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Oil seals are essential components in numerous industrial applications. They are used to prevent the leakage of lubricants and to prevent the ingress of contaminants. These seals play a crucial role in machines and systems that perform rotating or oscillating movements, such as motors, gears or pumps. When selecting the right shaft seal, it is important to consider various technical and quality criteria to ensure a long service life and efficiency. This guide will help you to understand the most important selection criteria for oil seals and to find suitable manufacturers in Germany.
Shaft seals, often referred to as radial shaft seals or oil seals, are primarily used to prevent fluids such as oil and grease from escaping from rotating parts. At the same time, they protect against the ingress of dirt and other contaminants that could impair the service life and functionality of machines. They are usually made of an elastomeric material and are fitted with a metal spring that rests against the shaft to ensure a tight seal. Oil seals are used in many industries, including the automotive, mechanical engineering, food and chemical industries.
When selecting oil seals, there are several factors to consider to ensure that the ring meets the requirements of the application. Here are the five most important criteria:
The material of the oil seal should be selected based on the conditions to which the seal will be exposed. Commonly used materials are NBR (nitrile rubber) for moderate temperatures and mineral oil-based fluids, FKM (fluorocarbon rubber) for high temperatures and chemical resistance, and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) for extremely high temperatures and aggressive media. The choice of material influences the service life and sealing performance
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A shaft seal must be able to withstand the specific temperatures and pressures of the respective application. For applications with high temperatures and pressures, you should choose seals that are specially designed to prevent premature failure. Check the manufacturer's specifications for maximum temperature and pressure resistance to ensure that the oil seal is suitable for the intended operating conditions.
Shaft seals are designed for a specific rotational speed. The maximum rotational speed that a seal ring can withstand depends on both the material and the design. For high-speed applications, special seals with lower frictional resistance are required. For applications with intermittent or oscillating movements, reinforced sealing rings may also be useful.
The sealing properties of a shaft seal are determined by its lip, the spring and the material used. Look out for rings with optimized sealing lips that reliably seal in the lubricant and effectively repel dirt. The wear resistance of the material is also crucial, especially in the case of abrasive media or unfavorable ambient conditions. High-quality shaft seals are often provided with special coatings to increase their service life.
Oil seals should be sourced from manufacturers that meet relevant quality standards and certifications. ISO 9001 is a general quality standard that refers to overall production quality. For certain industries, such as the food or chemical industry, further specific certificates such as FDA conformity or compliance with EU regulations may be required. Certifications are an important criterion to ensure that products meet strict industry standards and guarantee high quality.
Prelon has specialized in sealing problems for over 40 years. The company develops and produces split shaft seals made of PTFE and elastomer for rotating and oscillating movements. Prelon offers customized solutions for various industries, including the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries, with shaft diameters from 6 mm to 2000 mm.
GFD has been developing customized sealing solutions for a wide range of requirements since 1983. The company specializes in shaft seals with PTFE sealing lips for extreme operating conditions. GFD also offers elastic metal seals and construction parts made of high-performance plastics.
Billi Dichtungstechnik GmbH specializes in the development and manufacture of mechanical seals. The company offers customized solutions and supplies customers worldwide.
TTV has been a specialist in seals and technical plastic parts for over 30 years. The company offers an extensive range of shaft seals and other sealing products. TTV also develops customized solutions and attaches great importance to quality and modern technologies.
SealwareL specializes in radial shaft seals and offers over 64,000 different variants. In addition to standard products, the company also offers special designs and FDA-compliant seals. With a large warehouse, Sealware guarantees short delivery times
ULMAN Dichtungstechnik is a supplier of various sealing products, including rotary shaft seals. The company offers solutions for various industries and emphasizes quality and customer satisfaction. ULMAN has experience with various sealing materials and shapes
Elapuls is a manufacturer of seals and molded parts of various types. The company offers customized solutions with a large selection of high-quality materials. Elapuls is ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certified and attaches great importance to quality and environmental compatibility.
A. SCHÜTH has been producing various static seals and stamped parts for over 125 years. The company also manufactures shaft seals and offers comprehensive support from consulting to large-scale production. A. SCHÜTH is known for its expertise and reliability.
Wallstabe & Schneider develops and produces precision seals such as O-rings, molded seals and composite parts. The company manufactures its own elastomer compounds and mainly supplies the automotive industry. Wallstabe & Schneider is certified according to ISO/TS 16949.
Ludwig Meister is a leading trading and service company in Germany, specializing in drive technology, tool technology and fluid technology. A particular focus is on the extensive range of sealing solutions. The company offers a wide range of sealing products, including shaft seals, hydraulic seals, liquid sealants and thread seals.
Selecting the right shaft seal requires a precise examination of the operating requirements, such as material resistance, temperature and pressure requirements, rotational speed and sealing properties. You should also make sure that the manufacturer has the appropriate quality certifications. In Germany, there are a large number of specialized suppliers of shaft seals that offer tailor-made solutions for various applications. Careful selection of the manufacturer can help to optimize the efficiency and service life of your machines and thus save costs in the long term.