by Russell Wood
People buy brand-name seals because brand names carry weight for a reason. Their public image and success stories make it easy to trust the quality of their products based on their reputation. There is also less homework to do when you simply reorder the same brand-name seal, which makes seal replacement an easier process. But what if doing things the way you have always done them is costing you money — as well as performance and reliability?
The fact is, there are often “generic” seals and sealing solutions that are equal in quality and performance to brand-name seals — and they are available for prices much lower than the brand-name equivalents. Spending a little extra time researching alternatives on the front end can keep you from spending a lot of extra money in the long run.
Why Do People Choose Brand-name Seals?
Companies often require brand-name seals, which happens for many different reasons. Understanding the “why” behind the type of brand loyalty your company practices can open the door to a better, more cost-efficient seal solution. Some reasons for brand loyalty include:
Warranties
Sometimes a specific brand-name seal may be required based on an overall system’s warranty. For example, replacing a hydraulic seal with a generic alternative could put a hydraulic pump’s warranty in jeopardy. This is an instance where a brand-to-brand replacement requirement makes perfect sense.
Internal Certifications
Similar to product warranties, sometimes companies have conducted internal testing on seals and concluded that brand-to-brand product replacements are the best way to go. In this case, internal testing supports a standard operating procedure to use brand-name seals, even though there could be more cost-efficient alternatives of the same — or better — quality.
Are either of these reasons part of your brand-name purchasing culture? If not, it might be time to explore generic seal alternatives.
Don’t Try to Develop Your Generic Sealing Solution on Your Own
Exploring alternate manufacturer’s seals that meet — or exceed — your traditional brand-name seal’s performance characteristics may take a little time to research.
If this is your first time looking into the use of generic seals, don’t go it alone. Invite an experienced supplier with proven engineering expertise to accompany you in the process. A company that has experience in seal solution development — rather than simply seal sourcing — can help you decide if there is a generic seal that can meet, or exceed, your current seal performance for less money.
Potential Cost Savings Make Generic Seals a Risk Worth Taking
Using a generic alternative when replacing a seal can be a risk — but the potential savings can make it a risk worth taking. Finding a trustworthy partner that can help you navigate the process, such as H&D Distributors, is key to mitigating the risks and maximizing your success.
Are you interested in learning what savings might be possible if you were able to source a generic match to your brand-name seal? Contact the sealing experts at H&D today and we’ll evaluate your situation and develop a cost-efficient recommendation.
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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