For many, seals and lubricants sound like dry technical stuff. However, at the Tech Day organized by two Freudenberg business groups – Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) and Klüber Lubrication – it became clear just how exciting this topic really is.
Around 20 technicians from Palfinger, a mobile crane manufacturer and Freudenberg customer, delved deep into the world of material compatibility during a specially planned training course. They learned how the right combination of sealing material and lubricant influences the reliability of mobile machines, such as those used in agriculture and forestry. The interaction of elastomers and thermoplastics with various oils and lubricants is more complex than it seems at first glance.
“An unplanned breakdown in difficult-to-access terrain can cause enormous follow-up costs. This makes it all the more important to identify potential risks early on so that they don’t become a problem in the first place,” said Wolfgang Puttinger, key account manager for the mobile machinery sector, summing up the challenge. He was responsible for the FST part of the training together with Hartmut Näser, Product Developer at FPI Schwalmstadt.
Participants discussed how viscosity, polarity, and crystallinity influence seal behavior and why even small differences can have a significant impact. Teams of experts from FST and Klüber presented examples of more than 800 tested material combinations and provided practical insights into typical damage patterns, ranging from elastomer swelling due to incompatible oils to lubricant-induced embrittlement. “The interaction between media, seals, and metallic mating surfaces was made tangible and discussed based on real-world applications,” said Puttinger.
Thanks to the open dialogue and practical insights, many participants went home with new approaches to solutions and a keener eye for detail. “Now it’s clear why some seals fail after only a short time – and how to avoid it through targeted material selection,” one participant summarized. The Palfinger team also perceived the close cooperation between the two Freudenberg business groups as real added value. The successful event may be followed by a sequel, as there are many exciting facets of material compatibility that have yet to be explored.
