Seal, Feel, Act - Seals can do more than many people believe

Seals can do more than many people believe. Equipped with electrical conductivity, they take over additional functions. They can monitor their own wear, measure forces and carry out functions. But where exactly is this headed?

A seal with sensory perception? Sounds like science fiction – for good reason. Seals are made of elastomers, commonly called rubber, and in its pure form, rubber cannot process a signal. That function is reserved for metals and semiconductors because they have a high proportion of free electrons. And elastomers? Well, it would make sense to use them since seals are often right on the frontline of the action. And, in fact, there are various ways to use seals as sensors or even actuators. But a little help is called for – without ever losing sight of the actual sealing task.

“The main function of a seal continues to be the prevention of material transfer,” said Dr. Boris Traber, who works on intelligent sealing systems in Advanced Material Development at Freudenberg Sealing Technologies. “Still, you can design seals so they perform additional functions.” For example, integrating a sensor or a microchip …

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