A Guide to Oil Seals

Oil seals are essential for keeping lubricant and other necessary substances inside rotary shaft equipment and preventing debris from getting inside. These invaluable devices, also called rotary shaft seals, shaft seals, lips seals or elastomeric seals, protect the bearings of rotating shafts. In simple terms, oil seals form a protective barrier that separates the inside from the outside. 

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In This Article

How Do Oil Seals Work? 

Oil seals work by forming a secure plug on shafts. All oil seals consist of three basic components: 

• Interior sealing element: This flexible lip is set firmly against rotating parts to prevent substances inside a shaft from leaking. It usually requires some form of lubricant to avoid overheating.
• Sturdy circular metal casing: The casing is mounted onto the housing to hold the seal in place. 
• Garter spring: The spring maintains pressure to hold the sealing lip against the shaft. 

How Is an Oil Well Sealed? 

When choosing an oil seal for a shaft, many factors must be considered. These include temperature, size, shaft speed, pressure, lubrication availability and environment. Each setting is unique, and the correct fit is essential to ensure that oil seals will remain in place and effectively protect the bearings. Custom-molded oil seals are usually required to provide a superior fit and increased durability. 

How Long Do Oil Seals Last? 

Although choosing quality, custom-molded oil seals can greatly prolong the device's life span, many other factors affect the longevity of parts. These include: 

• The condition of the shaft and housing chambers: Any sharp edges or burrs present will cause premature deterioration or even ruin a new seal immediately.
• The seal material: What seals are made from has a significant impact on their durability. 
• Installation and maintenance: Sufficient lubrication, fit and routine checks can increase an oil seal's life span.
• Operating conditions: Extreme temperatures, excessive pressure or exposure to chemicals can cause premature deterioration of the part. 

Due to the complexity of the factors involved, there is no accurate way to predict how long oil seals last.

How Does an Oil Seal Prevent Leakage? 

Oil seals have a flexible inner lip that presses firmly against the shaft. The garter spring maintains pressure, and the sturdy metal casing holds the unit firmly in place. When optimally fitted and in good condition, oil seals create a protective seal around the shaft that protects the inside components. 

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The Global Elastomeric Products, Inc. team has been providing high-quality, custom oil seals for more than fifty years. Our in-house design engineer will work with you to choose the best oil seals for your equipment. 

Call us at (661) 836- or complete our online form to find out how we can assist you. 

An oil seal acts as a barrier in a machine that seals lubricants or liquids and excludes contaminants, separates fluids, and confines pressure. This helps keep the machine working smoothly. We specialize in crafting custom oil seals tailored to your unique needs. Whether you&#;re looking for automotive, industrial, or specialized application solutions, we can meet your requirements in a timely manner. We can provide these seals in different configurations and lip materials.  Lip materials include:  NBR, Viton, Silicone, EPDM, leather, FDA materials, PTFE and filled PTFE. Contact us today to discuss your requirements for custom-made oil seals.

Key Features of Our Custom Oil Seals

Here are some of the key features of our custom oil seals:

1. Our oil seals are tailored to exact specifications for optimal fit and performance.
2. Our oil seals are made from durable materials to withstand extreme conditions and extend service life.
3. These oil seals are suitable for various applications, including automotive, industrial, and specialized equipment.
4. We have designed oil seals to provide superior sealing capability, preventing leaks and contamination.
5. Our oil seals are available in various sizes, shapes, and materials to meet unique project requirements.
6. Our efficient production processes ensure the timely delivery of custom solutions.

Customization of Oil Seals

At Independence Seal Company, the customization process proceeds below:

• Consultation and design: The customization journey starts with a detailed discussion to understand your needs and application requirements. We gather all relevant application information including speed, temperature, media and pressure. Based on the consultation, our engineering team creates detailed design specifications. We use advanced software to develop precise prints, ensuring that every aspect of the oil seal meets your exact requirements.
• Prototyping and Testing Set Up: With the design specifications, we produce a prototype of the custom oil seal. This initial version is created using high-quality materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques. The prototype undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it fits perfectly within the intended application. This includes checking for proper dimensions and compatibility with other components. We conduct extensive performance tests to evaluate the seal&#;s efficiency in preventing leaks and contamination under various conditions. The prototype is subjected to stress tests, simulating real-world operating conditions to verify its durability and resilience and to ensure its longevity.
• Production and Quality Control: We move to full-scale production once the prototype has been approved. Our manufacturing facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technology to produce high-quality oil seals efficiently. Throughout the production process, stringent quality control measures are in place. Each oil seal is inspected for compliance with design specifications and performance standards. Before delivery, every batch of custom oil seals undergoes a final inspection to ensure they meet our high standards of quality and reliability. The finished products are carefully packaged and delivered promptly to ensure they reach you in perfect condition and are ready for immediate use.

Applications of Custom Oil Seals

Here are some of the important applications of custom oil seals:

1. Automotive Industry: We provide custom-made oil seals for engines, transmissions, and differentials.
2. Industrial Machinery: We can create custom oil seals for pumps, compressors, and gearboxes.
3. Aerospace: In the aerospace industry, it maintains integrity under extreme pressure and temperature conditions in aircraft systems.
4. Marine Equipment: We provide Marine Oil Seals to protect components from harsh marine environments and prevent water ingress.
5. Agricultural Machinery: Custom oil seals enhance durability and performance in tractors, harvesters, and other equipment.
6. Construction Equipment: Custom-made oil seals help ensure reliability and longevity in heavy-duty machinery such as excavators and loaders.
7. Medical Devices: Our custom oil seals offer precise and sterile sealing solutions for various medical equipment.
8. Food and Beverage Processing: We can provide oil seals made from FDA materials that meet stringent hygiene standards while providing effective sealing in processing machinery.

Benefits of Custom Oil Seals

We have been designing and delivering custom made oil seals to our clients for several years now. The following benefits offered by these seals have contributed to their popularity.

1. Our custom oil seals are versatile and suitable for various applications, from automotive and industrial to aerospace and medical, that offers solutions for diverse needs.
2. We design custom oil seals that match your specific requirements, ensuring a precise fit and optimal performance.
3. Our custom oil seals are cost-effective. It reduces downtime and repair expenses by preventing equipment failures and prolonging service intervals.
4. Our custom oil seals help in improving the efficiency.  By providing a reliable seal, they minimize leaks and contamination, leading to more efficient operation and reduced maintenance costs.
5. Our seals are made from high-quality materials, so they offer superior resistance to wear, temperature, and pressure, extending the lifespan of your machinery.

Contact Independence Seal Company today for more information or request a quote for a custom oil seal solution for your application needs.