Ceramic seals & disc manufacturer
MTC Stourport has extensive knowledge and skills in manufacturing and supplying volume precision valve plates and counterface seals. These components are used in a wide range of fluid and pneumatic control valve and seal assemblies.
Why use ceramic seals and discs?
- Better mechanical wear capability than traditional seal materials
- High corrosion resistance to a wide variety of atmospheres and fluids
- Surface finishes of better than 0.08 microns Ra are achievable
- Flatness requirements of 2 helium light bands or higher can be met
Ceramic Advantages Include:
- Superior wear resistance
- No corrosion
- Low coefficient of friction
- Exceptional flatness <=0.6μm ( 2 helium lightbands)
- Surface finish typically controlled to <0.4μm Ra
- High dimensional and thermal stability
- Zero Toxicity, Water Research Advisory Scheme (WRAS) and RoHS approved
Applications Include:
- Ceramic counterfaces
- Pneumatic valvesFriction discs
- Single-lever-mixer (SLM), 1/4 turn and 1/2 turn tap plates
- Shower flow valves
- Truck/cabin levelling air valves
- Automotive water pumps
- General domestic and industrial pumps
- Medical control units
- Blood separation
Ceramic Counterfaces
MTC Stourport’s water pump ceramic seal faces are technically advantageous over more traditional materials (Steel, Carbon and PTFE), particularly in terms of mechanical wear (ceramic is 5 to 10 times harder than other alternatives) and resistance to corrosion by coolants or system additives. Ceramic is also very stiff ensuring that the flatness is maintained even when subjected to the stresses of assembly.
Ceramic Counterface Applications
Applications range from automotive water pumps to domestic appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. We also produce ceramic counterfaces for industrial pump requirements.
Specialist Counterface Applications
Our counterface capability has lead to their use in industries outside of the usual spectrum of these components. One such example is the use of a clinically-trialled Alumina counterface in a specialist medical pump application.
Ceramic Pneumatic Slide Valves
The principle of ceramic disc seals is also applicable to gaseous media. Valves, such as 5/2 directional control valves (manufactured to ISO 5599), are extremely reliable and are preferentially employed in a variety of applications, for instance within automotive assembly lines and also the oil and gas industries. The main advantages of such valves are:
- Very high number of actuation without functional impairment (approx. 5x107)
- No abrasion due to dust-laden airflow
- No time-dependent increase in leakage compared to rubber seals
- Totally maintenance free for the service life of the seal
Friction Discs for the Textile Industry
MTC Stourport has been producing high quality textile products for over 30 years. Our friction discs are used by leading textile machine manufacturers and are recognised for their high quality and wear resistance, in addition to their competitive price. They are available in a range of sizes and surface finishes, providing texturising and conditioning to suit a wide range of synthetic yarns. Download our Friction Disc Brochure (PDF)
Tap and Faucet Components
MTC Stourport has many years experience producing ceramic components for the tap and faucet industry. We supply a large range of single lever mixer cartridges and quarter and half turn tap plate designs to leading headwork and tap manufacturers. Surface finishes of 0.08microns Ra are routinely achieved and most designs are guaranteed to have a flatness of better than 2 helium light bands. All components are tested to withstand greater than 25 bar pressure, far in excess of normal tap pressures (typically 0.5 to 3 bar).
Ceramic Pneumatic Slide Valves
The principle of ceramic disc seals is also applicable to gaseous media. Ceramic directional control valves are extremely reliable and are preferentially employed in a variety of applications, for instance within Automotive assembly lines and also the Oil and Gas industries. The main advantages of such valves are:
- Very high number of actuation without functional impairment ( 5x107)
- No abrasion due to dust-laden airflow
- No time-dependent increase in leakage compared to rubber seals
- Totally maintenance free for the service life of the seal
Materials
MTC materials used within plate and discs applications belong to the Alumina family (MAC grades - Hilox™: 961, 965, 991, 880 & 882)
If this technology offers features that solve your application challenge, or you require design guidance from our application engineers, please contact us.
