An existing low friction bearing leaked, and contamination caused premature failure of the EGR valve. A combination of low (-40°C) temperature, high temperature (250°C), low friction (less than 20g force) and 450 Kpa pressure seal was needed for this application. The existing Teflon® bearing was too costly, and had poor sealing capability.
IER Fujikura’s rubber compounding and seal design help was solicited. Concept samples were fabricated from a special low friction fluorocarbon compound and tested favorably, throughout the temperature and pressure ranges specified. Prototype parts made to fit the existing seal envelope were subsequently tested favorably, over 6 million cycles, still sealing with very low friction.
A second existing application also needed a low friction seal. IER Fujikura fabricated a combination prototype mold to keep development costs and lead times of both applications to a minimum.