Hydraulic cylinders face significant operational challenges as pistons and piston rods must withstand immense pressure while enduring frequent lateral impacts. Without proper protection, direct metal-to-metal friction can degrade equipment performance, shorten service life, and potentially cause severe damage. Trelleborg Sealing Solutions addresses these challenges with its proprietary Slydring® design, offering wear rings and guide rings that function as protective shields for hydraulic systems.
The Slydring® wear rings and guide rings serve to properly align pistons and piston rods within hydraulic cylinders while effectively absorbing lateral forces. This design prevents direct contact between metal components, optimizing overall sealing system performance while significantly extending equipment lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. These components act as internal buffers, quietly maintaining system stability under pressure.
Recognizing that different applications require specific performance characteristics, Trelleborg offers three material variants in the Slydring® series:
- Turcite®: Designed for light to medium load applications. This material provides reliable guidance and wear resistance in conditions with minimal radial forces, offering a cost-effective solution.
- HiMod®: Engineered for medium to heavy load applications. With enhanced strength and wear resistance, HiMod® withstands greater radial forces, ensuring stable operation in demanding conditions.
- Orkot®: The optimal choice for heavy-load applications. Orkot® materials deliver exceptional load-bearing capacity and impact resistance, maintaining reliable guidance and protection even under extreme radial forces.
Choosing the appropriate Slydring® material requires careful consideration of several operational factors:
- Operating pressure: Materials must withstand the system's pressure range
- Movement speed: Friction characteristics and wear resistance must match piston velocity
- Temperature range: Materials must maintain performance across operational temperatures
- Media compatibility: Components must resist corrosion or swelling from hydraulic fluids
- Radial forces: The primary selection factor - materials must provide adequate support for expected loads
Beyond material selection, proper installation and maintenance practices significantly influence Slydring® performance. Correct installation ensures optimal functionality, while regular inspections and maintenance prolong service life and prevent equipment failures caused by wear or damage.
