Comprehensive Explanation of Ferrofluid Feedthrough Principles and Structure to Improve Sealing Performance!

Understand the working principle! How do ferrofluid feedthroughs maintain sealing performance?

Introduction
For users who want to understand the principles of improving ferrofluid feedthrough sealing performance, this article explains:

· Types and principles of ferrofluid feedthroughs

· Mechanism for achieving long life without friction

· Application examples of ferrofluid feedthroughs and maintenance during use

Learn the principles before purchase to find the ferrofluid feedthrough suitable for your needs.

1. Subheading
Types and Principles of Ferrofluid Feedthroughs

Ferrofluid feedthroughs, also known as magnetic fluid feedthroughs or vacuum feedthroughs, are sealing units for rotating components that use magnets to attract magnetic fluid for sealing.

• Magnetic Fluid Feedthroughs
  Magnetic fluid feedthroughs are used for rotating components to prevent gas leakage through magnetic fluid and a magnetic field. Magnetic fluid is a special liquid attracted by magnets, which, when retained in the magnetic field, achieves sealing.

  The magnetic fluid feedthrough seals the tiny gap between the rotating shaft and the fixed part (pole shoes). Traditional seals use O-rings or oil seals, but rotation generates friction, leading to wear and dust. Magnetic fluid feedthroughs use liquid fluid with no solid contact, greatly reducing friction, wear, and dust generation.

  Inside the magnetic fluid feedthrough, magnets create a magnetic field between the rotating shaft and pole shoes. The magnetic fluid is retained along the magnetic field, acting like a liquid O-ring. Even with a pressure difference, it effectively prevents gas leakage. The retention force is proportional to the magnetic force: the stronger the magnet, the higher the differential pressure it can withstand.

  Thus, compared with other sealing methods, magnetic fluid feedthroughs offer advantages such as suitability for ultra-high vacuum, high-speed rotation, low dust generation, and long life.

• Rotary Shaft Seal vs. Linear Shaft Seal
  Based on structure, ferrofluid feedthroughs can be divided into rotary shaft seals and linear shaft seals:

• Rotary Shaft Seal
  Retains magnetic fluid between the rotating shaft and fixed components for sealing. Suitable for high-speed rotation, long life, and low dust. However, large shaft diameters over 300 mm are difficult to apply.

• Linear Shaft Seal
  Retains magnetic fluid between a cylinder and piston. Low friction, suitable for linear motion equipment such as hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, and enables high-precision positioning. Compared with rotary shaft seals, pressure resistance is lower.

  Selecting rotary or linear shaft seals appropriately according to the application achieves optimal sealing performance.

• Static vs. Dynamic Seal
  Seals are classified into static and dynamic. Static seals are used between fixed surfaces with no relative motion; dynamic seals are used between moving surfaces.

• Static seals are suitable for maintaining high vacuum with low leakage; dynamic seals are suitable for moving parts such as rotating shafts. Understanding the characteristics of each type allows selection of the best seal to improve device performance and lifespan.

2. Subheading
Mechanism for Achieving Long Life Without Friction

Ferrofluid feedthroughs seal using magnetic force, so unlike traditional oil seals or mechanical seals, they do not generate contact friction. The non-contact structure is key to their long life.

Traditional seals wear or age at contact points and require periodic replacement. Ferrofluid feedthroughs avoid this problem using non-contact magnetic fluid.

Although magnetic fluid is a liquid and ages over time, Moretec provides 15 types of magnetic fluid for different conditions. By selecting the optimal fluid, long-life sealing is achieved. The company also has technology to calculate magnetic fluid and bearing life, allowing design of the optimal ferrofluid feedthrough according to customer requirements.

Thus, ferrofluid feedthroughs achieve long life through non-contact design, optimal fluid selection, and advanced design technology.

3. Subheading
Application Examples and Maintenance of Ferrofluid Feedthroughs

Body
Due to their excellent properties, ferrofluid feedthroughs are widely used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment, vacuum devices, analytical instruments, and other environments requiring high sealing performance and cleanliness.

Specific examples include: sputtering equipment, PVD, CVD, ion implantation equipment, vacuum heat treatment furnaces, vacuum robots, and single-crystal pulling equipment. In high-precision manufacturing, ferrofluid feedthroughs are essential for optimal performance.

Ferrofluid feedthroughs have long lifespans, but proper maintenance can extend them. Key maintenance points are as follows:

Observing these points maintains ferrofluid feedthrough performance and ensures stable device operation.

4. Subheading
Need a Ferrofluid Feedthrough? Leave it to Moretec

For high-performance ferrofluid feedthroughs, Moretec provides the best solutions. The company has its own R&D, manufacturing, and sales system, ensuring stable supply of high-quality products.

According to customer needs, Moretec designs and manufactures various types of ferrofluid feedthroughs, providing standard components as well as custom solutions.

Moretec’s technology, based on long-term experience and practice, completes design, manufacturing, and quality management in-house, achieving high-precision, low-cost products. Using life calculation, magnetic field, thermal, and fluid analysis, the optimal ferrofluid feedthrough can be designed for each customer.

Moretec is dedicated to being a reliable partner for customer success, providing high-quality ferrofluid feedthroughs.