBR is widely used in the oil industry for O-Rings. Its high-temperature resistance makes it a preferred material in the aeronautical industry. Additionally, this flexible material has exceptional adhesive properties.

 

Fluoroelastomer (FKM)

FKM is used in healthcare and automotive industries for its high density and mechanical strength. As industry requirements evolve, materials with antifouling properties become necessary. Fluoroelastomers are consistently chosen for their unique properties.

 

Silicone

Silicones are insulating materials widely used in transportation, textiles, automotive, and other industries. Their chemical and heat resistance makes them ideal for protective coatings, while their versatility extends to gaskets and hoses for various applications.

 

AFLAS

This material is a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and propylene with 54% fluorine content. Its efficiency in handling high temperatures makes it a natural choice for the oil industry. These are also engineered as O-Rings for effective sealing.

 

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)

PEEK is a thermoplastic material known for its mechanical strength, weather resistance, and dimensional stability. While it is used in industries such as aerospace, oil, and gas, it is particularly essential in biomedical engineering. In orthopedic applications, it is valued for its tensile strength.

 

Polyoxymethylene (POM)

POM is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic used across industries with low friction, high temperature, and electrical resistance. They are used as gears and automotive materials for their mechanical strength.

 

Nylon PA 6

Nylon PA 6 is used in aerospace, automotive, and electrical industries. Its elasticity and durability make it a preferred material for dry conditions, and it is commonly used in gaskets, rings, and hoses across these sectors.

 

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

This non-toxic, water-resistant material is also anti-corrosive, making it ideal for non-stick coatings. It is used in the electrical industry for insulation, in automotive applications for thermal stability, and in the medical sector for various devices.

 

In short, material diversity becomes significant in meeting the requirements across industries. Since materials directly impact the properties of various semi-finished tubes, it is crucial to choose the right material for effective systems functioning.