The Situation
The product owner for a leading manufacturer of micro fluid metering equipment was facing a significant reliability problem threatening their market leading position. A critical linear rod seal was causing high breakout friction and "dithering"
The Ask
They researched online and asked us to provide a generic/standard profile PTFE/Spring energized seal. Their goal was to eliminate dither/chatter thus allowing them to continue using their existing servo motor while preventing fluid leaking across the seal.
The Solution
After Darcoid's technical team reviewed all inputs and baselined performance of the incumbent seal they quickly concluded that the generic choice would not improve performance. Utilizing our Test Bench capability we developed friction and interference data from the incumbent design in the customer's assembly. Based on this analysis Darcoid proposed improved materials for the seal jacket manufactured to tighter tolerances with a modified contact profile.
The Success
Projected results show dithering is eliminated without damaging servo motor. As a result the customer expects 30% improvement in metering accuracy and >25% improvement in uptime reliability.
Ongoing predictable seal performance is assured regardless of influences inside and outside the supply chain by deploying Darcoid’s Seal Performance Creep controls
