Common Types of Oil Seal Materials

Common Types of Oil Seal Materials

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Oil seals play a crucial role in safeguarding the bearings of rotating shaft assemblies. They prevent the ingress of contaminants such as dirt, dust, and water, while also retaining lubrication within the system.

Selecting the Right Oil Seal

There are numerous types and materials for oil seals, each tailored for specific applications. Choosing the suitable material is essential to ensure optimal equipment performance. For instance, if your equipment needs to operate at high temperatures, like the oil seals in a jet engine, you must select appropriate materials. This article examines the most widely used materials in the industry, along with some unique alternatives.

Oil Seal Materials

Nitrile

The first material we will discuss is Nitrile Buna-N 70, or NBR. This material is favored for most standard applications and is the most common elastomer used. Nitrile's compatibility with various environments and its cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice. It is commonly used in disposable non-latex gloves, footwear, automotive transmission belts, synthetic leather, hoses, o-rings, gaskets, and oil seals.

Nitrile has a temperature range of -35°C to 120°C (-30°F to 250°F), allowing its use in gas oil, silicone oil, animal and vegetable oils, hydraulic liquids, and both hot and cold water. Additionally, NBR exhibits significant oil and abrasion resistance, making it ideal for applications that require shock absorbers. However, it does have limitations; it is not resistant to ozone, sunlight, or extreme weather conditions, and its high-temperature and flame resistance are limited. In such cases, Silicone is a better choice.

Silicone

Silicone, or VMQ, provides an extensive operational temperature range from -60°C to 200°C (-140°F to 392°F). It maintains excellent ozone, light, and weather resistance. This material is primarily found in the food and medical industries, as well as hydraulics and pneumatics. Silicone is often chosen for o-rings, molded parts, and flat seals, making it suitable for electric insulators due to its translucency and flexibility.

However, while highly flexible, many silicone compounds exhibit poor tensile strength, tear resistance, and abrasion resistance. If you require a material with superior tensile strength while retaining high-temperature resistance, consider Viton®.

Viton®

Viton®, a trademark of The Chemours Company, is a brand of synthetic rubber prevalent in o-rings, oil seals, gaskets, chemical-resistant gloves, and other molded products. It features a broad temperature range from -40°F to over 400°F (-40°C to over 240°C), making it an excellent choice for high-temperature applications. Additionally, Viton® exhibits an extensive range of chemical resistance, including silicone oil, mineral/vegetable oils, and hydraulic fuels.

While Viton offers superior temperature and chemical resistance, it can be pricier than other alternatives. For a more economical option, consider Polyacrylate.

Polyacrylate strikes a good balance between cost and quality. It has a commendable temperature and chemical range, although not as extensive as Viton's. Its operational temperature ranges from 31°C to 148°C (-25°F to 300°F) and is commonly used in automotive transmissions, hoses, shaft seals, gaskets, and o-rings, thanks to its resistance to hot oil and oxidation. While a viable alternative to more expensive materials, Polyacrylate has poor water compatibility and cold flexibility.

Conclusion

If you are in search of oil seals that can withstand elevated temperatures, Perfluoroelastomer can handle temperatures up to 600°F. For low-temperature applications, place your trust in Chloroprene, which is ideal for refrigeration down to 40°F. For FDA-compliant or medical devices, Butyl is a strong candidate. As highlighted, selecting the appropriate material for oil seals involves careful consideration of several factors.

We hope this article provides you with a deeper insight into the importance of choosing the right materials for oil seals. If you have further inquiries about industrial oil seals and supplies, please feel free to reach out to us.

Contact us to discuss your specific requirements for oil seal custom. Our knowledgeable sales team is ready to assist you in identifying the best options for your needs.