Being commodity items, U-Cups are readily available in a number of materials and can be found on-the-shelf from multiple distributors and manufacturers in many standard sizes.
Named for the shape of their cross-section, a U-Cup’s design will be pressure energized increasing sealing effectiveness when compared to a standard O-Ring.
This means as pressure increases, the sealing lips are continually forced into the mating hardware surface, ensuring good contact at all times.
The simple and easily moldable design is an effective sealing solution to many systems in both hydraulic and pneumatic applications. Modifications in lip thickness and inclusion of an O-Ring Energizer can tailor sealing loads and wear life to specific situations.
A key advantage to an elastomeric U-Cup is the relatively small and simple hardware space needed. Because of their flexible compounds, most U-Cups can be installed in a solid gland configuration.
A basic ID or OD groove is all you need for proper seal retention. Plus, no special tools or considerations need to be taken for correct installation.
U-Cups are available in many of the same compounds as standard O-Rings such as Nitrile, Fluorocarbon, and EPDM, but polyurethanes may be the most common material.
Urethane provides a good combination of elasticity/pliability and toughness. Therefore, it exhibits good sealing characteristics as well as, durability and wear resistance.
These desirable qualities make U-Cups an optimal solution for many sealing systems across multiple industries and they can be found in countless standard products. But Eclipse is approached many times a year with customers pushing the limits of standard U-Cups and in need of better solutions.
Eclipse was approached by a leading pneumatic cylinder manufacturing seeking a sealing solution for a unique application.
While U-Cups typically provide optimal sealing performance in pneumatic cylinders, this application presented a difficult challenge.
The air cylinder was to be used as an actuator for a latch on a large industrial oven. While pressures, speeds, and cycle times were nothing out of the ordinary, the temperature at which it had to operate at was — a continuous 500°F.
Gallagher recently recorded the Rubber Energized Seals webinar, discussing rubber energized rod or piston seals, and the advantages and disadvantages to using some of the most common seal profiles. This webinar is presented in conjunction with one of our trusted partners, Eclipse Engineering, Inc. Eclipse is a designer and manufacturer of high performance engineered polymer solutions.
This section of the webinar will discuss some of the more common profiles for rubber energized seals, including x-rings, u-cups, buffer rings, cap seals, etc.
To view the webinar in its entirety, visit our Resources page and fill out the form, or