Industrial Hydraulic and Pneumatic Applications for Elastomer Products
Extremely flexible and resilient, elastomer products are integral to the proper functioning of many industrial hydraulic applications.
Elastomers—nitrile, hydrogenated nitrile (HNBR), silicone, flourosilicone (FVMQ), and fluoroelastomer (FKM), to name a few—can expand and contract to accommodate changes in volume and pressure without puncturing or becoming brittle. Durable, custom molded products made from elastomers are ideal for parts in which one section must be sealed off from another to maintain the integrity of a hydraulic or pneumatic process and prevent dangerous leaks.
Everyday Applications for Elastomer Products
Elastomer products are all around us, facilitating hydraulic and pneumatic processes in these common industrial applications:
- Air brakes
- Bumpers
- Diaphragms
- Dispensary/metering equipment
- Flow meters
- Grommets
- Interfacial Seals
- Isolation components
- Plate seals
- Pneumatic positioning devices
- Pressure regulators
- Pressure switches
- Pumps
- Seals (air, gas, fuel)
- Valve actuators
- Valve components
These parts depend on elastomers’ dual strength and flexibility to function. In a pneumatic valve, for instance, an elastomer seal creates a barrier that keeps high-pressure gas from leaking—while simultaneously being asked to stretch or contract significantly.
Complex parts may require more than one type of elastomer, as is the case when a gas and one or more liquids must be siloed from one another within a component. Fortunately, we mold 20 different elastomers, so you have several options to choose from (and a guide to help you learn which material is best for your components)!
Mission-Critical Applications
While elastomer products are integral to many routine industrial operations, engineers also rely on custom molded rubber for high-level industrial hydraulic applications where only the most resilient parts will do. Micro-Tronics custom molds elastomer products for several mission-critical applications and industries:
Industrial
Heavy duty industrial equipment is designed to run smoothly whether in the frigid regions of Alaska or the scorching Arizona desert. Elastomers are well-suited to such temperature extremes, making them a natural fit for heavy duty industrial equipment where machine reliability is of the utmost importance..
But not all elastomers are compatible with all applications. For industrial components, we usually choose an oil-resistant elastomer such as nitrile.
Aerospace
Silicone, one of the most commonly used elastomers, is ideal for many aerospace components due to its ability to withstand extreme temperatures on both ends of the spectrum: low temperatures down to -65 degrees Fahrenheit and high temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature swings at high altitude and in outer space are even more extreme: from -120-600 degrees Fahrenheit.
When molding for these scenarios, we typically rely on fluorosilicone–the gold standard for high-performance elastomers–to perform reliability in even the most extraordinary conditions.
Other industries that rely on elastomers include:
- Chemical processing
- Food and drug
- Electronics
- Heavy-duty off-road diesel
- Medical
- Oil and gas
Micro-Tronics Fulfills All Your Industrial Hydraulic and Pneumatic Application Needs
Not every shop can mold an elastomer plate seal and machine the metal plate to which it will attach. But with capabilities in precision machining, molding, and rubber to metal bonding, Micro-Tronics can build your full assembly under one roof, ensuring expert craftsmanship and a cohesive assembly.
You’ll never have to worry about damage from shipping parts or wonder if your assembly will be out of tolerance due to miscommunications among vendors. Our expert team can handle everything for you.
To learn more, request a quote today!