Oil Seal Overview

       Oil seals, often called a rotary shaft seal or grease seal, closes the gap between stationary and moving components in mechanical equipment — most often rotating shafts — helping prevent lubricant escape and stopping harmful materials, such as dirt, from moving in through the clearance. Oil seals are most commonly used in gearboxes, hydraulic cylinders, and related components.

Material Selection:

Material selection is important to the life of a radial shaft seal. The elastomer’s resistance to temperature, abrasion, chemicals, weather, sunlight, and ozone can affect a profile’s longevity and performance. The two most prevalent materials are Nitrile and Viton. 

The durometer of an oil seal is typically dependent on the material it is made with. Common oil seal materials along with their durometers are as follows:

l Nitrile (NBR) Oil Seal: 70 durometer (+/- 5)

l Viton (FKM) Oil Seal: 75 durometer (+/- 5)

l Polyacrylate (PA) Oil Seal: 75 durometer (+/- 5)

l Silicone Oil Seal: 80 durometer (+/- 5)