Silicone Filled Spring Energized Seals

Cliff • September 17, 2012

Filling a spring cavity with Silicone allows our customers to use a spring energized seal in environments where the media in the application does not come in contact with a metal spring.

There are many reasons to apply these this solution for various applications

1. Food Grade where we use an FDA Approved Silicone to cover the spring, and use a jacket material which is also FDA approved

2. When we are sealing a media that would hamper the ability of the spring to continue to be energized in the media. Media like an adhesive that will stop the spring from being active.

3. Filling a groove with Silicone where your goal is to have the least amount of fluid displacement for accurate positioning of  a mechanical device.

 

There are several different types of Silicones depending on the usage. They can be for food grade use, high temperature, or by changing the viscosity they can act as a spring adding to the force of the existing spring.

The Different Types of Seal Glands and How to Choose the Right One

By Doug Montgomery • October 21, 2026
When designing a successful sealing system, factors such as leakage control, wear resistance, and seal material selection often receive the most attention. However, another critical component can have just as much influence on performance: the seal gland. A seal gland, also referred to as a groove, is the space within the hardware that houses and retains a seal. Its design affects not only how the seal functions but also how easily it can be installed, removed, or replaced. Different seal materials and configurations require different gland designs. For example, an elastic O-Ring may be relatively easy to install in a solid gland, while a PTFE spring-energized seal may require a split or stepped configuration to prevent damage during installation. Understanding the different types of seal glands is essential when selecting a sealing solution. Below, we'll explore four common gland designs, their advantages and limitations, and the seals best suited for each. What Are the Four Main Types of Seal Glands? The four common types of seal glands used in rod and piston sealing applications are solid, open, split, and stepped glands. Each offers different benefits depending on the seal material, installation requirements, and hardware configuration. Solid glands feature a simple rectangular groove and are commonly used with O-Rings and certain O-Ring energized PTFE seals. Open glands allow seals to be installed directly into a counterbore and are typically best suited for metal-cased seals, including rotary lip seals and cased spring energized seals. Split glands use a removable retaining component to simplify seal installation, removal, and maintenance. They are particularly useful for spring energized seals and applications requiring frequent seal replacement. Stepped glands incorporate a small retaining step that secures the seal without additional hardware. They are often used in spring energized sealing applications where a one-piece hardware design is preferred. Choosing between these designs involves balancing installation requirements, manufacturing complexity, and long-term seal performance. Solid Glands

Rotary Lip Seals: Crimped Case Seal vs. Componentized Design

By Doug Montgomery • September 14, 2026
Compare Crimped Case Seals and traditional componentized rotary lip seals, including their advantages, limitations, costs, and ideal applications.

The Pros and Cons of Channel Seals

By Doug Montgomery • August 26, 2026
Learn the advantages and limitations of Channel Seals, including friction, wear life, PTFE performance, machining requirements, and dynamic sealing considerations.
CIP Spring Seal Silicone

Clean-in-Place (CIP) Seals and FDA Compliance in Sealing Applications

By Doug Montgomery • July 15, 2026
Learn how Clean-in-Place (CIP) seals improve sanitation, reduce downtime, and support FDA-compliant sealing applications in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial equipment.