SEPCO SAS Air Seal: A Smarter Non-Contact Sealing Solution for Plastics and 3D Printing

by SEPCO

In plastics processing and additive manufacturing, even minor sealing issues can lead to major problems, including product loss, contamination, downtime, and increased operational costs.

That’s why more manufacturers are turning to non-contact sealing technology like the SEPCO SAS Air Seal.

Unlike traditional mechanical seals or compression packing, the SAS Air Seal uses a controlled air barrier to create a seal—eliminating friction, wear, and the maintenance challenges that come with contact sealing systems.

Learn more about SEPCO air sealing technology:
https://www.sepco.com/products/sas-air-seal

Protecting 3D Printing Powders in SLS and MJF

In Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), powder quality is everything. Even minor contamination can create defects—like sintered clumps (“brownies”)—that impact part strength and surface finish.

The SAS Air Seal creates a positive-pressure air barrier that:

  • Keeps valuable powder contained
  • Blocks dust, moisture, and contaminants
  • Maintains consistent material quality

Because it’s a non-contact seal, even highly abrasive powders won’t cause wear—leading to longer service life and fewer interruptions.

The result:
✔ Cleaner powder beds
✔ Reduced scrap
✔ More consistent additive manufacturing output

Controlling Plastic Pellets and Powdered Resins

In Fused Granular Fabrication (FGF) and injection molding, plastic pellets and powders are constantly moving—and often escaping.

Leaks around screw conveyors, extruders, and mixers lead to:

  • Material loss
  • Housekeeping challenges
  • Potential safety risks

The SAS Air Seal adapts to shaft movement and creates a tight, consistent seal that keeps material where it belongs.

Unlike traditional seals, it handles:

  • Shaft misalignment
  • Equipment vibration
  • Thermal expansion

…without compromising performance.

Reducing Maintenance and Increasing Uptime

Traditional sealing solutions require ongoing attention—adjustments, replacements, and downtime.

The SAS Air Seal changes that.

With no contact between sealing surfaces, there’s:

  • No wear
  • No packing to replace
  • No seal faces to fail

Once installed, it operates with minimal intervention—helping maintenance teams reduce workload and improve overall equipment reliability.

Explore additional sealing solutions:
https://www.sepco.com/products/mechanical-seals

Operational, Safety, and Sustainability Benefits

Switching to a non-contact air seal delivers measurable improvements:

  • Lower operating costs: Reduced material loss and fewer replacements
  • Improved safety: Less airborne plastic dust and cleaner workspaces
  • Sustainability gains: Reduced waste and longer equipment life

In an industry facing increasing pressure around cost and environmental impact, these benefits add up quickly.

For broader insights into equipment reliability and efficiency: https://www.pumps.org/resources/

Ideal Applications for SAS Air Seals

The SEPCO SAS Air Seal is designed for bulk material handling and powder processing equipment, including:

  • Mixers and blenders
  • Screw conveyors
  • Pulverizers and grinders

Anywhere you’re handling abrasive powders or bulk solids, SAS provides a reliable, low-maintenance sealing solution.

The Bottom Line: A Better Approach to Sealing

The SEPCO SAS Air Seal isn’t just another seal—it’s a smarter way to approach sealing in demanding environments.

By eliminating contact, it eliminates one of the biggest causes of seal failure.

That means:

  • Cleaner processes
  • Reduced downtime
  • Lower maintenance costs
  • Improved product quality

If you’re dealing with leakage, contamination, or constant seal maintenance in plastics or 3D printing applications, it may be time to rethink your sealing strategy.

From the Blog