When it comes to precision sealing in demanding industrial environments, few components match the performance and versatility of spring-energized seals, also known as PTFE seals or Variseal®. These high-performance seals are commonly used in aerospace, oil & gas, medical, and food-grade applications. But what makes them so compatible with CNC machining?

At DXTSEALS, we specialize in custom spring-energized seal production, leveraging the power of CNC technology to achieve extreme accuracy and long-lasting performance. Let’s explore why CNC machining and spring-energized seals are a perfect match.

🔍 What Are Spring-Energized Seals?

Spring-energized seals consist of a PTFE or other high-performance polymer jacket with a metal spring inserted inside. The spring provides continuous force, ensuring a reliable seal even in extreme conditions like:

• High pressures

• Cryogenic temperatures

• Corrosive chemicals

• Vacuum environments

• Dynamic motion (rotary or reciprocating)

These seals are commonly used when traditional elastomeric seals like O-rings fail to meet the performance requirements.

⚙️ Why CNC Machining Is Ideal for Spring-Energized Seals

1️⃣ Precision Tolerances for Critical Sealing

CNC machining allows us to produce seals with tight tolerances (±0.01 mm or better), which is essential for applications where leakage, friction, and wear must be minimized. Spring-energized seals require exacting fits with metal housings and shafts—something CNC machining handles effortlessly.

2️⃣ Complex Geometries with High Repeatability

Spring-energized seals often feature custom groove profiles, lips, back-up rings, or split configurations. CNC lathes and mills can create these geometries with consistent precision across hundreds or thousands of parts.

3️⃣ Material Versatility

CNC machining supports a wide range of materials commonly used for seal jackets:

• Virgin PTFE

• Filled PTFE (glass, carbon, bronze, MoS2)

• PEEK, UHMW-PE, PPS

• Acetal, Nylon, and other engineering plastics

DXTSEALS helps customers choose the best formulation based on pressure, chemical exposure, temperature, and motion.

4️⃣ Efficient Prototyping and Production

Thanks to CAD/CAM integration and tool-path automation, CNC machining is ideal for rapid prototyping and scalable production of custom seals—allowing quicker turnaround and consistent quality.

5️⃣ Superior Surface Finish

Seal performance depends heavily on surface finish. CNC turning and polishing processes produce smooth surfaces (Ra < 0.4μm) that reduce friction, prevent leakage, and extend seal life.

🏭 Common Applications for CNC-Machined Spring-Energized Seals

• Aerospace – Landing gear, fuel systems, cryogenic valves

• Semiconductor – Vacuum systems, wafer processing equipment

• Oil & Gas – Downhole tools, pumps, and valves

• Food & Pharma – FDA-approved seals for clean environments

• Hydraulic/Pneumatic Systems – Reciprocating pistons and rotary shafts

🛠 Why Choose DXTSEALS?

At DXTSEALS, we combine engineering know-how, material expertise, and advanced CNC machining to produce high-performance spring-energized seals for critical industrial needs.

• ✅ Custom Design Support – Tailored geometries and spring forces

• 🔧 Precision CNC Machining – For small or large volumes

• 🧪 Material Certification – FDA, USP Class VI, NORSOK, and more

• 🔍 100% Quality Control – Dimensions, surface roughness, and compression testing

• 🌍 Global Delivery – Serving clients in aerospace, energy, and medical industries

📩 Get a Custom CNC-Machined Seal Today

Whether you're prototyping a new system or replacing seals in a harsh application, DXTSEALS provides the precision and reliability your project demands.

👉 Visit www.dxtseals.com or contact us for custom spring-energized seals tailored to your application.