Piston Seals

Sample handbook

Eastern Seals

Piston seal selection guide

Profile roles, operating conditions and material considerations for hydraulic cylinder applications.

1

Start with the application

Selection factors

A reliable piston seal begins with a clear picture of the cylinder duty.

Single or double-acting operation
Maximum and working pressure
Rod speed and stroke frequency
Fluid, temperature and contamination
Housing dimensions and surface finish

2

Seal behaviour

Control pressure and leakage

Piston seals maintain the pressure difference across the piston as it travels through the cylinder bore. The correct profile balances sealing efficiency with friction and wear.

Profile choice Consider pressure direction, extrusion gap and required breakaway force.

3

Materials

Match the compound to the duty

Polyurethane: Strong wear and extrusion resistance for demanding hydraulic service.
PTFE: Low friction and broad media compatibility, often energised by an elastomer ring.
Elastomers: Flexible sealing and energising elements in compounds selected for the fluid and temperature.

4

Information required

Prepare your cylinder data

Record bore, groove and extrusion-gap dimensions.
Confirm pressure peaks and pressure direction.
Identify the hydraulic fluid and temperature range.
Note speed, duty cycle and expected service life.

5

Specification support

Let us review the application

Send the available cylinder data or an existing seal reference and our hydraulic team can help identify a suitable profile and material.

Contact the hydraulic team Placeholder content for viewer testing. 6

Piston seal profiles

Piston seal selection guide

Piston seal selection guide

Selection factors

Control pressure and leakage

Match the compound to the duty

Prepare your cylinder data

Let us review the application

Discuss piston seal sizing