by Derek Fay
Have you ever wondered if a urethane seal might be right for you? Let us provide you with some basic information, as well as questions to consider, to help you along in that decision-making process.
Why Urethane Seals?
Urethane seals offer excellent performance in petroleum-based hydraulic fluids and water-based fluids, as well as general abrasion, tear, and extrusion resistance. Additionally, urethane seals can easily be machined for customized needs.
However, because of the nuanced differences between polyether and polyester urethane seals, there are individual characteristics and strengths for each, making it tricky to navigate which could be the right choice for you.
The first thing to understand when considering the options for urethane seals is how the strengths and weaknesses of each material — polyether and polyester urethane — can affect your application. While both are chemical building blocks for urethane and offer a much higher tensile strength and abrasion resistance than rubber, the formulation for each type of urethane offers specific capabilities and limitations.
Polyether Urethane
Polyether urethane works well in a continuous temperature range of –50° F to 200° F. Polyether also boasts a waterproof capability that lends it to applications that include full-water submersion. When considering abrasion resistance, polyether specializes in impingement abrasion resistance, which makes it a first choice for applications that might experience high-angle contact. It is less susceptible to dynamic heat build up, which makes it the material of choice for high-speed rollers where rapid flexing creates heat.
Polyester-based Urethane
Polyester-based urethane works well in a temperature range of –30° F to 230° F, and is more resistant to heat aging. Contrary to polyether, polyester urethane is not waterproof — meaning that it is able to withstand water contact, but not submersion. Polyester-based urethane exhibits abrasion resistance more suited to sliding applications and has higher tensile strength, as well as cut and tear resistance.
Additional Questions to Consider When Sourcing a Urethane Seal
Even with an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of polyether and polyester urethane, it might be difficult to decipher how your sealing needs align with their benefits. Here are a few questions to consider:
What is the media being sealed?
Knowing the specifics about the fluid or other media you are working with can help determine which urethane is the best choice for your sealing application — or if urethane is the best choice at all.
What is the temperature range of the system at the sealing point?
Temperatures can range within an application so a sure understanding of the temperature of the materials that will be interacting directly with your seal can help determine what type of urethane seal will deliver the best performance characteristics for your application.
What is the stroke length and speed?
To ensure your urethane seal’s optimum performance, knowing your stroke length and speed is key. From evaluating abrasion resistance to pressure considerations, both of these can help determine which seal material will perform best for you.
Even with an understanding of urethane seal parameters, it is always best to work with an experienced seal provider, such as H&D. Contact us today to speak to one of our experienced sealing experts and source the right seal, the first time.
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 Derek FayAs President of H&D Distributors, Derek Fay leads a team of sealing experts with a passion for problem solving, expedited delivery, and a proven go-the-extra-mile attitude toward customer service. H&D thrives on providing unique solutions, the right products, and speedy service to industries where productivity is key. |
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