Freudenberg develops world's smallest Simmerring

ERJ staff report (DS)

Weinheim, Germany -- The endoscope, the copier and the Mars rover all have one thing in common; they all function with microtechnology. Miniaturisation is the trend which allows high-technology solutions to be implemented within a very small space. Market studies by Freudenberg and external experts confirm that the market for micro-products has growth steadily at a rate of 15 percent per annum over the past ten years.

To meet demand, Freudenberg engineers have developed the world's smallest elastomer Simmerring. The ring can seal rotating shafts with a diameter of only one millimeter and rotation speeds of up to 10,000 rpm.

Prototypes of the record-breaking seal have already completed test runs of more than 5,000 hours under operating loads without any visible signs of wear. In future, the seals will be used inside miniature devices equipped with complex electronic and mechanical systems. The micro-Simmerrings are also to be used in miniature motors e.g. for pumps.

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Press release from Freudenberg