TriStar has partnered with hydraulic cylinder manufacturers worldwide to enhance designs for demanding applications—from steel and aluminum rolling mills to ferry dock gates, boom lifts, and standard-use cylinders. In high-load environments, our Ultracomp® composite materials deliver outstanding durability, reducing wear and maintenance costs.
Optimizing Hydraulic Cylinder Performance with Ultracomp (and Rulon) Wear Rings
Ultracomp UC200 and UC300 are ideal for wear ring applications, which are commonly used as piston and rod guides in hydraulic cylinders. These rings play a critical role in minimizing friction, absorbing side loads, and extending seal life.
For high-pressure, single- or double-acting designs, Ultracomp wear rings are used in strategic configurations:
- When a single slipper ring is the primary seal, Ultracomp wear rings act as inboard guides, preventing the seal from bearing unnecessary loads and reducing premature failure.
- In contaminant-prone environments (e.g., steel mills, construction, and agriculture), outboard wear rings made from Rulon® 142 serve as a debris barrier. Rulon 142 absorbs up to 60% of its volume in contaminants without breaking down, offering an added layer of protection.
- When using dual piston seals (such as urethane u-cups), Ultracomp wear rings stabilize the piston and prevent the seals from performing double-duty as bearings—enhancing wear life and reliability.
Why Choose Ultracomp for High-Load Hydraulic Applications?
A versatile composite material, Ultracomp isn't just for bearings, it’s a superior choice for wear rings and sealing applications in hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders.
Key advantages include:
- High Compressive Strength – Withstands 45,000–55,000 psi, outperforming commonly-used nylon, PTFE, and phenolic materials in side-load conditions.
- Thermally Stable – Operates reliably from cryogenic temperatures to +325°F without swelling or degradation.
- Self-Lubricating – Ultracomp is a self-lubricating material; eliminating the need for external lubrication (grease), reducing downtime and costs in extreme environments where maintenance can be a challenge.
Upgrade Your Cylinder Performance with Ultracomp
From high-pressure hydraulics to extreme wear environments, Ultracomp provides unmatched durability and performance. Looking to optimize your cylinder design? We encourage you to reach out to our engineering experts to explore how our custom wear ring solutions can benefit your application.
