Oil seals are composed with three basic components: rubber, metal part and garter springs. The main function of oil seals is to prevent internal fluids from leaking and keep outside contamination from entering. The leakage and entering of contamination generally occur between the gap of seal lips and shaft or between housing and seal.
Standard designs are widely used in automotive and industrial applications. They are categorized in a variety of types which are generally applied on non-pressure/pressured fluid sealing applications and severe grease sealing conditions. The metal cases strengthen the overall construction of seals. Rubber covered O.D. can increase the capability of sealing.
Garter spring can strengthen the interference of lip, while seals without springs are wildly used in the applications with high viscosity fluid (such as grease). The spring-loaded seals are capable of preventing the escape of fluid such as oil and water.
Stamped metal cases/shells are commonly bonded with rubber compound in most shaft seals. The cases fulfill two main functions. They’re offering stability so that the seal OD can be pressed into housing bore. They also prevent the damage to lips when installation.
