Hydraulic Seals – Improving Performance Hydraulic applications are challenging for Seals. Not only must the hydraulic seals prevent leakage of fluid from the Cylinder, but hydraulic seals must also withstand high pressures, extreme temperatures and transverse forces within the cylinder. In such applications, the function of Hydraulic Seals goes far beyond preventing fluid leakage. Hydraulic Cylinder Seals: Performance and Durability Hydraulic systems are sealed using a combination of specialized seals. Hydraulic Rod seals prevent leakage of fluid from within the cylinder to the outside while hydraulic piston seals prevent fluid from flowing across the cylinder head. This allows pressure build up on one side of the piston, making the Cylinder extend or retract. Wear rings guide the piston and piston rod within the hydraulic cylinder, absorbing transverse forces, preventing metal-to-metal contact. Scrapers or Wipers scrape dirt, foreign particles, chips or moisture from the piston rods as they retract into the cylinder, preventing contamination. Innovative materials for Hydraulic Seals Hydraulic Seals from Trelleborg Sealing Solutions are the first choice when it comes to sealing a high-performance cylinder. Our proprietary materials, such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) based Turcon® or polyurethane (PU) based Zurcon® ensure maximum durability and performance with minimum maintenance.