Custom designed bi-directional seals from Minnesota Rubber and Plastics are ideal for a broad range of fluid delivery applications including medical and dental devices. Bi-Directional seals greatly improve fluid delivery systems by handling opposing pressures while preventing leakage.
Minnesota Rubber and Plastics (MR&P) unique double-lip seal solution ensures proper seal function in two directions. The seal works with an alternating motion, similar to the squeegee effect of a windshield wiper blade. The lip facing up contains downward fluid pressure. The lip facing down contains the upward fluid (negative) pressure.
Minnesota Rubber and Plastics’ expertise in material formulation and compounding contributes significantly to the effectiveness of these double lip seals. For example, to ensure the double lip seals are molded to very tight tolerances, MR&P analyzes the relationship between different materials, their properties, how processing changes them and how the materials will perform in an application. For certain medical applications, MR&P uses specially formulated EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) compounds. Formulated and molded to ensure low leachables and extractables, these seal materials are compatible with a wide range of fluids prescribed for administration through IV systems.
Another important factor in double lip design is the seal size. To reduce potential for leaks, smaller seal sizes are often preferred. MR&P designs double lip seals as small as .046 OD, .140 ID and .145 (inch) thickness. Critical surface dimensions for these small sizes are: ID +/-.004, OD sealing diameter dimension (.295) held to +/-.005. Sealing thickness is held to +/-.005. To achieve these accuracies, MR&P utilizes state-of-the-art transfer molding systems that ensure repeatable quality.
Minnesota Rubber and Plastics
www.mnrubber.com
Filed Under: Seals • gaskets • O rings, Materials • advanced, MOTION CONTROL