EFFECT OF MOUNTING TOLERANCES ON PNEUMATIC CYLINDER LIP SEAL FRICTIONFORCES

A method is presented for experimentally evaluating the effect of moun ting tolerances on pneumatic cylinder lip seal friction forces. Variat ions in seal seat shape and size with respect to nominal dimensions ar e considered. Both cylindrical and elliptical seats were tested. A dev ice was designed and constructed in order to make the seal seat ellipt ical. Cylindrical deformation was produced using appropriate shims. Th e friction force exerted was measured as a function of pressure and re lative seal/barrel velocity. Measurements were made while varying seal seat shape and size. An analysis of the results obtained in the vario us seal operating conditions is presented, while the results obtained by comparing the deformation of cylindrical and elliptical seats are d escribed and discussed.