Friktion i elastiska plast- och gummitätningar är ett välkänt problem. Genom att konstruera tätningar på rätt sätt kan kostnader för energi och materialslitage minska kraftigt. Nu finns ett nytt konsortium Softslides av företag i Europa som hjälper till med beräkningar och konstruktion.

Detta är ett av resultaten från ett EU-projekt TDM-SEALS som SPIF har deltagit i.

Friction on dynamic seals is not a problem anymore with Softslide

Friction in rubber dynamic seals is a well-known problem, whose consequences in terms of money-loss are high, either for the maintenance or the risks of failure in the functionality. Softslide aims to solve friction issues and addresses to Companies that are willing to find a satisfactory, sustainable and durable solution.

The Consortium

Softslide is a consortium of 5 international partners, that joined their know-how in order to develop an innovative process of friction management, called Friction Management Solution. The aim of this consortium is to tackle friction problems with taylor-made solutions. The consortium can also offer all the technologies, machines and expertise to fulfill the order from design to mass production.

The 5 members of the consortium are:

• ML Engraving: Italian Company leader in 2D and 3D laser engraving on moulds to enhance functional and/or aesthetic properties of moulded objects.
• SKM Areonautics: Israeli-based Company of mould manufacturing and seals production.
• Reagent: English Company leader in the production of the Solgel, a semi-permanent mould release coating.
• ITAINNOVA (Instituto Tecnológico de Aragón): Spanish institute that studies the texturing during moulding, the fatigue properties of materials as well as the LCA of materials.
• LEIBNIZ UNIVERSITY OF HANNOVER (IDS): German university has a Technological Institute called Institut für Dynamik und Schwingungen that studies the tribological properties of materials.

The Friction Management Solution

The Friction Management Solution claims that the best way to achieve a better performance and durability on rubber dynamic seals is to work on their 3D micro-texture surface by means of multiscale laser engraving on the moulds and later transfer to the seals. Modification of the rubber contact area, storage of lubricant and storage of third abrasion particles are some of the technical benefits for texturing.  After the design process of the Softslide solution, there is no increase of the unit production costs.

Softslide pay-off Friction Management Solution means that not only aims the consortium to reduce friction, but to solve specific problems of friction, included its increase, when it is necessary (for example anti-slipping surfaces).

Tests and trials confirmed after the optimization an important reduction of the friction that can reach -50% in working conditions, with a consequent decrease of the wear, a significant increase of the seal durability and a reduction -15% of energy waste without any specific change in the counter surface, in the lubrication conditions or in the compound. If required, the increase of friction can reach +20%. Performance depend on the application market and the material, but we can state that the results are impressive and more than expected.

Softslide technology addresses every market where engines, automation and dynamic equipment are required such as automotive, wind turbines, oil & gas, food processing, aerospace, fire prevention systems and much more.

If you have an issue with friction, Softslide can be your solution.

Find more details on www.softslide.eu or contact us info@softslide.eu