3D-printed reaction bonded silicon carbide as a ring material in axial face seals

Reaction bonded silicon carbide is well known for use as axial seal faces. The properties have been optimized in order to improve the performance of dynamic seals. 3D-printed silicon carbide will be introduced. The new material allows forming much more complicated shapes and seal ring designs. The new material shows a different structure compared to compression molded reaction bonded silicon carbide due to the special manufacturing process. Therefore, first comparative tests of seal-rings under marginal lubricated conditions have been performed. The results are presented and the possible use of 3D-printed silicon carbide in the sealing technology is discussed. A first fundamental design study implies the potential of producing seal rings with an additional functionality. A simplified model of a seal ring with internal structures is shown and some ideas will be shared whether additional benefit could be achieved. © 2021 Expert Verlag. All rights reserved.