Back-up ring
A 3D printed back-up ring is a type of mechanical seal that is used to prevent the leakage of fluids or gases from a stationary or rotating shaft. It is made by 3D printing a part using a computer-aided design (CAD) file and a specialized 3D printer.
Back-up rings are used in conjunction with other types of seals, such as O-rings or V-rings, to provide additional support and prevent seal failure. They are typically made of a resilient material, such as polyurethane or rubber, and are installed in a groove or channel around the seal.
3D printed back-up rings have several advantages over traditional back-up rings. They can be custom-designed to fit specific sealing applications, and they can be produced quickly and at a low cost using 3D printing technology. They also have a high level of dimensional accuracy and can be made with a wide range of materials.
3D printed back-up rings are commonly used in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing. They are used to seal fluid and gas systems in pumps, valves, compressors, and other mechanical devices.