Step Seal or Glyd Ring for Hydraulic Cylinder? A Guide Based on Pressure &Application

Design and Sealing Direction

The Glyd Ring is a double-acting seal,while the Stepseal is a single-acting seal.Glyd Ring:Double-acting seal,withstands bidirectional pressure,suitable for piston bidirectional motion.Stepseal:Single-acting seal,seals unidirectional pressure only,suitable for piston rod unidirectional sealing.Stepseal(Unidirectional):Designed to withstand fluid pressure from one side only. Commonly used on piston rods where pressure acts in a single direction.Glyd Ring(Bidirectional):Built for alternating pressure loads.Can seal in both directions, eliminating the need for two opposing seals.

Position in the Cylinder

General Rule:Stepseals for rods,Glyd Rings for pistons.Glyd Ring:Primarily used for piston sealing(outer sealing).Stepseal:Primarily used for piston rod sealing(inner sealing).Glyd Ring:Rectangular cross-section;installed on piston(bore)for bi-directional dynamic sealing.Stepseal:Stepped cross-section;installed on piston rod (shaft)for one-way dynamic sealing.

Pressure Performance

Step Seal can withstand up to 60 MPa or even higher system pressure due to its stepped structure bringing a self-reinforcing effect.Step Seal responds very quickly to pressure changes,and the sealing effect improves with pressure increase.Prioritize Glyd Ring in bidirectional high-pressure environments and Stepseal in high-speed unidirectional rod sealing.Step Seal has extremely low start-up and running friction,almost no "slipping"phenomenon,while Glyd Ring has a lower friction coefficient but usually slightly higher than Step Seal.