The purpose of an inflatable seal is to provide constant pressure across a given strike area to push, squeeze, lift, stop, hold, or seal. An elastomer is a polymer especially useful for its strength and elasticity. These materials, including latex, silicone, and natural rubber, provide an excellent medium through which a seal is made to inflate and deflate as required. After deflation, the seal returns to its original shape, not subject to compression set like mechanical seals are.
Watch these videos to learn more about how our inflatable seals inflate and deflate in three basic directions of operation: axial (or normal to the mounting plane), radial-in and the radial-out.
Nonporous and highly stable, elastomeric seals make for great water and air-tight seals, and may be further reinforced with fabrics such as Kevlar or nylon for enhanced durability. In fact, this is the key to making Seal Master seals stand out from the rest on the market.
Material selection is an important part of the seal design process, providing an opportunity to match material properties to a given application. Resistance to heat, strong chemicals, or high pressures can be carefully tailored to create the perfect seal. Fabric is typically added between the layers of elastomer for additional reinforcement. Some of the most common elastomers and fabrics used are outlined below:
For more information fabric reinforced seal, please get in touch with us!