The industrial seals and automotive gaskets market has a significant global presence. The industrial seals industry is currently valued at approximately USD 17.33 million and is projected to grow further, with an anticipated growth rate of 6.6%.

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Seals play a crucial role across various sectors, including oil and gas, aerospace, automotive, chemical, and power generation industries. Therefore, the demand for industrial or mechanical seals is consistently high.

Seal manufacturers benefit from a thriving market due to the high global demand; however, leading competitors dominate the industry. These top competitors produce the majority of global supplies, maintaining high standards of quality while effectively meeting increased production demands.

When businesses look for mechanical seal manufacturers, recognizing the names of prominent seal manufacturing companies makes it easier to choose a suitable partner. The current top ten mechanical seal manufacturers in the global market are:

DCW

Origin: China

Year Established:

Based in the Shenzhen district, DCW, or Dechengwang, is a prominent name in mechanical seal manufacturing, known for its specialization in producing high-quality fluoropolymer seals and components.

DCW is recognized for its expertise in seals and valves, particularly PTFE seals and PEEK seals. The company has invested years in research to integrate advanced technology in producing machined components using ultra-high strength thermoplastic composite materials.

DCW is among the best suppliers of PTFE Teflon seals, serving both domestic and international markets. Their seals cater to a range of industries, including mechanical engineering, aerospace, oil and gas, medical engineering, food processing, and automotive sectors.

Whether for PTFE cup seals or other variants, DCW offers customization to meet specific industrial requirements. Custom materials include graphite-filled, glass-filled, carbon-filled, and bronze-filled PTFE, as well as PTFE compounds, PVDF, PEEK, PFA, and PCTFE. For bulk purchases, DCW provides competitive custom options for industries.

John Crane

Origin: Illinois, USA

Year Established:

With nearly a century of history, John Crane was the first company worldwide to design and manufacture an automotive mechanical seal. Now a subsidiary of the Smiths Group, John Crane remains a benchmark for success in the seal manufacturing sector.

Over the decades, John Crane has become a leading mechanical seal manufacturer, continually adopting technological advancements in its seal models. The company specializes in automotive seals and flat gaskets and is making progress toward carbon neutrality.

Flowserve

Origin: London

Year Established:

With over 230 years of operation, Flowserve originated in London. Initially established as Simpson and Thompson, the company became publicly traded in New York roughly 25 years ago and has since been a leader in mechanical seal supply globally.

Today, Flowserve is recognized for providing modern sealing solutions for various industrial applications, offering a wide array of mechanical seals, including compressor, gas barrier, metal bellows, duty seals, cartridge seals, and more.

Eagle Burgmann

Origin: Japan

Year Established:

Eagle Burgmann is an internationally prominent company known for its advanced sealing technology. The company specializes in manufacturing sealing equipment, gaskets, packings, carbon floating ring seals, mechanical seals, and magnetic couplings for oil and gas, refineries, chemical industries, pharmaceuticals, and more.

Eagle Burgmann has become a global leader and partners with other esteemed companies, such as Freudenberg from Germany and EKK Group, another Japanese manufacturer. The brand also provides OEM solutions and emphasizes energy efficiency.

Trelleborg Sealing

Origin: Karnataka, India

Year Established:

A leading ISO-certified seal manufacturer from Karnataka, Trelleborg Sealing represents one of the largest sealing solutions providers worldwide. The company specializes in polymer solutions, including elastomer O-rings, control system seals, precision seals, custom-molded polymer compounds, bearings, and hydraulic seals.

For over 40 years, Trelleborg Sealing has competed with other mechanical seal manufacturers, establishing a benchmark for advanced sealing solutions across India and globally.

Delux Rubber Industries

Origin: India

Year Established:

Delux Rubber Industries, located in Chennai, India, is a prominent manufacturer of gaskets, ring seals, oil seals, washers, and other rubber products serving international clients. The company uses advanced manufacturing techniques to cater to the automotive, power generation, and chemical industries.

Sakagami

Origin: Japan

Year Established:

Sakagami is a leading manufacturer of pneumatic and hydraulic seals from Japan. Established in the early years, Sakagami focuses on producing O-ring seals, bearings, pneumatic equipment, and hydraulic seals, alongside industrial seals and custom solutions.

AESSEAL

Origin: United Kingdom

Year Established:

AESSEAL is recognized worldwide for its mechanical seal manufacturing and design. The company has rapidly expanded, with manufacturing units in over 109 countries. AESSEAL specializes in mechanical seals, packing and seal support systems, and bearing protectors, offering top-quality sealing solutions for various industrial applications.

Howard J. Moore Company

Origin: New York, USA

Year Established:

A renowned name in precision part manufacturing, Howard J. Moore Company has provided custom solutions since its inception during World War II.

Vanguard Products Corp.

Origin: USA

Year Established:

The final entry on the list is Vanguard Products Corp., recognized for its production of high-quality elastomer products. Offering seals, gaskets, tubings, and moldings, Vanguard maintains exceptional quality across its manufacturing processes.

Conclusion

These manufacturers are acknowledged for delivering high-quality sealing solutions in the global market. If you're on the lookout for a manufacturing partner, DCW is an excellent choice. With a commitment to using top-quality raw materials and rigorous quality inspections, DCW has distinctive capabilities to be your reliable partner. Contact us to request a quote and discover our custom services.

Understanding Oil Seals

What is an oil seal?

Oil seals are vital for protecting the bearings of rotating shaft assemblies, preventing contaminants such as dirt, dust, and water while preserving lubricants in the system.

Selecting the Right Oil Seal

Oil seals come in various types and materials tailored to their applications. Choosing the correct material is essential for optimal equipment performance. For instance, if an oil seal is required for high-temperature environments, such as a jet engine, the material selection will be crucial. In this article, we will delve into some of the most popular materials used in the industry, along with a few unique options.

Oil Seal Materials

Nitrile

The first material we will explore is Nitrile Buna-N 70, commonly abbreviated as NBR.

NBR is favored for standard applications and is the most prevalent elastomer material due to its compatibility with diverse environmental conditions and its affordability. It's typically found in disposable gloves, automotive transmission belts, synthetic leather, hoses, O-rings, gaskets, and oil seals, among other products.

Nitrile has a working temperature range of -35°C to 120°C (-30°F to 250°F), making it suitable for applications involving gas oil, silicone oil, animal and vegetable oils, hydraulic liquids, as well as hot and cold water. Additionally, NBR exhibits oil and abrasion resistance, rendering it an excellent choice for applications requiring shock absorption.

However, NBR has limitations, such as poor resistance to ozone, sunlight, and weather, along with restricted high-temperature and flame resistance. For applications requiring greater high-temperature resistance, Silicone is preferable.

Silicone

Silicone compounds, or VMQ, offer a broad operating temperature range from -60°C to 200°C (-140°F to 392°F).

Along with excellent temperature resistance, it is also resistant to ozone, light, and various weather conditions. Silicone is frequently utilized in the food and medical sectors, as well as in hydraulics and pneumatics. It is commonly chosen for O-rings, molded parts, and flat seals, but is also prevalent in electric insulators for its translucency and flexibility.

Despite its flexibility, silicone does face certain disadvantages. Many silicone compounds have poorer tensile strength, tear resistance, and abrasion resistance compared to other materials. If higher tensile strength is required, while still retaining high-temperature resistance, Viton® is an ideal alternative.

Viton®

Viton®, a product name of The Chemours Company, represents a particular brand of synthetic rubber commonly used in O-rings, oil seals, gaskets, chemical-resistant gloves, and other molded products.

With higher density, Viton has an extensive temperature range of -40°F to over 400°F (-40°C to over 240°C), making it suitable for high-temperature applications. Viton® also displays a wide range of chemical resistance, resistant to silicone oil and grease, mineral/vegetable oils, aliphatic, aromatic, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and non-flammable hydraulic fuels.

While it provides greater temperature and chemical resistance compared to other materials, it is advised to use Viton in dry-running applications with caution.

Although Viton offers superior temperature and chemical durability, it is generally more costly than other options. For a more cost-effective alternative, consider Polyacrylate.

Polyacrylate presents a commendable balance between cost and quality. While it maintains high-performance temperature and chemical compatibility, it doesn't fully match the range provided by Viton. Its operating temperature range extends from 31°C to 148°C (-25°F to 300°F). This material is primarily applied in automotive transmissions and hoses, but it is also suitable for shaft seals, gaskets, and O-rings, effectively resisting heat and oxidation.

While Polyacrylate is a fantastic alternative to high-temperature resistant materials that come with a higher price tag, it does possess limitations in water compatibility and cold flexibility. The best application for Polyacrylate is in environments where heat and oil resistance is necessary, and cost constraints are a top priority. Following these four materials, there are even more engineered options available for specialized applications.

Summary

For those seeking the highest temperature-resistant oil seals, consider Perfluoroelastomer capable of withstanding temperatures up to 600°F. In contrast, for low-temperature applications, Chloroprene can withstand down to 40°F, making it ideal for refrigeration applications. For FDA compliance or medical devices, Butyl is the recommended option. When selecting materials for oil seals, it's crucial to evaluate several essential factors to ensure the right choice.

After reviewing this article, we hope you gain a deeper understanding of the importance of selecting appropriate materials for oil seals. If you have any questions regarding industrial oil seals and supplies, please feel free to reach out, and we will be glad to assist.

The History and Applications of Oil Seals

Posted by on 31st May

Often referred to as grease, fluid, or dirt seals, oil seals effectively seal spaces between stationary and moving parts in mechanical systems. They prevent lubricant loss and block contaminants from penetrating machines, which is critical in harsh environments plagued by high heat or foreign objects. Additionally, they prevent the mingling of different mediums like lubricating oil and water.

What is an Oil Seal?

Oil seals come in both metric and imperial sizes, and they can also be custom-manufactured to match the specifications of modern machinery. They are found in nearly all machine types, protecting precision-fitted ball bearings, sleeve bearings, and roller bearings.

The structural integrity of an oil seal derives from an internal metal ring, serving as a solid frame, while the outer surface is composed of more pliable materials like nitrile rubber, depending on the seal's operating environment. A spring situated at the seal’s lip provides support and maintains contact with the lubricant, while the lip design prevents external contaminants from entering.

For lighter loads, the outer layer can be constructed from silicone, while high-temperature scenarios utilize Flouroelastomer (Viton) for optimal performance. The outer layer may also be made from Polyacrylate or Polytetrafluoroethylene.

To ensure effective sealing, the shaft upon which the oil seal is mounted must possess a rough surface finish and should be hardened to avoid groove formation due to the spring's pressure on the seal. The installation area of the seal should also be ground to prevent premature wear of the seal's lip.

The flexible lip of the oil seal directly contacts the rotating shaft or housing to prevent leaks. The spring aids in maintaining continuous contact between the lip and the shaft. Bearing isolator oil seals feature a dynamic construction with a rotor rotating alongside the shaft, while others employ simpler O-ring designs.

Types of Oil Seals Include:

Single and double lip

Metal cased

Rubber or polymer

Internal, external, and axial orientation

Spring-loaded

A patent for an oil seal was filed by Nelson Thomas Edward on August 12, and published the following year, outlining its purpose as a solution to provide a seal between a fixed housing and a rotating component.

made of a yieldable resilient material having flat sealing faces and comprising two ring portions connected together by an annular portion substantially v-shaped in cross-section which may yield or expand as the mounting requires.

This design prevents dirt from infiltrating the interface between the hub or shaft and the seal.

Modern O-Rings

O-rings (also referred to as packing rings or toric joints) were initially employed as seals in early engines. Their circular shape allows them to be sealed in a groove and compressed during assembly among multiple components, creating an effective interface seal. However, O-rings depend on a fluid film for lubrication and are less suitable in vacuum applications or at extreme temperatures. The evolution of oil seals has significantly improved sealing efficiency and contamination prevention across a wide range of pressures and temperatures.

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Guide to Choosing Oil Seals for Your Application

The Ultimate Guide to Oil Seals

Oil seals are utilized in diverse applications across virtually every industrial sector. Selecting the appropriate oil seal is crucial to ensure effective operation without leaks or complications. In this blog, we will outline key factors to consider when choosing the ideal oil seal for your application.

Oil Seal Specifications

Oil seals operate in dynamic applications, specifically radial shaft seals, which seal a rotating shaft around its circumference. Commonly known as lip seals, we will refer to them as oil seals in this context.

Typically, oil seals contain lubricating oil or grease, keeping them encapsulated within the application for adequate lubrication of moving components, such as bearings. However, these seals can be adapted to contain other liquids, gases, and solids, including powders or granules.

An oil seal comprises:

An outer case, which may be metal or layered with rubber

A rubber or PTFE sealing lip

A spring, whose composition relies on the seal type

The lip is meticulously crafted to ensure the oil seal operates effectively against the various forces generated during rotation. Numerous designs and materials are utilized, resulting in countless oil seal variants tailored for their applications, including pumps, gearboxes, wheels, and diverse rotating components that require fluid containment, across sectors such as chemicals, manufacturing, wind energy, automotive, food processing, and more.

Oil seals are ubiquitous across nearly all sectors.

Choosing the Right Oil Seal

What factors should you consider when selecting an oil seal? Various oil seal types and materials exist, each designed for specific applications. It is essential to choose the correct size of oil seal to achieve the best results. Thus, selecting the proper oil seal necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the application in which it will be applied.

Oil Seal Type or Shape

Most standard oil seals comply with DIN and ISO standards. Various oil seal types that meet these criteria are available.

The most common types of oil seals include ERIKS types R, RST, M, and MST, corresponding to types A, AS, B, and BS under the DIN/ISO standards.

All these designs incorporate a spring to preload the sealing lip. The variants mentioned are suitable for non-pressurized or low-pressure applications, designed to withstand pressures of up to 0.5 bar for limited diameters and up to 0.1 bar for larger diameters. For higher pressures, special designs or PTFE lip seals may be needed.

ERIKS type M (type B according to DIN) consists of a single metal casing with a rubber sealing lip. A well-finished, undamaged groove is essential for optimizing the oil seal's efficacy. Metal-cased oil seals tend to be cheaper, leading to their frequent utilization as original equipment within machines. However, when replacing an oil seal, those with rubber exteriors (types R or RST) are more convenient to install and handle minor groove damage.

ERIKS also supplies types GR and GRST, resembling types R and RST, except the metal inner ring is fully encased in rubber. FKM rubber is standard, proving suitable for use in acidic environments.

Here’s an overview of the various standard oil seal types and their attributes:

In addition to standardized types, several specialized variations are available:

Rubber Oil Seals with Rubber Fabric Outer Cases

These are comparable to type R and RST, but without the metal reinforcement. Instead, they are crafted from a heavy-duty rubber fabric, typically produced to order from NBR or FKM.

PTFE Lip Seals

These variants feature a metal outer casing and a PTFE lip, suitable for extensive temperature ranges from -90°C to +260°C, capable of withstanding pressures up to 10 bar (and even 25 bar for specialized cases), and rotational speeds reaching 40-45 m/s. Certain PTFE grades cater to pharmaceutical and food applications, but they necessitate a shaft with a harder finish.

Cassette Seals

Designed to maximize grease or oil retention while shielding against contaminants, cassette seals feature their own bushings, which keep dirt at bay while retaining oil/grease through a multi-lip seal.

These seals are widely deployed in wheel-end applications, particularly in agricultural machinery or off-road vehicles.

Oil Seal for High Pressures

RST-D sealing lip designs handle pressures up to 10 bar but with slightly reduced rotation speeds.

Reinforced GVP designs, characterized by larger diameters, can sustain rotation speeds of up to 15 m/s and pressures ranging from 3-4 bar.

Oil Seal Materials

Outer Case

Metal

The metal used in oil seal outer cases is predominantly carbon steel, although requests for alternative types (such as stainless steel) may be entertained for larger orders.

Rubber or Rubber Fabric

The quality of rubber or rubber fabric utilized for the outer case should match that of the sealing lip's rubber for compatibility.

Spring

Standard springs consist of carbon steel, while stainless steel variations are utilized for GR and GRST oil seals made with FKM rubber. Rarely, an O-ring might serve as a spring element.

Sealing Lip

The sealing lip of oil seals employs either rubber or synthetic materials, selected based on the liquid to be sealed and the operational speed. For larger shafts, NBR lips handle surface speeds of 10-12 m/s, while FKM lips can endure speeds of 35-38 m/s.

Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR, nitrile)

NBR, or nitrile rubber, is the leading choice for oil seals due to its robust resistance to various oils and greases (particularly mineral grease and hydraulic oil). However, contact with acids and solvents can be detrimental, making PTFE lips more appropriate for certain applications. NBR seals are ideal for oil and greasing purposes, surviving temperatures from -35°C to 100°C.

Most ERIKS oil seals, such as M, MST, R, and RST, are standardly made from NBR.

Fluorine Rubber (FKM, Viton®)

FKM (or FPM, as in Viton®) withstands temperatures reaching 180°C. It exhibits exceptional resistance to harsh acids, bases, and greasy substances, but glycol-based oil can also damage FKM.

Given its superior temperature tolerance, FKM is often selected for high-speed applications that generate significant heat at the sealing lip. The extended lifespan of FKM compared to NBR justifies its higher price point, as it requires less frequent replacement. The low-temperature resistance of standard FKM is limited to -15°C.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon®)

PTFE (Teflon®) serves well for specific industrial seals within chemical, food, and pharmaceutical sectors. Its outstanding low friction coefficient and high chemical resistance accommodate a wide temperature range of -80°C to +200°C. However, PTFE seals require a harder, smoother shaft finish for optimal performance.

EPDM

EPDM oil seals are less common. Their use is suited for solvent, hot water, and steam applications, capable of resisting low temperatures down to -50°C and UV radiation effectively. Some EPDM types can tolerate heightened temperatures reaching +150°C and are typically made available upon request.

VMQ (Silicone)

VMQ, or silicone, is used in oil seals but remains less popular due to its relatively low mechanical strength and wear resistance. While it can endure extreme temperatures ranging from -60°C to +200°C, it isn’t well-suited for dynamic applications. Nonetheless, many VMQ variants are compatible with food and pharmaceutical products, making them a viable option for specific applications, typically available upon request.

Oil Seal Size

Oil seals come in various sizes, accommodating shafts ranging from a few millimeters to multiple meters. Once the shaft diameter, groove diameter (or housing diameter), and groove width are established, selecting a suitable oil seal becomes straightforward. Product descriptions often highlight three dimensions (e.g., 6x15x4), indicating the seal's design for a 6-mm shaft diameter, 15-mm groove diameter, and a minimum groove width of 4 mm.

Oil Seal Installation

After identifying the appropriate oil seal for your application, the next step is proper installation to prevent damage.

Preparation

Before your oil seal installation, ensure it is clean and undamaged, as well as the shaft and bore it will contact. Surfaces must be free of sharp points and burrs, as the sealing lip is fragile and even minor damage can result in leaks. Additionally, the shaft and bore need to be accurately finished.

Preparing the Shaft and Preventing Damage

For the oil seal to function adequately, the shaft surfaces must remain intact to avoid damaging the seal during installation. It is vital to lubricate the shaft, sealing lip, and bore using plenty of grease, facilitating smoother application and preventing dry running post-installation. The oil seal may interact with the keyway, thread, and other grooves during installation; applying oil-soaked paper to these areas can help ensure smooth placement without damaging the sealing lip.

Further, ensuring the shaft’s hardness and roughness is paramount. For rubber sealing lips, a shaft hardness of HRC 45 is advised, with acceptable roughness between Ra 0.4-0.8. For PTFE lips, a hardness of HRC 60 and roughness between Ra 0.1-0.4 are recommended.

Fitting an Oil Seal

Always verify that the oil seal is oriented correctly, with the spring facing the media being sealed. Carefully press the oil seal into the bore and ensure it fits snugly. Compression tools like an impact socket set can ensure even force application. Avoid using excessive force to drive the oil seal into place; instead, ease it into the groove.

For Custom Oil Seal, please reach out for additional information and fitting tips.