O‑Ring Material Selection for Agricultural Harvesting Robot End Effectors?

Number of hits：512026-01-04 13:45:20　

In agricultural picking robots, the O-ring seals in the end effectors must withstand the corrosive effects of pesticides and fruit/vegetable juices. The key to ensuring reliable performance lies in selecting materials with excellent chemical resistance. Pesticides often contain complex compositions, including strong acids, strong bases, or organic solvents, while fruit and vegetable juices are rich in organic acids that can accelerate the degradation of ordinary rubber materials. Therefore, the choice of O-ring material is crucial for maintaining long-term seal integrity.

Below are several materials that are well-suited for agricultural robot O-rings, along with their key characteristics:

Fluoroelastomer (FKM)

Properties: FKM offers exceptional resistance to most pesticide solvents (particularly oil-based components), organic acids (such as those found in fruit and vegetable juices), and high temperatures. Its outstanding chemical resistance makes it the go-to material for dynamic seals, such as those used in joints and piston movements. For end effectors exposed to continuous contact with pesticides and liquids, FKM O-rings are the ideal choice.

Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM)

Properties: FFKM has nearly universal chemical compatibility, with resistance to a broad range of strong acids, strong oxidizers, and organic solvents, far surpassing FKM. Its exceptional longevity makes it suitable for high-end, precision applications. However, its high cost makes it best suited for top-tier agricultural picking robots that require maximum performance under challenging conditions.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Properties: PTFE is highly chemically inert and can withstand almost all pesticides and cleaning agents. However, it is inherently rigid and lacks the elasticity of elastomers, making it less suitable as a standalone O-ring. It is often used in gasket-type seals, valve seats, or PTFE-coated O-rings. PTFE O-rings may be subject to cold flow under high pressure, which necessitates additional design considerations, such as shoulders and limiting features, to ensure proper sealing.

For optimal performance in agricultural picking robots, it is recommended to use O-rings made from FKM or FFKM, depending on the specific requirements of the environment. If the robot is exposed to particularly aggressive pesticides or liquids, custom O-ring solutions may be necessary to guarantee long-term sealing reliability and system stability.