What Is a Hydraulic Seal?
A hydraulic seal is a precision elastomer or PTFE component designed to contain high-pressure fluid within hydraulic cylinders and systems. Unlike rotary bearing seals, hydraulic seals operate in reciprocating (back-and-forth) motion under pressures ranging from 50 to 700+ bar.
Types
Piston seals: Seal between the piston and cylinder bore. Rod seals: Seal between the rod and cylinder head. Wiper seals: Scrape contaminants off the rod on the outstroke. Guide rings: Center the piston/rod to prevent metal contact. Available from SMS Bearings via our Sealing Solutions range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of seals are in a hydraulic cylinder?
A typical hydraulic cylinder contains: piston seals (prevent bypass across the piston), rod seals (prevent leakage along the rod), wiper/scraper seals (keep contaminants out of the cylinder), guide rings/wear bands (prevent metal-to-metal contact), and O-rings (static seals at interfaces).