Importance of Mechanical Seals in Industrial Robotics

Technology has gone through a boon: electrical and mechanical engineering fields have seen unprecedented growth. The industry is churning out innovations never thought of before, and we are ushering into a new era of technological advancement.

One such technological advancement is Industrial Robotics. Industrial robotics refers to the production of robots to work on assembly lines. They can automate many menial jobs and increase efficiency. The market for industrial robots is growing at about 10 percent a year.

Due to their immense importance in the industry, assembly line robots must have flawless designs. Even minor problems in robot manufacturing can collapse the entire supply chain.

To make industrial robots, you must use the best quality materials, from mechanical seals to locomotive devices. Read on about the importance of using premium-quality mechanical seals in industrial robots.

How Mechanical Seals Work

A mechanical seal is a method to contain fluid inside a machine and stop it from leaking. When the rotating shaft passes through a stationary case, there is a chance that the internal fluids may leak out, and a seal can prevent that.

As the rotating shaft enters the fluid compartment, the seal causes friction. Mechanical seals must allow the rotating shaft to work with minimal friction while stopping leakage.

When you seal the fluid chamber, it will cause pressure on the seal. A viable mechanical seal should also be able to withstand this pressure.

Traditionally, this problem was overcome by gland packing. It involved packing the shaft with a braided, rope-like material to stop fluid leakage. However, the coating wears away over time and needs readjustment.

The filler also has to be pressed against the shaft to reduce leakage, which causes the pumping device to exert more power to rotate the shaft. Mechanical seals are better suited for industrial robots to minimize the need for maintenance and energy.

Choosing the Right Mechanical Seal for Industrial Robots

Robotics involves not only the correct mathematics but also quality building materials. Several factors can influence what mechanical seal you should buy for your robot:

Balance Friction and Sealing Effectiveness

Effective sealing would result in friction, and reducing friction would require compromising your sealing quality. Roboticists have to find the right compromise between friction and sealing effectiveness.

They allow just enough leakage that keeps the friction under control, with a vapor film forming on the seal. Reducing friction is particularly important as the robot must perform repeated, precise moments. Consider your calculations and determine how many effective seals you require.

Durability

Mechanical seals undergo wear and tear. Due to the friction between the seal and the shaft, seals wear off over the years. Industrial robots are made for long-running purposes, so they should have durable mechanical seals.

The material of the seal can impact its durability. Seals made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are suitable for robots, as they resist degradation and provide low-friction performance, even with aggressive motors. And they do not require lubrication. These features ensure they last longer and make them ideal for industrial robots.

Endnote

Robotics has made our economy change for the better. Assembly line automation has increased the efficiency of producing goods, which allows us to make more goods at lower prices. Industrial robots must be durable and high-quality to ensure smooth working.

Use premium materials in the manufacture of such robots. Consider using a durable mechanical seal from a reputable company, according to your sealing requirements, such as a PTFE seal.

Photo by Jelleke Vanooteghem on Unsplash