Pneumatic piston seals are critical components designed to maintain airtight separation between the piston and the cylinder bore in pneumatic cylinders. Their main role is to prevent compressed air from bypassing the piston, ensuring efficient force transmission and stable cylinder operation.
Key Functions:
Maintain air pressure within the cylinder chambers
Prevent leakage between the piston and cylinder wall
Reduce friction and wear during reciprocating motion
Provide durability over high cycle rates typical of pneumatic systems
Materials and Properties:
Piston seals are commonly made from elastomers such as NBR (Nitrile Rubber), EPDM, or FKM (Viton), chosen based on the required resistance to temperature, pressure, and chemical exposure. Thermoplastic materials like PTFE are also used for their low friction and chemical inertness.
Design Features:
Flexible sealing lips or profiles adapted for low pressure and high-speed operation
Ability to withstand rapid reciprocation without loss of sealing integrity
Compatibility with lubricants commonly used in pneumatic systems
Pneumatic piston seals contribute significantly to the reliability, efficiency, and longevity of pneumatic actuators.
