Oil seals may also be referred to as shaft seals, rotary shaft seals, lip seals, or elastomeric lip seals are widely used across the industry, such as in all hydraulic systems, pipe connections, and pumps.

Oil seals are actually mechanisms or devices that protect the bearings of rotating shafts by keeping the lubricant (oil or grease) in rotary shaft equipment while preventing the entry of foreign contaminants like dust, dirt, and water.

An oil seal typically consists of an inner flexible element and an outer circular metal component that seals and is attached to the metal part by chemical adhesive agents. The sealing component is made of rubber, which may be synthetic or natural depending on the situation. The sealing lip of the flexible part is prepared by eliminating the flash that develops at the sealing edge during molding. The shaft is provided with sufficient pressure by the sealing edge to prevent leakage.

The standard oil seal that is widely used can easily fit into a smaller space and is more precise as it is composed of an outer circular metal disk that encloses an inner flexible disk, which is made of high-grade vulcanised rubber. Consequently, the bonded seal does not have any loose parts that could let contaminants or oil leak through.

Front view

Back view

Some of Industrial Applications of Oil Seals:

• Automotive industry.
• Manufacturing industry.
• Oil refineries industry.
• Power transmission industry.

How do oil seals function?

Oil seals usually work by producing a thin layer of oil between the rubber sealing lip and the shaft, which causes the oil to lift the sealing lip clear of the shaft. This thin coating of oil serves as a barrier and stops oil from leaking past the sealing lip. Rubber oil seals are therefore not appropriate for high pressure or dry operating applications.