by Russell Wood
Having a seal supplier create a custom machined seal for your specific hydraulic application can offer many benefits over ordering a stock seal. However, because they usually come at a higher price point, it is helpful to understand what situations would most often lend themselves to this level of customization. Here are some criteria to help you determine when a custom machined seal makes sense.
3 Reasons You Might Need a Custom Machined Seal
Damage to Equipment
The first reason that you might need a custom machined seal would be in the case of damage. For example, when a damaged rod must be turned down to a smaller diameter, it is possible the seal you have been using will no longer be able to perform effectively due to the difference in the rod’s size. In this case, having a seal custom machined to the new rod diameter will cost less than buying a new chrome-hardened rod.
Wear & Tear
A second reason you might consider a custom machined seal is due to machinery wear and tear. A worn out barrel (OD) can result in an extrusion gap that is larger than what is recommended for a stock seal. In this case, it is also more cost effective to custom machine a seal designed for the larger extrusion gap than it is to purchase a new barrel.
Proprietary Seals
Finally, there are times when it makes sense to create a proprietary seal for the equipment that you use or sell. Requiring a custom machined seal made to unique seal dimensions, in this instance, would eliminate the chance that a standard off-the-shelf seal would fit and/or seal properly, and require your customers order any replacement seals directly from you.
What Are the Benefits of Custom Machined Seals?
While one downside to having a seal custom machined is initial cost, there are also benefits to choosing this route. Exploring your biggest needs is one way to determine if a custom machined seal is right for you.
Turnaround Time
In the hydraulic industry, time is money and downtime because the correct seal is not readily available will cost much more than a custom machined seal. Seals that are custom machined can be designed and produced quickly. This means they can be in your hands fast — often faster than a stock seal, which may not be in stock.
Equipment Performance
Sometimes you find that while a stock seal works, it doesn’t seal as well as a custom machined seal. Taking the opportunity to develop a seal that is exactly what you need can increase your equipment’s performance. While a custom machined seal may cost a little more, the value placed on equipment performance could provide savings in the long run.
Evaluate Your Custom Machined Seal Needs
Are you getting the seal life that you need from your stock seals? Have honing a barrel or turning down a rod reduced the effectiveness of your standard seal? Would the performance, and in turn, your overall operation costs go down with custom machined seals? Find out by contacting one of H&D’s engineering professionals today to see how we can help!
About H&D Distributors
For over 40 years, H&D Distributors has provided expert sealing solutions for OEM and MRO customers in various industries where productivity is key, including hydraulics, oil and gas, and semiconductor. Leveraging in-house engineering and testing expertise, exceptional customer service, and a global network of top sealing manufacturers, H&D's goal is to deliver solutions for its customers’ pressing sealing challenges expertly, accurately, and on time.
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About Russell WoodRussell Wood, General Manager at H&D, leads the H&D Technical Team as well as its Inside Sales Team. He has over 30 years of experience in the seal industry. |
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