The friction that the seals suffer over time generates heat and accelerates wear, which can lead to damage and even catastrophic situations that can only be avoided by means of adequate and rigorous routine maintenance.. However, it has consequences such as increased maintenance costs and equipment downtime and reduced performance.
Today we are talking about the MouldTex project, which aims to improve the sustainability of processes by reducing friction in dynamic elastomeric seals.
This manufacturing process consists of applying, for one time only, laser technology directly on the mold surface, creating micro-protrusions instead of micro-cavities. In this way, the generation of microtextured joints is achieved by transferring the micropattern from the mold to the component. In addition, advanced software is used for the correct mold design to ensure the correct filling.
For this purpose, a methodology has been developed for the design of the gaskets, which is carried out by means of laser technology, where it involves microtexturing certain surfaces of the sealing gasket, which would reduce the friction between them. In addition, other implicit functions of the microcavities have been identified, which act as reservoirs for the lubricant they need, and even serve to trap wear debris.
At the beginning of this project, the researchers did not know how the microtexture should be, that is why they developed technological procedures for the design of the same with the "trial and error" methodology up to numerical optimization tools. After several attempts, it is identified that through an advanced modeling software, the appropriate patterns for each type of contact system and the operating conditions of each elastomeric joint are determined.
On the other hand, other major challenges of the project have been the development of a laser system that allows to apply in a controlled way at micrometric level, hierarchical patterns of microtexture in the mold. And, on the other hand, the design, manufacture and implementation of an in-line optical inspection system that provides a robust system for quality control of the textured pattern.
Finally, it can be said that the development of this microtexturing technique results in an improvement in friction of over 20% and a reduction in wear that can at least double the service life of the component.
In this context, the automotive, wind turbine and aeronautics industries, among many others, that bet on the developed technology, will have a positive impact.
Taken from SLTCaucho magazine (Pages 50-53)