Hydraulic seals are the cornerstone of all hydraulic systems. We know that manufacturing problems involving these inexpensive parts can prove very disruptive in terms of lost production time. Reliability issues with these seals can inflict reputational damage on a manufacturer that is out of all proportion to the price of the part.

So, how come so much is riding on a product that often costs just a few pence to buy? How do we reduce the risks?

Hydraulic seals – why quality matters in a global market

We can see three key challenges for designers and production engineers in the hydraulics industry.

1. Reformulation of seal compounds

Increasingly stringent health and safety regulations, coupled with rising manufacturing costs, have forced the chemical industry, and consequently seal suppliers, to change the chemical composition of many of their products. This can have a knock-on effect for performance, compatibility and durability.

Furthermore, if the seal is manufactured from a proprietary compound, which is a ‘secret recipe’ unique to its manufacturer or material supplier, the change may have completely unforeseen consequences.

A reputable supplier will validate the new compound and communicate the change to customers. However, this does not always happen and, in some cases, suppliers are forced to use an ‘equivalent’ compound. Be aware of this issue and speak with your supplier if you believe that the ‘recipe’ has changed.

2. Uncontrolled reformulation

There is also the uncontrolled reformulation of seal compounds. Some manufacturers are producing seals that may look similar to tried and tested compounds but actually contain a whole hotchpotch of cheaper ingredients – which can have a detrimental impact on reliability. This is a more fundamental quality issue that presents a major business risk. Therefore, choose your supplier, and products, carefully.

3. The globalisation of seal manufacture

The third major challenge is the globalisation of seal manufacture.

In recent years, the market has been flooded with inexpensive hydraulic products from every corner of the globe. It is vital to check the credentials of any seal supplier you wish to use – are they experienced or just learning the trade?

Judging by the moulding defects in certain seals on the market, the latter is certainly true in some cases. Always get to know your suppliers before you put your trust (and business) in their hands.

In manufacturing, there is always a balance between quality and value. Yet, buying the cheapest products is invariably a false economy. Never was that more true than in the case of hydraulic seals.

Sarum Hydraulics has been designing and manufacturing high-quality Micropac® hydraulic hand pumps and equipment for 30 years. 

For further information, go to: www.sarum-hydraulics.co.uk
You can also buy pumps and spares in our online shop: www.pumpshoppro.com