Advancements in Hydraulic Sealing Materials

Modern hydraulic systems are engineered to deliver maximum power density, speed, and control in compact footprints, often under punishing conditions. High pressures, extreme temperature fluctuations, and demanding cycle rates all converge to test system integrity. 

In this environment, the hydraulic sealing material becomes a critical line of defense that directly influences system uptime, pressure retention, and fluid compatibility.

Sealing failure can lead to unplanned shutdowns, equipment damage, safety risks, and costly downtime. Material properties such as compression set resistance, thermal stability, chemical compatibility, and low-friction behavior must align precisely with the application’s mechanical and fluid parameters. 

That’s where CRC Distribution stands apart. With one of the industry’s most extensive material inventories, advanced in-house machining, and exclusive partnerships with leaders like Trelleborg, CRC delivers sealing solutions that are application-engineered to survive, and thrive, where failure isn’t an option.

What Is a Hydraulic Sealing Material?

A hydraulic sealing material refers to the base substance used to produce sealing elements in fluid power systems. These materials are engineered to maintain fluid separation under pressure, in motion, and across wide temperature ranges.

These are elastomers, thermoplastics, and composites selected for properties like chemical resistance, compression set, and wear behavior. In simpler terms? They’re what keep hydraulic cylinders leak-free and long-lasting in any field application:

• PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene): Low friction, chemically resistant, perfect for high-speed reciprocating motion.
• NBR (Nitrile Rubber): A standard for mineral oil compatibility and general-purpose sealing.
• FKM (Fluorocarbon Rubber): Excellent at handling aggressive fluids and elevated temperatures.
• Polyurethane: Great mechanical properties, particularly for dynamic seals in rugged equipment.
• Orkot® Composites: Advanced materials reinforced with synthetic fibers, delivering high load capacity with minimal expansion.

Need high-performing sealing without the long lead times?
CRC’s got the material, the machines, and the muscle to deliver fast.

Types of Hydraulic Sealing Systems

Hydraulic sealing systems are made up of components that each play a specific role in system integrity. Understanding each hydraulic sealing type and the ideal material pairing is critical for system reliability.

 Primary Seals

• Rod Seals: Prevent fluid from escaping the cylinder. Polyurethane and PTFE are common choices due to their abrasion resistance and thermal stability.
• Piston Seals: Separate internal pressure zones. FKM and Orkot® materials are ideal here for high-temperature or side-load conditions.

Secondary/Support Seals

• Wipers/Scrapers: Remove contaminants before they reach the seal stack. Polyurethane works well in harsh outdoor environments.
• Back-Up Rings: Support O-rings against extrusion under high pressure. Typically made from PTFE.
• O-Rings: Provide static sealing between mating surfaces. NBR is often used, with FKM reserved for chemical resistance.

Together, these elements form the sealing stack, and CRC offers customized seal kits for hydraulic cylinder setups to match every industrial demand. Whether you’re an OEM standardizing parts across multiple platforms or an in-house maintenance team rebuilding cylinders on a regular schedule, we streamline replenishment, reduce sourcing friction, and ensure you always have the right components on hand. If you want to work with our engineers to develop a kit tailored to your equipment, you can start here with our Get Engineering Support form.

Technological Advancements in Sealing Materials

Advanced materials are rewriting the rules of sealing science. Self-lubricating options like Orkot® TXMM incorporate PTFE additives that reduce friction without external lubrication, minimizing heat and surface wear. Low-friction profiles now use filled PTFE or engineered polyurethane blends for smooth actuation, especially in mobile hydraulic systems. For extreme conditions, high-temperature FKM and Orkot® Marine materials deliver reliability where others degrade under pressure, heat, and contamination.

These innovations are already integrated into CRC’s sealing solutions. From extended system life to reduced maintenance, they help industries meet tougher challenges. With elite material partnerships and precision machining capabilities, CRC brings these technologies to market faster than the competition.

Industry Applications and Challenges Solved

Hydraulic systems don’t get weekends off. They drive mission-critical systems across multiple industries, and CRC’s advanced sealing products are built to handle those demands. In the oil and gas sector, high-pressure, corrosive environments call for chemical-resistant materials like FKM and PTFE compounds. Seals in drilling heads and accumulators benefit from composite materials that resist extrusion and fluid degradation. In marine applications, CRC’s Orkot® Marine bearings and seals fight saltwater corrosion, support high side loads, and resist moisture absorption, crucial for offshore and naval stability.

Hydropower systems require nonstop motion, with inlet valves and turbines exposed to silt and water. Orkot® TLMM composites and polyurethane seals extend service life by resisting abrasive wear. Steel mills bring extreme heat and contamination, which CRC counters with FKM and specialized polyurethane blends that won’t distort under pressure. In mobile equipment, sealing systems face shock, vibration, and debris. CRC delivers polyurethane-based seals with NBR O-rings that hold strong in the field.

Tough specs? Unforgiving environment? Our custom seals are
built to conquer it all. No excuses, just results.

The CRC Edge in Hydraulic Sealing Materials

The difference between reactive costs and planned savings may seem small at first, but across multiple cylinders it adds up fast. Shifting from reactive fixes to proactive care can significantly reduce failures and costs:

• Scheduled checks for leaks, rod condition, and mounting alignment help catch issues early.
• Small seepage or pitting can be corrected before it escalates into full seal failure or rod damage.
• Monitoring hydraulic fluid for viscosity, water content, and particulates prevents abrasive wear and corrosion.
• Combining high-quality seals, clean fluid, and proper alignment extends cylinder life and reduces the need for repairs or replacements.

Future Trends in Hydraulic Sealing Materials

Looking ahead, the world of hydraulic sealing is evolving fast.

• Bio-Based Polymers: Eco-conscious materials that reduce environmental impact without compromising function.
• Recyclable Thermoplastics: An emerging class of materials that allows end-of-life seals to be repurposed instead of discarded.
• Integrated Sensor Technology: Seals with embedded sensors are on the horizon, enabling real-time monitoring of seal wear and system pressure.
• Sustainability Goals: CRC is already exploring greener materials and more efficient machining methods to stay ahead of the regulatory curve and serve eco-driven industries.

Driving the Future of Hydraulic Sealing Technology

Hydraulic sealing materials directly impact the lifespan, safety, and efficiency of fluid power systems. From custom-machined seals to high-performing polymers and fiber-reinforced composites, material innovation is redefining system capability. CRC Distribution leads that evolution with industry-focused solutions built on proven technologies.

As systems grow more complex across oil and gas, marine, hydropower, steel, and mobile equipment, material choice becomes critical. CRC delivers with deep expertise, fast turnaround, and access to premium sealing technologies.

Smarter materials, sensor integration, and sustainable alternatives are shaping what’s next, and CRC is already making it happen. For engineering teams demanding reliability, CRC delivers.

Stop settling for stock solutions. Let’s build a hydraulic
sealing system that actually fits your challenge.

FAQs

What are hydraulic sealing materials?

Hydraulic sealing materials are specialized elastomers, thermoplastics, and composites designed to prevent fluid leakage under high pressure and varying temperatures. They ensure reliability and longevity in hydraulic systems by maintaining separation between pressure zones and resisting chemical degradation.

What are the main types of hydraulic seals used in fluid power systems?

The primary hydraulic seal types include rod seals, piston seals, wipers or scrapers, back-up rings, and O-rings. Each plays a specific role in maintaining system integrity, with materials such as PTFE, polyurethane, FKM, and Orkot® composites used for optimal performance.

How has CRC advanced hydraulic sealing technology?

CRC Distribution enhances sealing performance through custom in-house machining, vast material inventory, and exclusive partnerships with industry leaders like Trelleborg Sealing Solutions. Their innovations include self-lubricating materials, low-friction composites, and specialized blends that improve durability and efficiency across multiple industries.

What future trends are shaping hydraulic sealing materials?

The future of hydraulic sealing includes bio-based polymers, recyclable thermoplastics, and seals with embedded sensor technology. CRC (Part of Trelleborg Group) is leading these developments with a focus on sustainable, high-performance materials that align with modern environmental and industrial standards.