Quad seals work to keep contaminants out and lubricants in. They have been recently developed to replace o-rings. If your machines still use the traditional, rounded o-ring design, you might consider looking into the new quad design. The quad-ring design increases retention of lubrication with grooves on the inside and outside of the ring. Quad seals also have larger surface area with which to seal. These all make the quad-design seal an attractive choice over o-rings, but you should still coat even your quad rings.
Related Post: Coatings for Quad Seals
What Is Coating?
At Coating Systems, we have at our fingertips a wide variety of coats that can be applied from anything to steel, mechanical drums to motorcycle gas tanks to quad seals. But you may ask yourself, “What is coating?” When we use the term coating, we refer to adding a coat of a special plastic polymer to a product.
Wet vs Powder Coating
These plastic coats are applied in two different ways. The oldest application method involves adding solvent to the plastic. This results in a paint-like substance that we can either apply to the product by brush or through spin coating. Powder coating, on the other hand, uses a dry (or powdered) version of the plastic compound. We use a specialized tool to electrostatically charge the powder and bond it directly to the product being coated.
Why Apply a Coating to Quad Seals?
The quickest, simplest answer: coating improves sealant performance. Quad seals are traditionally made from rubber that cannot withstand the same wear and tear as the coatings available to us at Coating Systems. Coatings create a non-stick surface on the sealant, and this is a big bonus for any mechanisms that need regular maintenance.
ETFE coatings give the added benefit of strengthening the sealants’ resistance to physical pressure and torque. This keeps the seal from cracking and breaking under extreme conditions. FEP coatings increase resistance to extreme temperatures. An uncoated seal might break down on a molecular level and adhere to equipment at extremely high temperatures. FEP coated seals, however, can withstand temperatures as high as 392° Fahrenheit.
Related Post: Coating Systems Explains Common Mistakes Made with Quad Seals
Take Care of Your Coating Needs at Coating Systems
No project is too large or too small for Coating Systems. With over 40 years of coating experience, we can direct you to the best coatings for your needs. We can also advise you on whether to use o-rings, quad seals, lathe cut gaskets, or die cut seals for your equipment. Contact Coating Systems and get your order started today.
