Pushing the capabilities of sealing technology for hydraulics, Trelleborg’s focus has been on enhancing performance while making fluid power applications more sustainable.

January 2022 - Trelleborg Sealing Solutions is a leader in fluid power sealing and responsible for originating materials and sealing elements that are now fundamental in fluid power applications. Pushing the capabilities of sealing technology for hydraulics, Trelleborg’s focus has been on enhancing performance while making fluid power applications more sustainable. Lubrication management not only extends seal life, minimizing scrap, but it also significantly reduces friction, lowering the energy required to power hydraulic systems and potentially allowing for the downsizing of drive components. Closely linked to lubrication management, Trelleborg’s surface coating research enables optimization of alternative surfaces to chrome, which is now banned as a counter surface due to environmental regulations. Michael Cook, global segment director, Off-Highway and Marketing Americas Segment Manager, Fluid Power, said: “Lubrication Management is more than choosing and applying a lubricant. It’s about managing and adjusting the lubrication conditions of all elements within a sealing system, reducing the load on each element and optimizing the friction-wear lifetime of the system. “A more holistic approach to machine maintenance, Lubrication Management focuses on friction points: the seals and bearings and the interfaces between surfaces in motion that are constantly subjected to pressure and wear. When friction is minimized, the risk of system damage and failure is often lowered. Additionally, the resulting increase in energy efficiency can allow for lower energy density within the system, thus reducing potentially harmful heat sources. “With an aim to reduce unplanned downtime and cost, while upholding the integrity of the sealing system, fluid power experts must assess the problem before devising the right solution through materials, application, and maintenance. “Traditionally, piston rods in hydraulic systems were chrome plated to provide friction and surface finish characteristics; however, this it no longer a sustainable option. Under the REACH directive, Hexavalent Chromium (CR6) must now be omitted from any hydraulic application, leading to the adoption of alternative coatings for the hydraulic cylinder´s piston rods. To maximize the performance and seal life expectation in hydraulic actuators, these should be designed to optimize a system’s tribology, which is dependent on the interaction of seals, hydraulic fluid, and the finish of the mating surfaces. “The lubrication within the hydraulic system fundamentally affects the surface finish of the mating surfaces. Their characteristics will determine the lubrication within the system and, therefore, the tribological environment and ultimately the overall energy usage of the system.” Trelleborg Sealing Solutions provides resources relating to Lubrication Management and counter surface technology. These include webinars, brochures and whitepapers.

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions is one of the world’s leading developers, manufacturers and suppliers of precision seals, bearings and custom-molded polymer components. It focuses on meeting the most demanding needs of aerospace, automotive and general industrial customers. Its network extends to over 25 production facilities and more than 50 customer solution centers globally. The business area accelerates the progress of its customers through outstanding local support, an unrivaled product range including patented products and proprietary materials, a portfolio of established brands, unique process offerings, its ServicePLUS value chain solution and ‘Ease of Doing Business’ philosophy.  

Trelleborg is a world leader in engineered polymer solutions that seal, damp and protect critical applications in demanding environments. Its innovative solutions accelerate performance for customers in a sustainable way. The Trelleborg Group has annual sales of about SEK 33 billion (EUR 3.13 billion, USD 3.57 billion) in about 50 countries. The Group comprises three business areas: Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions and Trelleborg Wheel Systems. The Trelleborg share has been listed on the Stock Exchange since 1964 and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Large Cap.

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