Applications Engineering

One of Parker's most valuable and unique support services is our applications engineering staff. This team of highly-trained, dedicated engineers uses a combination of electronic tools (like CAD and Finite Element Analysis FEA) and their own sealing expertise to offer complete material selection and design recommendations to new and existing customers.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Through the use of powerful computers and finite element analysis (FEA) software, Parker engineers can evaluate a seal's performance in a variety of media, temperatures and before a single part is made. This eliminates the need for costly tooling, speeds the production process and ensures the selection of the right material and geometry for your application.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is the most accurate, versatile, and comprehensive computer simulation method for solving complex design problems.

The advent of new algorithms and powerful computer hardware which can handle the complexities of multi-phase analysis of elastomer materials has opened a whole world of possibilities in elastomer seal design and evaluation.

In the past, (FEA) was only available to perform solid modeling whereas, despite appearance to the contrary, elastomers must be treated as semi-fluids.

Through the use of FEA software specifically developed for elastomeric evaluation, Parker engineers can pre-test a wide range of seal designs and material combinations, eliminate costly prototype development time and, in many cases, finalize the optimum seal design without ever having manufactured the first part.

Most of our divisions have the software and trained staff required to perform FEA-assisted engineering. If they don’t, they can outsource the function to another Seal Group division in a transfer that will be transparent to the customer. When considering FEA as an alternative to prototype tooling, you should remember that there are costs associated with both methods. FEA is a good approach if there is a high volume potential and shortened lead time requirements, or if the customer requires a higher level of design flexibility (i.e., multiple material formulations and designs). It also works better than traditional tooling if there are special requirements for testing (i.e., cleanroom operations).