All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(109 products available)
Ready to Ship
Ready to Ship
Oil seals are essential components to use since they help to stop leakage and consequently enhance equipment longevity and functionality. Below is a list of the different types of oil seals available in the market:
Axial Oil Seals
Axial oil seals mostly suit use in situations where sealing must occur parallel to the shaft. Commonly, they are used on flat surfaces like bearings or gearbox covers. Usually, like all oil seals, they help prevent oil leakage and dirt entry, which helps to keep the machinery parts well lubricated and in good condition.
Tapered Shaft Oil Seal
Tapered shaft oil seals have been designed with a cone-like shape to fit on tapered shafts. Often, they are installed on machinery with tapered surfaces like axles or cones. These seals provide a reliable barrier by efficiently containing oils in the right places and preventing leakage, hence enhancing proper functioning and extending the life of the equipment.
Alpha Oil Seal
The Alpha oil seal is majorly used in mechanical-related situations because of its resistance to chemicals and temperature. Normally, this makes it suitable for use in industries such as automotive and manufacturing. Usually, it includes a metal reinforcement for added durability, and therefore, the seal is useful in protecting against fluid leaks while minimizing wear and tear.
Garlock Oil Seals
Garlock oil seals are widely recognized for their durability and ability to resist harsh environmental conditions. Typically, their manufacturing is done using advanced materials that provide the desired sealing action between shafts and housings to help prevent leaks. Also, these seals mostly suit use in heavy-duty applications where contamination and wear are major concerns.
Every oil seal is made from different materials depending on the task or the kind of oil with which it would be working. It is worth noting that the right material is important in achieving optimal performance and durability, below are the oil seal materials charts:
Metal Dust Excluder Seal
Metal dust excluder seals consist of a series of grooves and ridges that slide against the moving shaft design usually from premium quality metals such as steel or aluminum. Normally, these seals are made to withstand heat and pressure together with heavy-duty jobs where oil leakage might cause serious damage. In addition, such seals primarily prevent dust and debris from entering sensitive areas instead of containing oil. However, they are important in maintaining the overall efficiency of the machinery.
PTFE Oil Seals
PTFE oil seals, often called lip seals, are made from Polytetrafluoroethylene. Usually, a high-performance material is popular because of its exceptional resistance to chemicals and temperature. They provide a great sealing surface less friction against the shaft. Standardly, they are used in extreme operating conditions where grease breakdown might occur since they help maintain lubrication, enhance system longevity, and reduce wear on components.
Polyurethane Oil Seal
Polyurethane oil seals are tough and flexible. Normally, they suit most industrial applications due to their high resistance to abrasion, oils, and fuels. Usually, the material's elasticity enables it to conform closely to mating surfaces, thus providing an effective seal that prevents leaks and contaminants. Also, these seals are ideal for harsh operating conditions, ensuring maintenance-free service and reduced downtime.
Rubber Oil Seal
The rubber oil seal consists of a flexible ring shaped to fit in a groove. The metal dust excluder consists of a series of grooves and ridges that slide against the moving shaft. Usually, it is manufactured from synthetic or natural rubber such as nitrile or silicone, which offers elasticity, resilience, and corrosion and heat resistance. This makes it ideal for use in various applications. Commonly, they suit use in automotive or machinery applications to prevent oil leaks and facilitate lubrication with minimal friction.
OSMD Standard Oil Seal
This standard seal consists of a flexible ring shaped to fit in a groove. Normally, it is made of rubber or synthetic elastomers designed to provide a tight seal around rotating shafts. Moreover, the flexible nature of the seal enables it to conform to the shaft and housing, hence preventing the leakage of fluids such as oil or hydraulic fluids while keeping dirt and contaminants out. This helps maintain optimal performance in machinery for a longer period of time.
Commonly, oil seals are utilized in distinct machinery and automobile components to help them not only withstand pressure and temperature but also maintain the system's integrity. The following is a chart of oil seal applications:
Garlock Oil Seal
Usually, Garlock oil seals commonly suit use in various industries like automobile, aerospace, and industrial machinery. This is because they are well known for being extremely effective in sealing even under conditions of extreme pressure and temperature. Hence, these seals frequently protect critical components from fluid leakage, dust, and other contaminants that might cause damage or decrease system efficiency.
Oil Seal for Tapered Shafts
These oil seals are usually applied to tapered shafts in a variety of machines, including gears, pumps, and rotating actuators. They provide a tight seal that prevents the leakage of fluids and minimizes the entry of contaminants, hence extending the life of the equipment. An added advantage is that oil seals are particularly vital in automotive and industrial applications requiring high precision and durability.
Rear Main Oil Seal
This seal is specially designed to be fitted between the engine block and the crankshaft rear. Generally, its main purpose is to prevent oil leakage from the engine and protect the parts from damage by keeping them properly lubricated. This seal plays an important role in the proper operation of the engine as well as the longevity of the vehicle.
Rotary Oil Seals
Standardly, rotary oil seals are used in rotating shafts where lubrication maintenance is required. Normally, they seal the lubricant within the system and keep contaminants such as dirt and water from entering; thus, they are widely used in industrial machinery, pumps, and motors. In addition, the function of these seals is essential to ensure reduced friction and wear, hence increasing the lifespan of the equipment.
Labyrinth Seal Vs Oil Seal
The major difference between a labyrinth seal and an oil seal is that the former consists of non-contacting recesses designed to slow down the path of potential contaminants like dust and particles. In contrast, the latter is specifically designed to prevent the leakage of the lubricant. Normally, labyrinth seals are used in extreme conditions to protect against debris, while oil seals maintain the integrity of fluids in the system.
Usually, the quality of an oil seal directly impacts its durability. Below are the key factors that define the oil seal's quality and consequently increase its rate of durability:
Material Composition
Usually, oil seals come standard with different quality material compositions to enhance their durability. Typically, high-quality seals use nitrile rubber, silicone, or fluorocarbon because they are resistant to oil, heat, and chemical degradation, which are common occurrences. Henceforth, the right material ensures that the seal is flexible and can maintain its shape and integrity in high-pressure and extreme-temperature environments.
Seal Design
This is another factor where advanced designs such as double-lip or spring-supported configurations aid in achieving optimal sealing performance. Also, well-designed seals typically provide a tighter fit around shafts. This minimizes the chances of leakage and wear caused by friction. In addition, well-engineered seals accommodate shaft misalignment and vibration, which further increases their durability in varied operating conditions.
Fitting and Installation
Usually, proper installation plays a crucial role in determining the durability of oil seals. In addition, seals are specifically designed for certain applications and should be fitted properly to avoid undue stress. This is because improper fitting can cause early failure. Again, the use of appropriate tools and techniques during installation helps in maintaining the seal's integrity. This further contributes to its long service life.
Maintenance
Maintenance is important for oil seals and durability since regular inspections enable early detection of possible wear and tear and can be replaced before leakage occurs. Also, in some conditions, the use of mechanical seals instead of oil seals can help in the prevention of contamination that contributes to seal degradation.
Operating Conditions
Finally, External factors such as temperature extremes, exposure to chemicals, and shaft wear. Normally, sealing materials degrade faster when they are exposed to extreme heat or cold. Ideally, quality oil seals come in handy when containing this destruction so that the seal can contain the oil for as long as possible. In addition, harsh chemicals will degrade seal material. Using a seal resistant to these harsh chemicals will eliminate the chances of the seal being degraded.
The following are key considerations that a business owner should make when choosing various oil seals to stock:
Temperature and Pressure Rating
The prognosis of temperature and pressure ratings is vital since different seals operate best under various temperatures and pressures. Because of this, choosing a seal that can withstand the operating conditions of the particular application is key to maintaining its integrity in the long run. When the seal material cannot withstand extreme temperatures and pressure, it results in seal failure, which leads to leaks.
Seal Size and Specifications
These two factors should be defined by the diameter of the shaft and the housing. Usually, a proper fit is a must for the seal to do its work effectively. A seal that is either too loose or too tight will cause premature failure. To avoid this happening, using the manufacturer's specifications ensures that the right size seal is selected for the oil.
Lubrication Compatibility
Often, different sealing materials have varying degrees of resistance to different types of lubricants. Therefore, selecting a seal material that is compatible with the oil or fluid being used is also equally important, especially for engine oil seals. This is because using incompatible materials usually results in swelling, material degradation, and consequently, seal failure.
Material Properties
Normally, the choice of material largely depends on the specific application. For example, rubber seals are usually easy to install, and they suit low-pressure applications, while PTFE seals are hard and normally suit high-pressure and temperature applications. Also, consider factors like chemical exposure and whether the operating conditions are wet or dry. Simply put, due diligence when selecting the right oil seal will help minimize leaks and equipment failure.
Commercial Considerations
As an oil seal supplier, choosing the right oil seal material to stock will be based on various oil seal applications. The cost of the oil seal will be based on the quality of the material used to manufacture the seal and the kind of oil seal. Suppliers should consider shipping in bulk from manufacturers so as to have reasonable costs and standing orders, especially for popular seals. Also, they should pay attention to various available oil seal sizes.
What is the function of oil seal?
During maintenance, the main function of an oil seal is to create a tight barrier between the rotating shaft and the stationary part to contain the lubricating oil and prevent the entry of dust or other contaminants. For more information on oil seals, refer to the oil seal chart.
What are the two types of oil seals?
The two types of oil seals are mechanical oil seals and dynamic oil seals. For more information on various oil seals, refer to the oil seal size chart.
What are oil seals made of?
Oil seals are commonly made of rubber, silicone, or PTFE. Nevertheless, refer to various oil seal types to see the material used for each seal.
How do you replace an old oil seal?
Remove the old oil seal and clean the sealing surface. Insert the new oil seal evenly and carefully using an oil seal installer or a suitable tool. Finally, reassemble any removed components and check the seal alignment.
