Case Studies

In the past decade or so, there has been considerable progress in electric storage and motor technology, which are on the verge of moving the aviation industry ahead and opening new opportunities and uses. One example is the eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing vehicle), where electric engines reduce noise pollution for quieter flights and provide zero emissions to help the environment.

Root canals are complex dental procedures that require specialized tools including equipment such as endodontic burs, excavators, files, reamers, drills and ultrasonic instruments.  In this unique application, a single-use, disposable head handpiece is used to integrate rinsing and suction for cleaning and disinfection.

The compressor casing in a jet engine is an extremely valuable part that requires protection against blade tip abrasion, while aiming for the tightest distance between the case and blade tip for optimal compressor performance. Casings are made of high performing metals to sustain the mechanical conditional constraints as well as the harsh environment, debris and pollutant that can damage various parts.

Bioreactors are vessels or tanks in which whole cells or cell-free enzymes transform raw materials into biochemical products and/or less undesirable byproducts. Regardless of scale, stirred tank bioreactors are the most commonly used systems in biotechnological production processes. In systems with drive shafts, process hygiene requirements will affect seal selection.

A launch vehicle uses a turbopump that is driven by a hot gas turbine. Due to high levels of horsepower, RPM, flow rates and pressures in this system, specific design features, materials, and fabrication methods must be used to ensure high performance as well as space flight levels of reliability. For static sealing applications in this area, metal seals are used to prevent leakage of a fluid through a joint that has no relative motion of the mating surfaces.

Piston cup seals are critical due to two functions.  Firstly, the seal must function as a bearing. If the seal is removed from the hardware, the piston will hit against the cylinder wall. Secondly, since compressors need to run completely dry, the seal provides leakage and wear control.