Seal Types - O-Ring & Engineered Seals Division | Parker US
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A number of common seal types, T-Seals, U-Cups, V-Packing and other devices, have been, and are still used for both dynamic and static seals. When compared with an O-ring, these other seal types may show one or more design disadvantages which might be overcome by use of an O-ring.

Explore more about seal types on this page.

Reciprocating Seals

Reciprocating Seals

Reciprocating seals are a dynamic version of either a male radial or female radial O-ring design. In a reciprocating seal, there is relative reciprocating motion (along the shaft axis) between the inner and outer elements. This motion tends to slide or roll the O-ring, or sealing surface of the O-ring, back and forth with the reciprocal motion. Examples of a reciprocating seal would be a piston in a cylinder, a plunger entering a chamber, and a hydraulic actuator with the piston rod anchored. 

Note: O-rings are generally not recommended for reciprocating installations in which the speed is less than one foot per minute. Consult a Parker Territory Sales Manager for more information on special seals to meet this requirement.

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