Seal ring grooves are a key component of devices such as pressure vessels, valves, pumps which are used in critical applications such as oil and gas. Thus, they need high quality surface finish and close tolerances. Additionally, these grooves are often made from materials that are difficult to machine.

The size and shape of grooves

In API seals, the sealing areas typically have high contact pressure and are small in size in order to ensure high reliability in oil and gas applications. Their height is just short of 10mm in most cases, and their groove diameter usually stands between 75-160 mm. The groove walls have a standard inclination of around 23 degrees.

Process challenges in manufacturing of ring grooves

While their critical application requires ring grooves to be manufactured as per the highest standards, creating the perfect ring grooves entails a number of challenges. Rough finishing operations must be performed with conventional plunging and radial turning processes. This involves high cutting forces and considerably limits the tool life, and the conventional process tends to be quite slow and costly. Also, it offers no flexibility regarding groove diameter.

In recent years however, new methods of producing grooves have evolved to ensure greater cutting speeds and yield more data and insights into manufacturing. These new methods use cutting tooling instead of brute force, improving the efficiency and safety of machining process for grooves. What’s more, developments in software as well as machine tools have made it possible to design more intricate tool paths while making the manufacturing process faster, and the tools lighter, safer, and more precise.

Ring grooving tool manufacturers in India

Manufacturing of ring grooves involves considerable pressure and has near zero room for error. Sigma Toolings has over a decade of experience and expertise in providing tools and tooling options to businesses. Besides working actively on developing advanced tooling options suited for Indian conditions, Sigma Toolings works with its European partners to bring latest European technology to India at Indian price points. Over the past few years, we have introduced products which are tested and certified in line with global standards.

In order to know how Sigma Toolings’ products can help you setup a faster and better machining process, get in touch with us! https://sigmatoolings.com/contact-us/