The main objective of the SoftSlide project is to generate revenues of $60M , a profit of $19.9M and 350 new jobs. with the commercialization of SoftSlide technology in the market. European elastomeric and plastic dynamic seals, with a share of 15% of the market. SoftSlide technology will have a positive impact in the seals industry generating around 3315M per year of energy savings for end users of hydraulic and pneumatic components. Energy losses caused by friction in dynamic joints in the rotation, linear motion and oscillation of devices (e.g. motors, valves, air compressors, accumulators…) represent 25% of the total energy consumed. In addition, the effect of friction on dynamic seals causes damage to the seal surface over time, thereby reducing its service life. Although it is common knowledge that it is possible to obtain low-friction dynamic seals by means of special designs and by engraving micro-patterns, it is also possible to obtain low friction dynamic seals by means of special designs and engraving micro-patterns. on the contact surface of the gasket (contact area with the mechanism in motion), the mass production of today’s gaskets, the does not incorporate this important step. To obtain low-friction dynamic seals, it is necessary that these micro-patterns are individually engraved, joint by joint, in a separate downstream process, once the seal has been manufactured. This considerably increases the cost and limits the production of low friction dynamic seals, making it impossible for the end user to include this step in their production system. SoftSlide has created a mass production process that transfers these micro-patterns during the molding stage to obtain low-friction, high-performance dynamic seals. This process can be easily implemented by dynamic seal manufacturers with a negligible increase in production cost.
Horizon 2020. Research and Innovation Framework Programme. Call FoF-03-2016: Zero-defects strategies at system level for multi-stage manufacturing in production lines.
This project has received funding from the European Union through the European Union through of the H2020 Program. Research and Innovation Framework Programme.
