Hydraulics & Pneumatics

Hydraulic & Pneumatic Sealing Solutions

High-Performance Seals for Fluid Power Applications

At Ashton Seals, we supply high-performance sealing solutions for hydraulic and pneumatic systems, engineered to deliver reliable performance under pressure, dynamic movement and demanding operating conditions. From industrial machinery and mobile equipment to fluid power systems, our seals ensure leak prevention, pressure integrity and long service life in critical applications. We have full technical and design capabilities and can provide one-off prototyping in addition to large volume mass production in a wide range of profiles and sizes.

Sealing Solutions for Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems

We provide sealing solutions for a wide range of fluid power applications including:

  • Hydraulic cylinders and actuators
  • Pneumatic systems and air-powered equipment
  • Industrial presses and manufacturing machinery
  • Mobile hydraulics (construction, agriculture, transport)
  • Automation and control systems

 

These systems rely on precise sealing to maintain pressure and ensure efficient energy transfer.

 

Preventing Leakage & Maintaining System Efficiency

Hydraulic and pneumatic systems operate under pressure, meaning even small leaks can lead to performance loss or system failure. Seals play a critical role by:Preventing fluid or air leakage Maintaining system pressure Protecting internal components from contamination Ensuring efficient power transmission Hydraulic seals, for example are essential components that contain fluid and enable the conversion of fluid power into mechanical motion.

 

Types of Hydraulic & Pneumatic Seals

Fluid power systems use a combination of sealing elements including:

  • Dynamic Seals
    Rod seals – prevent fluid leakage from cylinders
    Piston seals – maintain pressure within the system
    Wiper (scraper) seals – prevent ingress of dirt and contaminants
  • Static Seals
    O-rings and gaskets used in non-moving applications
  • Guide & Support Elements
    Wear rings and guide strips to reduce friction and prevent metal-to-metal contact
    These components work together to ensure efficient, reliable system operation under dynamic conditions. ​

Products for Hydraulic & Pneumatic Applications

We supply a comprehensive range of sealing products for fluid power systems including:

These products are widely used across hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic actuators and high-performance machinery.

Materials & Performance

Hydraulic and pneumatic seals must be selected carefully to match operating conditions.

We offer materials that provide:

  • Resistance to high pressure and mechanical loads
  • Compatibility with hydraulic fluids, oils, and compressed air
  • Durability in dynamic and high-speed applications
  • Stability across temperature variations

 

Common materials include:

  • NBR – general-purpose hydraulic sealing
  • Polyurethane (PU) – high wear resistance
  • FKM (Viton®) – high temperature and chemical resistance
  • PTFE – low friction and high performance

 

Material selection is critical to ensure optimal performance, efficiency and service life.

 

 

Typical Applications

 

Our sealing solutions are used across a wide range of hydraulic and pneumatic systems:

 

  • Hydraulic cylinders and actuators
  • Pneumatic cylinders and valves
  • Industrial presses and moulding machines
  • Mobile and heavy-duty equipment
  • Automation and robotics systems

 

 

These applications require precision sealing to maintain efficiency, reliability and safety.

 

 

Industry Standards & Performance Requirements

Hydraulic and pneumatic sealing solutions must meet strict performance requirements including:

 

  • Resistance to pressure, temperature and fluid compatibility
  • Compliance with ISO standards for sealing and fluid power systems
  • Performance in dynamic, high-cycle applications
  • Proper seal selection ensures system reliability, reduced downtime and long-term cost efficiency.

 

 

 

Why Choose Ashton Seals?

✔ Trusted UK supplier since 1866
✔ Extensive experience in fluid power and engineering applications
✔ Wide range of hydraulic and pneumatic sealing solutions
✔ Technical support for correct seal selection
✔ Bespoke sealing solutions for specialised systems

 

 

Technical Support & Enquiries

Need help selecting the right sealing solution for your hydraulic or pneumatic application?
📞 Call: +44 (0) 1226 273700
📧 Email: ask@ashton-group.co.uk
Or contact our team for expert advice.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What are hydraulic seals used for?
Hydraulic seals are used to prevent fluid leakage and maintain pressure within hydraulic systems, ensuring efficient power transmission.
2. What is the difference between hydraulic and pneumatic seals?
Hydraulic seals are designed for liquid-based systems under high pressure, while pneumatic seals are used in air-based systems with lower pressure and higher speed.
3. Why is sealing important in fluid power systems?
Sealing prevents leaks, maintains pressure, protects components and ensures system efficiency and safety.
4. What materials are used in hydraulic seals?
Common materials include NBR, polyurethane, PTFE, and FKM, chosen based on pressure, temperature and fluid compatibility.
5. Can hydraulic seals be customized?
Yes, seals can be manufactured to suit specific system requirements, including pressure, temperature and application design.​