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This section provides an overview for magnetic seals as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 11 magnetic seal manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked magnetic seal companies as of December, 2024: 1.Flowserve Corporation, 2.AMWeatherGuard, 3.MAGSEAL.
Table of Contents
A magnetic seal is a seal unit for rotary motion that uses a magnetic fluid attracted by a magnet to seal.
They are sometimes referred to as Magnetic Fluid Seals or Vacuum Seals. A rotary seal seals and seals the hydraulic fluid that allows equipment to function over the long term.
Magnetic seals are primarily used in atmospheres, dust, oil mist, gases, and vacuums.
The primary use for magnetic fluidic seals is in the bearings of HDDs in personal computers and other hardware. Magnetic fluidic seals improve durability and reduce noise from rotation.
Other applications include semiconductor manufacturing equipment, analytical equipment, and other equipment where a vacuum field must be maintained. However, a single vacuum seal is not sufficient to seal the vacuum field. Therefore, a vacuum is maintained by configuring multiple vacuum seals in a multi-stage configuration.
In addition, magnetic seals using rare earth magnets can strongly hold magnetic fluid due to the strong magnetic field. Vacuum seals that can maintain a difference of 1 atmospheric pressure are used for CVD equipment, RVD equipment, ion implantation equipment, etc.
The mechanism of the magnetic seal is based on the property that magnetic fluid is attracted to a magnet. A permanent magnet and magnetic fluid are placed around the axis of rotation to be sealed, and the magnetic fluid is held in place around the axis of rotation to create a seal.
The stronger the magnetic force, the greater the pressure resistance of the magnetic fluid, and it is common to design a single magnetic seal with a multi-stage structure of 10 to 20 stages. By forming multiple stages, a magnetic seal with a large pressure resistance is completed.
There are three types of magnetic fluid: water-based, hydrocarbon oil-based, and fluorocarbon oil-based. The hydrocarbon-based type is commonly used. Water-based magnetic fluids can evaporate, and hydrocarbon-based magnetic fluids are more suitable from the standpoint of type and price. Fluorocarbon oil-based magnetic fluids are used when chemical stability, low vapor pressure, and heat resistance are required.
High sealing and non-dusting properties
Since magnetic seals are sealed with a liquid, gaps are difficult to form. Also, since it is not a contact between individuals, it does not generate any wear dust due to friction.
Low Friction Torque
Since the contact is not between individuals with contact pressure like an oil seal, the loss resistance can be kept extremely low.
Low Heat Generation and Low Noise
The friction generated by the contact between the individual and the liquid generates almost no heat or noise.
Sealed in Both Rotating and Stationary Conditions
The sealing performance of an individual oil seal is due to the pumping effect caused by the rotation of the shaft. The seal is maintained as the shaft rotates. Magnetic seals seal regardless of whether the shaft is rotating or stationary, as long as the magnetism is maintained.
Relatively Easy to Design
Individual oil seals require a detailed design of the lip shape in contact with the rotating shaft. In contrast, magnetic seals are relatively easy to design.
Limited Heat Resistance
Magnetic fluid has the property of becoming less magnetic as temperature increases, and once it reaches the Curie point, it loses its magnetism completely. The pressure at which it can be sealed decreases at higher temperatures.
Not Suitable for Sealing Liquids
Since magnetic fluid is a liquid that seals, there is a risk that the magnetic fluid may dissolve depending on the liquid to be sealed.
Not Suitable for Reciprocating Seals
While individual O-rings can be used for reciprocating sealing, magnetic seals are not suitable for reciprocating sealing because the magnetic fluid may be taken out.
Not Suitable for High-Pressure Seals
Magnetic fluid increases sealing pressure by reducing the gap between the rotating shaft and the magnetic pole pieces that provide magnetic force to the magnetic fluid. However, it cannot seal as high pressure as an individual oil seal.
Since the pressure that can be sealed decreases with temperature and rotational speed, it is important to design for the operating environment.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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MAGSEAL is an American ISO 9001 certified manufacturer of magnetic seals for critical systems that was founded in 1954. Headquartered in Warren, Rhode Island, the company primarily produces magnetic seals engineered to withstand high altitudes or high vibration conditions, as well as mechanical variations for power conservation. It can also customize seal size, shape, or configuration for clients with niche specifications. MAGSEAL products have applications in the aviation and aerospace industries, as well as in the marine and industrial sectors.
Industrial Magnetics Inc (IMI) was established in 1961 and is based in Boyne City, Michigan. IMI is a producer for magnetic products used in various industries such as fabrication, automotive, conveying, recycling, stamping, welding, mining & aggregate, and grain. Product offerings include magnetizers, demagnetizers, conveyor systems, magnetic conveying rail, manhole cover lift systems, raw magnetic material, lift devices, conveyor and pneumatic line magnets, magnetic inspection probes, as well as numerous magnetic tools.
Ergoseal, Inc., established in 1989 and headquartered in Carol Stream, Illinois, USA, is a manufacturer providing sealing solutions. Their product range includes mechanical seals, lip seals, non-contacting seals, magnetic seals, and custom rubber products, serving an array of industries, including pump, compressor, blower, and rotating equipment production sectors. These seals ensure the containment of fluids, enhancing the efficiency and safety of the equipment they are used in. Ergoseal is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a member of the Fluid Sealing Association.
AMWeatherGuard is an American distributor of window and door products with minor operations as a contract manufacturer that was established in 2018. Based in Oceanside, California, the company primarily distributes products from the British company Schlegel. These include door thresholds, locks, and seals, as well as window weather seals, sash locks, and balances. It also offers energy efficient high security and smart locks from Schlegel’s sister company AmesburyTruth. Aside from products, AMWeatherGuard provides custom design and engineering services to its customers, which include homeowners, building and security contractors, and client manufacturers.
Frost King & Thermwell Products Co., Inc. (FKT) is an American manufacturer and distributor of weatherization products that was founded in 1910 as Thermwool before rebranding in the 1960s. Based in Mahwah, New Jersey, the company produces a range of weatherization and energy saving products including de-icing kits for gutters or roofs, door and window insulation kits, weather stripping, and insulation for pipes and ducts. It also offers air conditioner and garage accessories, such as brackets, filters, and stop molding. FKT products are primarily used in the construction and home improvement markets, as well as by client OEMs across the commercial sector.
Rigaku Corporation established in Tokyo, Japan in 1951, is a manufacturer of oil seals used in FDP industries. The company develops and supplies universities, industry, and government labs integrated solutions across variety of disciplines, including structural proteomics, nanoengineering research, general purpose X-ray diffraction (XRD) and spectroscopy (XRF), materials analysis and quality assurance. The company has 1,400 employees and worldwide operations based in Japan, the U.S., Europe, and China. The company also has worldwide customer and technical support.
Eagle Industry Co., Ltd., established in 1964 with headquarters in Japan and facilities worldwide, is a manufacturer of seals and gaskets. The company's product line includes mechanical seals, gas seals, gaskets, solenoid valves, and stern tube seals. Eagle Industry Co.’s products are used in the construction, agriculture, automotive, and energy markets for many components, including air conditioning exhaust systems, drive shaft components, and engine components for vehicles. Eagle Industry Co., Ltd. also invests in the research and development of environmentally friendly products that include e-mobility and hybrid hydraulic regeneration systems that reduce fuel consumption and provide power assist for battery-powered machines.
Fellow Tech Material Technology, based in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of polymer multilayer capacitors (PMLCAP), and was established in 2019 as a joint venture between Mitsui Chemicals Tohcello Inc. and Fellowes Japan Co. Ltd. The company primarily produces PMLCAPs with low equivalent series resistance, low noise, high capacitance density, and wide temperature range. It also offers customization services including adjustments to size, voltage rating, terminal type, and capacitance value. The company’s products are used in manufacturing automotive electronics, power supplies, communication devices, and industrial equipment.
Flowserve Corporation, founded in 1790 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in fluid motion and control products. The company's product portfolio includes pumps, seals, valves, energy recovery systems, and decoking systems. These products are utilized across various industries, including power generation, chemical processing, water management, oil and gas, and various general industries. The company also provides customer services, including on-site field services, solutions engineering, system assessments, repairs and maintenance, and training and development.
Nok Corporation, founded in 1941 and based in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of several products, including sealing, rubber, and electronic products, and is part of the NOK Group. The company also makes flexible printed circuits (FPC), office automation equipment, and functional membranes, serving industries such as automobile, construction machinery, and electronic equipment. In 1960, the company expanded its production by constructing plants in Kumamoto, Fujisawa, and Shizuoka, and it was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1961. In 1979, it was the first to set up a production base in the US before any Japanese automaker.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flowserve Corporation |
25.0%
|
| 2 | AMWeatherGuard |
13.8%
|
| 3 | MAGSEAL |
11.3%
|
| 4 | Industrial Magnetics, Inc. |
11.3%
|
| 5 | Ergoseal, Inc. |
11.3%
|
| 6 | Eagle Industry Co., Ltd. |
8.8%
|
| 7 | Rigaku Corporation |
6.3%
|
| 8 | Frost King & Thermwell Products Co., Inc. |
5.0%
|
| 9 | NOK CORPORATION |
5.0%
|
| 10 | Fellow Tech Material Technology |
2.5%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the magnetic seal page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
5 | 62.5% |
|
Japan
|
3 | 37.5% |
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