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Choosing the right materials in micro gear pump design directly affects performance, lifespan, and how the pump handles different fluids. Whether you’re designing lab dosing systems, compact analyzers, or industrial microfluidic devices, material selection can make or break your results.
In this guide, we will explore the materials used in micro gear pumps, helping you to choose the best choice for your specific application.
Why Material Selection Matters in Micro Gear Pumps?
In micro gear pump systems, even the smallest component plays a critical role. From precise fluid dosing in laboratories to rugged operation in compact industrial setups, the materials used in each part of the pump determine how well it withstands stress, resists corrosion, and maintains performance over time.
The right gear pump materials ensure not just efficient operation, but also longevity, accuracy, and safety in demanding environments. That’s why understanding material compatibility is essential before any system design begins.
Main Materials of Micro Gear Pumps
The following are the main materials of micro gear pumps:
1. Gears and Bushings
In micro gear pumps, the selection of gear and bushing materials entails one of the most vital design choices due to the strict requirements on dosing accuracy and chemical compatibility.
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PEEK (Polyetheretherketone):
It is one of the most common choices for the components of micro gear pumps, such as gears and bushings. This is due to its performance characteristics and how well it withstands stress.
PEEK has exceptional strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability up to 250°C, and is optimal with aggressive liquids that endure constant operations without deformation.
PEEK provides an excellent blend of rigidity and toughness. It is of great importance in applications involving medical dosing, laboratory analysis, and compact chemical systems where performances have to be guaranteed.
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PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene):
Also, a favorite is PTEE, known as Teflon. As its most premium face value, it has a non-stick surface and is non-toxic. It is top-of-the-line for materials dealing with corrosive fluids or low-friction surfaces. This means lower maintenance needs over time in mission-critical systems.
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PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide):
It is a polymer with exceptional dimensional stability as well as heat and chemical resistance. It is often employed for the precise gear components where thermal cycling is crucial.
PPS has the ability to maintain shape during exposure to solvents and prolonged heating. This makes it a suitable choice for analyzing devices and compact industrial dosing devices.
2. Pump Body and Housing
The performance of a micro gear pump is not just about internal gears — it is also influenced by the material of the pump body and housing.
316L Stainless Steel is among the most common and well-accepted materials for micro gear pump housings. The product’s advantages include its corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides and various chemicals, and its mechanical strength.
It is known for its chemical resistance and mechanical strength, it performs exceptionally well in environments involving acidic or caustic fluids. Additionally, its non-reactive properties make it ideal for use in compact industrial setups, precision laboratory equipment, and medical devices where cleanliness, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability are critical.
3. Seals and Shafts
The lifespan of a micro gear pump depends a lot on its seals and shafts. People don’t always notice these parts, but they help the pump last longer.
Most micro gear pumps with high precision make use of ceramic materials like alumina (Al₂O₃) or zirconia (ZrO₂). Because ceramics have a very unique combination of hardness, chemical inertness, and dimensional stability, even at very harsh conditions.
The best material for pump shafts depends on how and where the pump is used. However, Ceramic shafts are ideal for harsh environments. Because meta components might corrode or deform due to friction.
In analytical and medical pumps, these shafts are highly prized because their metal-free parts make the pumps clean and operate reliably.
In a micro gear pump, seals play a key role. They stop fluids from leaking, protect internal parts, and help control pressure and volume. One of the most reliable materials used for these seals is fluoroelastomer, often known by its brand name, Viton (FKM). It stands out for its excellent chemical resistance, heat tolerance, and ability to stay flexible even after long-term use.
There are some special cases where FKM isn’t suitable, like when handling very reactive chemicals. In this situation, use other materials like EPDM, FFKM, or PTFE-coated elastomers instead of FKM.
The optimal choice of liquid depends on factors such as the type of liquid being pumped, the temperature during operation, and the pressure applied to the sealing material.
| Component | Preferred Materials | Key Properties | Best Applications |
| Gears | PEEK, PPS | High strength, chemical resistance | Lab analyzers, precision dosing |
| Bushings | PTFE | Low friction, non-reactive | Corrosive media handling |
| Pump Housing | 316L Stainless Steel | Corrosion resistance, strength | Lab/medical setups, aggressive fluids |
| Shaft | Alumina, Zirconia (Ceramics) | Hard, corrosion-resistant, stable under load | Harsh environments, metal-free systems |
| Seals | FKM (Viton), EPDM, PTFE | Chemical resistance, sealing under pressure | Reactive fluids, continuous operation |
Factors to Consider When Selecting the Materials
While selecting materials for micro gear pumps, keep in mind the following considerations:
- Chemical Compatibility: Materials must endure the specified chemicals and fluids for the particular application.
- Thermal Stability: Materials must retain their properties within normal operating ranges for the application, with respect to temperature.
- Mechanical Strength: Each component must be able to withstand the mechanical stresses during the operation of the pump.
- Wear Resistance: Materials must be capable of resisting wear to ensure the long-term operational life of the pump while maintaining performance.
Conclusion
Material choice in micro gear pump design is a defining factor that impacts every aspect of performance. By selecting materials tailored to your application’s chemical, thermal, and mechanical demands, you ensure the pump runs longer, safer, and more efficiently.
Whether you’re engineering for medical precision, chemical resistance, or miniaturization, understanding your material options puts you a step ahead in building smarter, more reliable microfluidic systems.
Looking for high-quality micro gear pumps? CHENHUI is a reliable manufacturer, offering customized solutions with proven, durable materials tailored to your application.
