What Is a Wiper Seal? Functions, Types, and Application Guide

What Is a Wiper Seal?

A wiper seal is a type of dynamic seal. It is usually mounted in the gland of a hydraulic cylinder. It is designed to scrape contaminants from the piston rod. This happens as the rod retracts into the cylinder. Wiper seals don't stop fluid pressure; instead, their main job is to stop outside dirt and dust from getting in.

Rod seals stop hydraulic fluid from leaking, but the wiper seal stops dust, water, and mud from getting into the cylinder. This can damage the internal seals and surfaces. When used with a rod seal, wiper seals provide strong protection.

Key Functions of Wiper Seals

• Protect Internal Components: Prevent entry of contaminants like dust, dirt, and moisture.
• Extend Equipment Life: Reduce internal seal wear and prevent scoring of the rod or cylinder.
• Improve Operational Reliability: Maintain consistent system performance even in harsh environments.
• Support Rod Guiding (for advanced profiles): Some dual-lip or heavy-duty designs aid in rod alignment.

Types of Wiper Seals

Wiper seals come in different designs, depending on what they are used for and the conditions they will be used in. The main types include:

Common Materials Used for Wiper Seals

Material selection depends on application temperature, exposure to chemicals, and abrasion conditions:

• Polyurethane (PU): Excellent abrasion resistance, suitable for rugged outdoor use.
• Nitrile Rubber (NBR): Economical choice, good oil resistance.
• Fluorocarbon Rubber (FKM/Viton): High temperature and chemical resistance.
• PTFE (Teflon): Low friction and excellent chemical compatibility, ideal for high-precision or dry-run scenarios.

    XHH Seals manufactures wipers using premium-grade PU, FKM, and PTFE materials, with custom formulations available for special needs.

Where Are Wiper Seals Used?

Wiper seals are essential in any application where hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders operate in exposed conditions. Common sectors include:

• Construction equipment: Excavators, loaders, backhoes
• Agricultural machinery: Tractors, sprayers, harvesters
• Industrial automation: Presses, injection molding machines
• Mining & drilling: Hydraulic jacks, underground rigs
• Marine equipment: Cranes, winches, stabilizers

XHH Seals – Reliable OEM Wiper Seal Manufacturer

At XHH Seals, we offer a full range of OEM-compatible wiper seals designed for high-performance hydraulic systems. Our advantages include:

• Wide Material Options: PU, FKM, NBR, PTFE, custom blends
• Full Size Range: From miniature cylinders to heavy-duty hydraulic equipment
• OEM & Custom Manufacturing: Based on samples or technical drawings
• Fast Global Delivery: Factory-direct export with tight QC control
• Cross-Compatible Solutions: Replace Hallite, NOK, Parker, and more

Whether you're a distributor, equipment manufacturer, or maintenance provider, we deliver sealing solutions that keep your systems clean, durable, and efficient.

Contact us today at xhh@xhh-smartech.com to request a quote.

Conclusion

Wiper seals are small but mighty protectors of hydraulic system health. By preventing dirt and debris from entering the cylinder, they help maintain sealing performance and extend equipment life. Choosing the right wiper seal—by material, design, and application—is key to maximizing your system’s performance and reliability.

Looking for high-quality, customizable wiper seals? XHH Seals is your trusted partner in OEM sealing solutions.