A wiper, also known as a rod wiper, dust seal, excluder or scraper, is a ring in a cylinder that is used to wipe or scrape dirt from the rod or shaft. A wiper helps prevent dirt particles from entering the hydraulic system. A rod wipers main function is to keep the rod and cylinder clean and free from foreign matter preventing premature failure. The wiper is not a pressure sealing element. Wipers most commonly snap into a groove. Some other wipers are made to press into a groove, such as a metal clad wiper. A wiper seal can be made and can function as a wiper and a rod seal all in one groove where space is an issue.
