Farm Equipment Another Application for Freudenberg’s Low-friction Sealing Solutions

That’s why transmission manufacturers are working full steam to reduce system friction in transmissions, in order to keep performance losses as low as possible. Freudenberg is supporting them with its Low Emission Sealing Solutions (LESS) products, which reduce frictional losses, installation space, weight, fuel consumption and emissions. “Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has geared its research and development activities to the solution of these problems in particular,” said Angelika Mulac, Vice President of the Mobile Machinery business unit. “Innovative products such as Levitas and Levitorq are the result. The technologies were originally developed for our automotive customers, but we now use them for various product platforms and sectors, and ensure that all our customers benefit from highly advanced solutions of this kind.”

With the transmission seal Levitas, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies is pursuing a fundamentally new approach in seal design. During operation, the seal floats on a hydrodynamic oil film that it produces on its own. The film prevents direct physical contact between the shaft and the seal ring. As a result, only fluid friction occurs; this reduces friction up to 70 percent. Another advantage: The seals are bidirectional, which simplifies mounting at the transmission manufacturer.

Levitorq thrust washers from Freudenberg also function with a hydrodynamic oil film. They have been conceived in a way that allows a bearing to run or a force to act on its support surface. Thrust washers have been traditionally made of metal. Freudenberg has developed thermoplastic and thermosetting alternatives with the help of its material expertise and design know-how, in combination with special software programs and test capabilities. They are replacing heavy, torque-reducing thrust washers made of metal. This reduces the components’ weight and friction while improving flatness control.

More information on these products from Freudenberg Sealing Technologies for the agricultural industry can be found here.
Information on the company's LESS initiative is available at less.fst.com.